Scouts survive weeklong exercise, learn new skills

Photo By Sgt. Quentin Johnson | Pfc. Gabriel Sifuentez from College Station, Texas, and a scout with Troop B, 4th Squadron, 9th U.S. Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, demonstrates a Minehound's mine detector for fellow scouts during counter-improvised explosive device training during the squadron's weeklong situational training exercise on Fort Hood, Texas range, Feb. 28. (Photo by Sgt. Quentin Johnson, 2BCT, 1st Cav Div PAO)  

FORT HOOD, TX, UNITED STATES

03.05.2013

Story by Sgt. Quentin Johnson 

2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division Public Affairs

FORT HOOD, Texas – Cavalry scouts and medics with Troop B., 4th “Dark Horse” Squadron, 9th U.S. Cavalry Regiment, 2nd “Black Jack” Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, conducted a situational training exercise here, Feb. 25 through March 1.

More than 50 Dark Horse scouts participated in multiple training events during the week, including: dismounted maneuvers, land navigation, cold load training, first aid, react to contact and counter – improvised explosive device training, said 1st Lt. Nick Potter, Troop B executive officer.

“Two platoons went through the training ensuring all contingencies were covered and soldiers skills were met, maintaining their combat readiness,” Potter added.

Skills acquired during the exercise are additional skills sets for the scouts, Potter explained. They are, however, needed for any future deployments the scouts may be part of.

The exercise builds groundwork for platoons to identify and build their teams, Potter said. From there, teams can establish camaraderie to help them work as one.

“Noncommissioned officers train and lead soldiers. This exercise is a great opportunity for them to develop their squads and teams,” Potter stated. “Teams will be able to react and think as one in any situation they are put in during combat.”

Pfc. Ronnie Lender, a Trp. B. cavalry scout, said personnel in his team have been moved around lately and understands the benefits of the exercise.

“Training this week has been beneficial to build our teams,” Lender continued. “We learn the weak and strong points of our team, helping us become well rounded.”

Lender said fighting back fatigue during the exercise has been worth the refresher and new skill sets he developed.

“As scouts, we are the eyes and ears of the commander on the battlefield,” Lender added. “Despite the exhausting schedule, I love the refresher skills I acquired on land navigation as well as first-time instruction on the C-IED training.”

Potter agreed saying scouts greatest take away from the training should be understanding how to move as a team over great distance and various terrain while conducting any given operation.
Being a scout, learning from the exercise and being part of a team is one what Lender enjoys doing, he said. Taking the skills learned this week and applying it to future operations should be a scout’s focus.

• Date Taken: 03.05.2013
• Date Posted: 03.05.2013 17:13
• Story ID: 102955
• Location: FORT HOOD, TX, US