Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Lance Pounds | Pfc. Nyagblordzro S. Anani, from C Battery "Regulators," Fires Squadron, 3rd U.S....... read more read more
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FORT HOOD, Texas – More than 20 new soldiers from C Battery “Regulators,” Fires Squadron, 3rd Cavalry Regiment, were tested on a series of challenges at the Fort Hood Conditioning and Obstacle Course, Tuesday, March 20, followed by a 12-mile road march, Wednesday, March 21, in preparation for an upcoming air assault course.
The rigors of the course are designed to instill team work and build confidence in combat situations.
“The objective is to familiarize our soldiers with the obstacles they will face during the course,” said 1st Lt. Caleb F. Hopka, platoon leader for C Battery, FS.
The training today is like studying for a final exam, said Hopka, a native of Painesville, Ohio. The more prepared they are, the better they will perform.
Obstacles such as the over-under, low crawl and rappel tower, challenge soldiers’ strength and agility.
“It was physically tough,” said Pfc. Travis W. Banks, a cannon crewmember with C Battery. “It gave me an idea of what to expect.”
Banks, a native of South Pekin, Ill., is new to the unit. He joined the Army to follow in his family tradition as well as providing for his wife and children.
Along Fort Hood’s East Range road, the long and winding trail tested the soldiers stamina. Soldiers must be able to complete the march in less than three hours while carrying a 35-pound rucksack and their assigned rifle.
Crossing the finish line in under three hours, Pfc. Nyagblordzro S. Anani, a cannon crewmember with C Battery, held the unit’s guidon high above his head.
Anani was also the first to finish the march, crossing the line 10 minutes ahead of the next soldier.
After handing off the guidon, Anani dropped to the ground from exhaustion, a common result of the physical demands of such training.
After the testing, 10 soldiers were nominated by the unit to attend the air assault course. Nominations were based on the soldier’s physical fitness, leadership skills, initiative and positive attitude.
Soldiers who graduate from the course will return to be instructors for the squadron and will train the next group of new soldiers.
The squadron’s training, though rigorous, is not only intended to build team work and confidence within the unit, but to ensure each soldier who attends the air assault course will be successful.
| Date Taken: | 03.26.2012 |
| Date Posted: | 03.26.2012 10:45 |
| Story ID: | 85790 |
| Location: | FORT HOOD, TEXAS, US |
| Web Views: | 258 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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