‘CAN DO’ soldiers use simulation rounds for realistic training experience

Courtesy Photo | Soldiers with Company A, 3rd Battalion 15th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, use the cover of darkness to approach their objective unseen, during night military operations on urban terrain, or MOUT, training, June 26, 2014, at West Point, N.Y. (U.S. Army photo by CPT Reamer Argo, 3-15 Inf. Regt, 4IBCT, 3rd ID)  

WEST POINT, NY, UNITED STATES

07.16.2014

Courtesy Story

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

WEST POINT, N.Y. – Taking full advantage of their time at West Point, soldiers from Company A, 3rd Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, conducted squad level military operations on urban terrain, or MOUT, training at Camp Shea, N.Y., from June 26-27, 2014.

By replacing live ammunition with paint simulated munitions, the soldiers were able to get the most realistic training experience possible. These simulated rounds gave the soldiers more experience in safely and effectively clearing buildings without the added danger of live rounds.

“We were really able to give the younger soldiers a more realistic training environment with these rounds,” said Sgt. Michael Nocera, a team leader in Company A, 3rd Bn. 15th Inf. Regt. The training included lessons in “hot walls”, moving in an urban environment with cover from a support by fire element, close quarters marksmanship training, and clearing everything from a single room to a multiple level building.

Company A was also able to practice these skills at night. Moving under the cover of darkness, the soldiers used aggression and violence of action to practice quickly and effectively entering target buildings. Practicing this speed and precision will pay off for Apache Company in the fall as they advance to conducting platoon level live fire exercises.

Training isn’t the only reason the soldiers are at West Point this summer. Many have been in the area since May supporting the summer training events of the United States Military Academy. After spending their time training Cadets on many of these same tactics, it was finally time for the soldiers to sharpen their own skills.

“Coming up to West Point has been a great learning experience,” said Sgt. Jeremy Worthington, a team leader in Company A. “It gives us the chance to learn in a different environment and utilize different ranges than we do at Fort Stewart.” After completing their mission at West Point, the soldiers will return to Fort Stewart to resume their training schedule. The rest of Task Force China, composed primarily of 4th IBCT Soldiers, will remain until the completion of their mission in August.

• Date Taken: 07.16.2014
• Date Posted: 07.21.2014 14:18
• Story ID: 136791
• Location: WEST POINT, NY, US