Overcoming obstacles

Photo By Timothy Hale | Soldiers from the U.S. Army Reserve Command headquarters observe an improvised explosive device simulation provided by Training Support Center personnel at Fort Bragg, N.C., March 16, 2012, during a non-commissioned officer professional development event here. The soldiers learned the different training aids and capabilities available to to them for future NCOPD events.  

FORT BRAGG, NC, UNITED STATES

03.16.2012

Story by Timothy Hale  

U.S. Army Reserve Command

FORT BRAGG, N.C. – Army Reserve Command non-commissioned officers used their own internal fortitude couple with some needed teamwork during an NCO professional development event held at the post’s obstacle course here.

Most of the NCOs assigned to the headquarters admitted it had been a few years since they had to complete an event like this.

“Not since basic!” one exclaimed, adding that basic was a “long time ago!”

The command’s monthly NCOPD at Fort Bragg has evolved rapidly since the headquarters moved from Fort McPherson last spring thanks in part to the availability of advanced training opportunities available here. Previous NCOPD events have included combatives with 82nd Airborne Division instructors and medical simulation training.

“We have all kinds of ranges (available to use),” said Master Sgt. Kenneth Handy, U.S. Army Reserve Command, G-8, the section responsible for the obstacle course event. “We’re going to try and get one of our other (USARC) sections to host a leader’s course which is a buddy event.”

There were plenty of buddies to go around on the obstacle course – lending a hand when needed, providing a boost over an obstacle, or just shouting words of encouragement.

After tackling the obstacles and downing meals-ready-to-eat for breakfast, the group moved over to the post’s Training Support Center to see the different type of training aids available for any future NCOPD events.

They were also given a demonstration of some of the capabilities of the training aids to include air cannons and improvised explosive device simulators.

Because most of the NCOs work in various sections within the headquarters, these monthly events help bring them together at one time – even if it is just for a couple of hours a month.

“We don’t see each other very often so it brings us together and helps us encourage each other,” said Sgt. 1st Class Adrenna Wade, with USARC G-3/5/7.

“There was a lot of encouragement today!” she said, smiling.

• Date Taken: 03.16.2012
• Date Posted: 03.17.2012 19:14
• Story ID: 85413
• Location: FORT BRAGG, NC, US