Soldiers test skills during Cobra Mile

Courtesy Photo | Soldiers with Charlie Company, 741st Military Intelligence Battalion, 704th MI Brigade, complete a ruck march during the company’s Cobra Mile event Oct. 18 on Fort Meade, Md. The event tested soldiers' physical and mental fitness while competing against one another in teams. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Christopher Bergman)  

FORT GEORGE G. MEADE, MD, UNITED STATES

10.18.2013

Courtesy Story

704th Military Intelligence Brigade

FORT MEADE, Md. -- Soldiers with Charlie Company, 741st Military Intelligence Battalion, 704th MI Brigade, tested their physical and mental fitness during the company’s Cobra Mile squad competition on Fort Meade, Md., Oct. 17 and 18.

The Cobra Mile was structured like an adventure race but tested soldiering skills such as land navigation and first aid. Scores were primarily based on time taken to complete each task correctly.

Capt. Benjamin Hopper, C. Company’s commander, said he planned the events to stress his “Big 3” focus areas - leadership, marksmanship and physical/mental toughness.

“I am completely thrilled with the performance of the company,” he said. “The event was a total success.”
The training began at the Marine Corps obstacle course. Teams were required to navigate each obstacle or complete a physical challenge for each obstacle not completed. Next, teams continued to a leader’s reaction course where one team member had to direct the others to complete tasks while the rest of the team was blindfolded.

After the LRC, teams continued to a land navigation course. When the Soldiers found each point, cadre members were waiting with challenges such as assembling weapons, a grenade assault course, and evaluating and evacuating a casualty.

After completing the land navigation challenges, the next challenge the teams encountered was a squad attack battle drill. After receiving their scenario, each team had 15 minutes to prepare before completing the situation training exercise (STX) lanes.

Squads were evaluated on their rehearsals and planning, communication, tactical movement, establishment of an objective rally point and other skills.

Hopper said the most rewarding aspect of the event was the response from the company when all the participants and organizers seemed thrilled to be a part of it. For most, this was the first time they had experienced anything like this and many had never been in the field.

“Several soldiers told me this was the best training event that they’ve done in the Army,” Hopper said. “While tired and stressed, nearly everyone finished with a smile on their face and to me that is a great achievement.”

• Date Taken: 10.18.2013
• Date Posted: 10.28.2013 10:49
• Story ID: 115830
• Location: FORT GEORGE G. MEADE, MD, US