Photo By Sgt. Lindsey Schulte | The new Army Reserve Center in Belton, Mo., is equiped with photovoltaic solar pannels...... read more read more
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BENTON, Mo. - Training in today's Army Reserve must be equal to active Army in both quality and intensity. That is why the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the Army's newest Reserve Center in Belton, Mo., on June 8 was so monumental.
“More and more of the nation's defense is being entrusted to the Reserve and National Guard,” said Brigadier General Robert D. Carlson, commanding general of the 372nd Engineer Brigade.
The facility is designed to accommodate the growing need for expanded Army Reserve training to ensure all the Army’s Soldiers are equally trained. The 348th Engineer Company and the 483rd Engineer Platoon with have the privilege of calling this new facility home.
Previously, the 348th trained at another facility in New Century, Kan. The Company wa formed less than two years ago and started out there with 12 guys and a laptop. The 348th Eng. Co. recruited to full strength and is ready to use all the equipment their new facility has to offer.
“Now we have our stuff, now we have our facilities, now we’ll show what we can do,” said Capt. Paul S. Gonzalez, Commander of the 348th Engineer Company.
What they plan to do first is have soldiers get some hands on experience building their own exercise yard and repel tower.
“What we can honestly say is you’ll do your job here,” said Gonzalez.
A room filled with state-of-the-art exercise equipment is located wit in the new building. Though the soldiers would probably prefer to do physical training on their nine acres of open land, inclement weather is no longer a deterrent to their physical fitness.
The facility also contains a computer lab for soldiers to do their online military training. It is staffed and available during the week as well as during unit drill weekends.
One major amenity is the facility's Engagement Skills Trainer system which conditions soldiers shoot their weapons in the field when there is limited weapons range time. Though the new EST system will be the baby of the 384th and 483rd, it will be available to other units throughout the region.
The facility was built for environmental efficiency as well. The photovoltaic solar panels provide energy and reduce the cost of electricity in accordance with Energy Policy Act of 2005.
“I’m proud of the green and energy efficient engineering,” said Brig. Gen. Carlson.
It is facilities, planning and training like this that ensures an Army Rreserve equal to the active force.
“I think everyone could benefit from the training and professionalism that’s involved,” said Pvt. Heath E. Bressee who served three years active duty before joining the reserves and will now drill out of the new Army Reserve Center.
| Date Taken: | 06.08.2013 |
| Date Posted: | 06.21.2013 01:26 |
| Story ID: | 109011 |
| Location: | BELTON, MO, US |
| Web Views: | 2,799 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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