Cottonbalers set training pace with battalion run

Courtesy Photo | Infantrymen with 3rd Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division conduct their first battalion run, since returning from Afghanistan, on Fort Stewart, Ga., Feb. 28, 2014. The unit begins to prepare for their scheduled exercise later this year at the Joint Readiness Training Center in Fort Polk, La. (U.S. Army Photo by 1st Lt. John Calhoun, 3-7 Inf., 4th IBCT, 3rd ID, UPAR)  

FORT STEWART, GA, UNITED STATES

02.28.2014

Courtesy Story

4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division Public Affairs

FORT STEWART, Ga. – Lt. Col. Scott Shaw and Command Sgt. Maj. Todd Galindo, the command team for 3rd Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, led the battalion’s first run on the 4th IBCT compound, Fort Stewart, Ga., Feb. 28, 2014, since the unit’s return from its recent combat tour to Afghanistan.

Shaw and Galindo took command of the Cottonbaler Battalion in January and are ready for the job ahead.

“I am honored and privileged to be a part of this unit’s proud heritage and lineage,” said Galindo. “The history of this unit runs deep as the most deployed unit in the United States Army. We will continue to train and mentor soldiers as we conduct future training events.”

The battalion will have the opportunity to live out that commitment in the upcoming months.

The Cottonbaler soldiers are scheduled to compete for the coveted Expert Infantryman Badge at the end of March and soon after will travel to Camp Blanding, Fla., to support the Florida Army National Guard as the opposing force.

In addition to certifying the 53rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team of the FLARNG in its combat readiness, the Cottonbalers will simultaneously conduct their own team, squad and platoon live-fire training.

Soldiers will also focus on field craft, marksmanship, physical training and foot marches, said Shaw.

All of these events will lead up to the Cottonbalers’ culmination exercise scheduled later this year at the Joint Readiness Training Center in Fort Polk, La.

“It’s a fast paced calendar year, but one that our soldiers are excited about,” added Shaw.

• Date Taken: 02.28.2014
• Date Posted: 03.11.2014 14:31
• Story ID: 121843
• Location: FORT STEWART, GA, US