FORT BRAGG, N.C. - Paratroopers from the 4th Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division graduated a two-week class on using weapons from planes, helicopters and ships to attack enemies in combat Friday on Fort Bragg in preparation for its upcoming deployment to Afghanistan.
The Fury Brigade achieved a graduation rate well in excess of most Joint Fires Operator classes, 92 percent compared to an Army average of 67 percent , said Sgt. 1st Class Roderick T. Marchessault, the 4th BCT Targeting NCO and an organizer for the class.
“The intent was to increase the brigade’s number of qualified JFOs,” said Marchessault, “enabling us to more effectively employ close air support in support of maneuver operations.”
“The training was very effective,” said Marchessault. “and will help us as we step out the door to Regional Command South.”
Spc. Reed C. Kaiser, a Forward Support Specialist with Battery A, 2nd Battalion, 321st Airborne Field Artillery Regiment appreciated the chance to learn the material.
“By far one of the hardest schools I’ve been to,” said Kaiser, “but worth it for the skills you learn.”
“It helps with the fight, expanding existing job knowledge,” he continued.
The honor graduate of the class was 1st Lt. Colin A. Flood, a Fires Support Officer with Company B, 2nd Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, said Marchessault. Flood scored 100 out of 100 on every exam.
Flood was glad to have gotten the class and was grateful for the skills he learned.
“I can’t help my guys if I don’t know how to do this,” said Flood. “This enhances our skills and teaches us to properly call for fire. Understanding the effects of the weapons and their collateral damage lets me make smart recommendations to my commander.”
This ensures they’ll use the right weapons for the right targets, said Flood.
“By far one of the best courses I’ve been to,” said Flood. “Great instructors and the information available is awesome.”
“Learning this is important,” said Marchessault, “it prepares young troopers with training to save their life and the lives of their buddies in combat.”
| Date Taken: |
01.20.2012 |
| Date Posted: |
01.20.2012 19:03 |
| Story ID: |
82651 |
| Location: |
FORT BRAGG, NORTH CAROLINA, US |
| Web Views: |
224 |
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0 |
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