Photo By Spc. Claudia Rocha | Soldiers of the 301st Quartermaster Company, Grand Rapids, Michigan react to enemy...... read more read more
FORT MCCOY, Wis. - Drinking water from Big Sandy Lake may not seem appetizing to the Soldiers participating in the Combat Support Training Exercise 86-15-03 at Fort McCoy, Wisconsin, but the water purification specialists say that when they are done treating it, you’ll think it is from a bottle.
Water purification specialists assigned to the 301st Quartermaster, Grand Rapids, Michigan, play a vital role in the CSTX Aug. 18.
Everyday activities, from laundry to showers, are amenities often taken for granted, but the Soldiers who provide potable water to the other 66 units participating in the exercise are cognizant of their vitality.
“Without us, the mission cannot operate,” said Spc. Kristofer Passmore, as he operates a tactical water purification system.
The unit is able to produce 1,500 gallons of clean water per hour using just one of these systems. They are then responsible for transporting the water to various locations throughout the exercise, ensuring that all Soldiers have the water they need.
“They’re very good at their job. We haven't had one instance where a unit didn't have their essential water,” said Sgt. 1st Class Larry Jackson, an infantryman assigned to the 181st Infantry (Training) Brigade, Fort McCoy, Wisconsin.
Jackson facilitates training with the 301st Quartermaster as an observer coach trainer, OC/T, ensuring that the unit is given mentorship on how to do their job in a simulated deployed environment.
“They’re also conducting stuff outside their military occupational specialty such as tactical conveys and reacting to improvised explosive devices and small arms ambush, and each time they learn something new their morale is always high and they’re eager to learn,” said Jackson.
Implementing units that do not regularly practice battlefield skills into a simulated deployed environment allows service members to learn in new capacities and become well-rounded Soldiers.
“That’s why we set these conditions up,” added Jackson. “We want them to feel how successful they can be outside of their normal job.”
Other troops from the unit agreed that the training they are receiving at CSTX is helping them develop into better Soldiers.
“This has been awesome so far,” said Spc. Chad Wright. “I haven’t done some of this stuff since basic training.”
| Date Taken: | 08.20.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 08.20.2015 17:38 |
| Story ID: | 173798 |
| Location: | FORT MCCOY, WI, US |
| Web Views: | 57 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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