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    Ravens take to the sky

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    Photo By Sgt. Maj. Andrew Porch | From left, U.S. Army Sgts. Malcolm Evans, Luis Pellot, standing, and Kyle Iverson, all...... read more read more

    COLORADO SPRINGS, CO, UNITED STATES

    02.07.2013

    Story by Staff Sgt. Andrew Porch 

    2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division

    FORT CARSON, Colo. – Soaring through the air, an RQ-11B Raven operated by soldiers of 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, gathers video and snapshot photos of training, to provide a different perspective of breaching operations to the commander of Company C, 2nd Special Troops Battalion, 2nd BCT.

    Soldiers from across the brigade, with the help of “Comanche” soldiers, conducted Raven recertification training using the small unmanned aircraft system on Fort Carson, Colo., Feb. 7.

    “The purpose of the training was to take our already qualified Raven controllers, and get them current on the system so they can fly down in Pinon Canyon,” said Staff Sgt. Bryon Conkling, air traffic controller, Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 2nd STB.

    For many of the soldiers, this is the first time flying the Raven in the states.

    The operators recently installed the mod-two chip, said Conkling. This new chip is designed to allow controllers the opportunity to fly in the states, where the mod-one chip only allowed flights overseas.

    Working the Raven system takes teamwork.

    “Two people make up a Raven team,” said Spc. Ryan Zanni, water treatment specialist, Company A, 204th Brigade Support Battalion, 2nd BCT. “One person throws the Raven and operates the laptop, which tracks the position, speed, altitude and battery life. The other person operates the ground control station.”

    The system plays a key part during training and on the battlefield.

    “I believe it is very essential to commanders,” said Conkling. “It gives them an overall perspective of what is going on around them. It’s a recon tool; it’s a training tool.”

    The soldiers conducting the training knew the training helped them improve.

    “I enjoy using the Ravens,” said Zanni. “It is something that is challenging and it makes you push yourself to stay current and always do better.”

    With the training coming right before a major field training exercise, the instructors made it clear what the intent of the training was.

    “We want them familiarized with the equipment, so when it comes time to actually throw (the Ravens) and do missions they are ready to go at any time,” said Conkling.

    When asked what Zanni wanted to take away from the training, he said “I want to make sure I am always current in the training, the best I can be at my job and prepared for future operations.”

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    NEWS INFO

    Date Taken: 02.07.2013
    Date Posted: 02.14.2013 10:09
    Story ID: 101987
    Location: COLORADO SPRINGS, CO, US

    Web Views: 74
    Downloads: 0

    PUBLIC DOMAIN