FORT CARSON, Colo. - Soldiers arrived early to carefully inventory and neatly arrange a sea of basic initial issue equipment behind the dropped ramps of the new Strykers for Troop A, 2nd Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, April 29.
This marks the third of 23 handoffs from General Dynamics Corp to 1st SBCT as part of the brigade’s conversion.
First SBCT is the first brigade at Fort Carson to field the double-V hull Stryker and will be equipped with a total of 336 Strykers in seven different variations once the conversion is complete.
The double-V hull design provides improved protection from improvised explosive devices and also adds enhanced armor, wider tires and seats that reduce the shock from a blast to the Stryker platform.
Elizabeth Selby, liaison officer, General Dynamics Corp, said all of the Strykers signed over to Soldiers of the 1st SBCT are fully mission capable.
“A material fielding team reprocesses the vehicles with a 96 hour inspection to identify any faults; they also check the remote weapons system and order parts to fix any deficiencies,” said Selby. “We’ve received a lot of support from the brigade and all of the battalions are very receptive to the new platform.”
First Lt. James Lavin, platoon leader, Troop A, 2nd Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, 1st SBCT, 4th ID, said that the leaders of the troop anticipate a new way for the squadron to fight.
“They’re really excited and looking forward to having a brand-new vehicle with an entirely different set of capabilities,” said Lavin.
Lavin added that most of the Soldiers in the squadron will be making a tough transition from the Bradley Fighting Vehicle to Stryker.
Soldiers of the squadron remain positive in the face of future hurdles.
“We’ll have to adapt to the Stryker, like we do everything else, but I don’t foresee any challenges that we won’t be able to overcome,” said Spc. Cody Boland, cavalry scout, Troop A, 2nd Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, 1st SBCT, 4th ID. “It’s a new experience but all the guys are very optimistic about the Stryker being a lot of fun.”
Once they complete the fielding, the squadron is scheduled to conduct two different forms of training through November 2014. Field Level Maintenance New Equipment Training will teach mechanics how to repair the Strykers and Operator New Equipment Training familiarizes crews with the new platform.
“We’re looking forward to taking them out to the field and getting a feel for the Strykers,” said Lavin.