Photo By Pfc. Kelly Middleton | In this image released by the Texas Military Forces, soldiers of the 449th Aviation...... read more read more
CAMP SWIFT, Texas - The Army National Guard is Texas' military response for natural disasters, domestic incidents and humanitarian efforts. The members of this seasoned organization must always remain technically and tactically proficient to best service the citizens of the state in times of crisis and need. To maintain this high level of reliability, they must regularly train and train hard. This year, they took their annual training to Camp Swift, where they refined and honed their warrior skills.
"We've got a lot of things going on," said Staff Sgt. Carlton Jacobs, a squad leader with the maintenance platoon of B Company 449th Aviation Support Battalion. "We've got a 9 mm range, 203 [rifle] range, which we completed, the M16 [qualification range], [and] we've got HEAT training with the Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles."
HEAT refers to Camp Swift's specialized Humvee Egress Assistance Trainer, which simulates a vehicle rollover for the driver and passengers. It's larger counterpart, the MRAP Egress Trainer, includes a Mine-Resistant, Ambush-Protected passenger vehicle with emphasis on teamwork and perimeter security following egress.
"We [also] have land navigation and the Non-Commissioned Officer of the Year/Soldier of the Year boards going on," Jacobs continued. "We've got a lot of warrior tasks and skill training going on."
The highlight of this year's field experience is the weapons qualification, the Army's standard to ensure its soldiers are prepared for combat engagements.
"[Camp Swift is] a lot better than [Fort] Jackson," said Pfc. Jared Hopkins, a mechanic with B Company 449th ASB. "I can see all the things out there, better sight pictures."
In addition to the standard warrior tasks like weapon familiarization and land navigation, this year's exercise presented the opportunity for the battalion to participate in concentrated and specialized annual training that prepares soldiers for combat deployments.
"So far the most positive feedback I've gotten for the training from my soldiers was the AWT lanes," said 1st Sgt. Carole Ramirez of A Company 449th ASB. "They really enjoyed that training."
The AWT lanes are annual warrior tasks that simulate combat environments and stress the Soldiers' battle capabilities.
"They had movement training, movement to contact, vehicle search, grenades [and] different simulations," said 1st Lt. Sonya Villareal, a platoon leader with A Company 449th ASB.
The movement drills placed small teams of four to eight troops in ground formations to practice clearing buildings and sweeping open areas. Simulated opposing forces would engage each party and challenge them to work as a team in suppressive fire coordination and securing the vicinity.
"Everything is a lot better than last year," said Hopkins.
With renewed qualifications and confidence in their abilities, the soldiers of the 449th Aviation Support Battalion stand ready to protect the citizens of Texas and face the challenges that lay ahead, both stateside and abroad.
"Every different task, they accomplish," said Villareal. "They're motivated; they stay motivated everyday."
| Date Taken: | 06.14.2011 |
| Date Posted: | 07.27.2011 10:36 |
| Story ID: | 74380 |
| Location: | CAMP SWIFT, TEXAS, US |
| Web Views: | 212 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Texas Guard unit goes back to the basics for AT, by SGM Daniel Griego, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
No keywords found.
