Photo By Spc. Christopher Grammer | A 45th Brigade Combat Team Soldier loads ammunition in his M249 Squad Automatic Weapon...... read more read more
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IRAQ - Since its formation in 1890 as the militia of the territory of Oklahoma, the 45th Brigade Combat Team has fought in the Spanish American War, two World Wars and the Korean Conflict. Since 2000 elements of the 45th BCT have added Bosnia, Kuwait, Iraq, Afghanistan and Egypt to their résumé.
Recently the 45th BCT has received the call to duty yet again to support Operation Iraqi Freedom. Before heading up north to Iraq however, they passed through Camp Buehring, Kuwait to receive training critical to mission success.
At the Udairi ranges outside Camp Buehring the 45th BCT fired every weapon in their arsenal to ensure that their weapons systems are ready prior to entering the battlefield.
"(A functions check) ensures that our weapons systems work and gives the Soldiers confidence in their weapons systems," said Cpl. Anthony Bray, a team leader from Chickasha, Okla.
The M2 .50 caliber Machine Gun, M240 Bravo and the M249 Squad Automatic Weapon were among the various arms used during the functions check.
Staff Sgt. Sheldon Hoyt, a squad leader with Charlie Company 1/179 Infantry Battalion is a native of Lawton, Okla. and has been an infantryman his entire military career. This will be Hoyt's third deployment with the 45th BCT since he joined the unit in Oct., 2002, but his first time in Iraq, Hoyt said.
Showing confidence in the abilities of his fellow Soldiers, Hoyt has nothing but good things to say about the 45th BCT's readiness to move north.
"I've got a good strong group of leaders which is a good thing when you've been with these guys for so long," Hoyt said.
The role of the National Guard in OIF has become increasingly important with the Army's active duty components stretched to thin, said Bray.
The ranks of the 45th BCT are rife with Soldiers seemingly eager to prove their mettle on the battlefield and establish themselves as warfighters.
"Charlie Company has a good non-commissioned officer corps and we have confident Soldiers willing to do whatever it takes to make us the best," Bray said.
| Date Taken: | 02.13.2008 |
| Date Posted: | 02.12.2008 05:50 |
| Story ID: | 16269 |
| Location: | IQ |
| Web Views: | 658 |
| Downloads: | 580 |
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