Spc. Monts gets a CLU

Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Sinthia Rosario | Spc. Brandon Monts, an ammo bearer with 3rd Platoon, B Company, 2nd Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, looks through a Command Launch Unit, a part of the Javelin missile system during Talisman Sabre 15 at the Shoalwater Bay Training Area, Australia, July 14. Talisman Sabre is a biennial exercise that provides the U.S. and Australian Defence Forces the opportunity to conduct operations in a combined, joint and interagency environment that will increase both countries ability to plan and execute a full range of operation missions. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Sinthia Rosario, 5th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment)  

SHOALWATER BAY, QLD, AUSTRALIA

07.16.2015

Story by Sgt. Sinthia Rosario 

5th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment   

SHOALWATER BAY, Australia - Training, training and more training is the recipe for success in 3rd Platoon, B Company, 2nd Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment.

Although the mission of the day was to suppress enemy fire, conduct security checks, provide blocking positions and help clear the way for the Australian Army’s 7th Brigade during Talisman Sabre 15, one Soldier takes a moment to share his knowledge and experience with his battle buddy.

Spc. Ruben Ortiz, a grenadier with 3rd Platoon, knows his comrade, Spc. Brandon Monts, carries a special piece of equipment that he needs to be trained to use.

This equipment is the Command Launch Unit (CLU), a targeting component of a two-part system. It is used to find, target and fire a Javelin missile, a man-portable fire-and-forget anti-tank missile.

“I’m going to teach Spc. Monts how to use the CLU,” said Ortiz. “Personally I want to make sure that if he’s carrying it, he knows how to use it effectively. I want him to understand each function, and what to look for.”

Although the unit was not carrying the full Javelin system, the thermal sight of the CLU can be used for reconnaissance.
As Monts lifts the CLU to his face, he listens to Ortiz as he describes what he should be looking for.

“I think it’s great that he takes the time to give me some pointers on this system,” Monts said. “It’s important that Soldiers know the equipment we take out to the field or to combat.”

Monts said he took in every bit of advice from Ortiz and will try to put his skills to use during the rest of Talisman Sabre 15.

After training the younger Soldier, Ortiz expressed a sense of achievement knowing that he did his part in helping his battle buddy out and making his unit better.

“It makes me feel good to know that I did my part in helping him with the CLU, especially someone like him that really wants to learn and takes training seriously,” Ortiz said. “That’s what we do, we train.”

• Date Taken: 07.16.2015
• Date Posted: 07.16.2015 20:32
• Story ID: 170286
• Location: SHOALWATER BAY, QLD, AU