Scotch Tigers roar through annual training

Photo By Lt. Col. Matthew Devivo | The summer heat was sweltering, especially inside tanks, but that didn’t slow down the tankers of N.C. Guard’s Charlie Company 1-120th Combined Arms Battalion as they prepared for offensive maneuver training. (Photo courtesy of C/1-120th Combined Arms Battalion)  

RALEIGH, NC, UNITED STATES

07.07.2014

Courtesy Story

North Carolina National Guard

FORT STEWART, Ga.- To say Fort Stewart is hot in the summer is an understatement. It is sweltering, especially inside tanks, but that didn’t slow down the tankers of N.C. Guard’s Charlie Company 1-120th Combined Arms Battalion here, June 14-29, 2014. Despite the heat, bugs, thunderstorms and stiff competition from their sister companies, the Scotch Tigers’ training was a resounding success as they capturing “Top Gun” honors in the Battalion.

Teamwork and motivation was the mantra during this two-week training period. The operational tempo was higher than the temperatures. Charlie and Delta companies worked extremely well together to get as many crews qualified (Q1) on Table IV tank gunnery.

During this first week of training, enlisted soldiers of Charlie Company had a chance to shine. The soldiers were given minimal guidance and time to perform their tasks and exceeded their leaders’ expectations. From the commander on down, the entire company learned many lessons.

“At times we worked harder, not smarter to get our tanks ready,” said Capt. Richard Kirby, commander of C/1-120th. “It was the enlisted soldiers who carried the day. They accomplished every task given to them, even if the leadership changed it 20 times.”

Literally blasting their way through gunnery, C/1-120th had four crews qualify Q1 on Table IV, making them top shots in the battalion. Crew 24 earned “Top Gun” honors and received the coveted Top Gun sabre.

“The key to our success was our rehearsals,” said Staff Sgt. Darren Deese. “Everyone, down to each loader knew exactly what the whole company was supposed to do.”

Following their successful completion of gunnery, C/1-120th moved to maneuver training which culminated in a company level offensive to seize vital crossroads allowing the battalion to secure follow-on objectives.

The keyword for this portion of training was rehearsal, rehearsal, rehearsal. Tank crews prepared days in advance of the mission. Teams conducted platoon level walk-throughs and company level rehearsals

All the meticulous preparation paid off and with the help of an infantry platoon from Alpha Company, 1-120th, the Scotch Tigers rolled their opponents off the battlefield easier than rolling a bowling ball down a lane.

“For me the biggest lesson I learned was that sometimes leadership needs to slow down and step back to see the big picture and not get caught up in the five meter target,” said Kirby. “I also learned that there is literally nothing my soldiers can’t accomplish.”

Despite many changes in plans due to the weather and vehicle break-downs, The Scotch Tigers of Charlie Company accomplished all their training objectives and thereby, ensured that their battalion is ready and reliable to fight our nations wars overseas.

• Date Taken: 07.07.2014
• Date Posted: 08.12.2014 14:40
• Story ID: 139114
• Location: RALEIGH, NC, US