1194th Engineer Company conducts pre-mobilization training for AT-15

Courtesy Photo | Let us not forget the vicious storms that rolled in throughout parts of Indiana and Ohio. High winds, tornadoes and intense thunder storms took over, which led to flooding and delayed training due to power outages on the ranges. A tornado was spotted a few miles from Camp Atterbury and cautionary measures were taken as soldiers were instructed to evacuate the ranges. Buses struggled to make it through the inclement conditions that included high waters and fallen branches. However, the 1194th adapted and overcame and successfully completed their tasks in the face of adversity.  

CHILLICOTHE, OH, UNITED STATES

08.27.2015

Story by Sgt. 1st Class Joseph Osborn 

1194th Engineer Company (Vertical)

CHILLICOTHE, Ohio - The 1194th Vertical Engineer Company has completed yet another Annual Training (AT). As opposed to a usual AT event spent conducting construction operations, a deployment looms in the not too distant future and the unit exceeded the standard in preparation. They spent two weeks of vigorous training at Camp Atterbury, Ind.

The entire first week consisted of long days on the range. Training was conducted on a variety of weapons systems to include the M4, M9, MK19, and 240B. Several of the ranges were unfamiliar to Soldiers of the 1194th and many experienced these weapon systems for the first time. This was Pvt. Zachariah Durban’s first AT and he shared his experience, “One thing I learned is how important it really is to have situational awareness and attention to detail; it could cost someone’s life as well as your own.” “My first annual training was unforgettable! Not only did I receive intense combat training, but I also started great friendships with great soldiers!”

Let us not forget the vicious storms that rolled in throughout parts of Indiana and Ohio. High winds, tornadoes and intense thunder storms took over which lead to flooding and delayed training due to power outages on the ranges. A tornado was spotted a few miles from Camp Atterbury and cautionary measures were taken as soldiers were instructed to evacuate the ranges. Bus’s struggled to make it through the inclement conditions that included high waters and fallen branches. However, the 1194th adapted and overcame and successfully completed their tasks in the face of adversity.

The second week of training consisted of more PPMT (Pre/Post Mobilization Training) tasks that was comprised of detainee operations, land navigation, crowd control, Combatives, CBRN (Chemical, Biological Radiological & Nuclear), IED (Improvised Explosive Devices) lane, vehicle search, heat roll over training, and hand grenades STX (Situational Training Exercises) lanes. Many of these training events were new to soldiers and a refresher to others, but it really put a perspective on real life possible situations.

Pvt. Heidi Wolfe shared her experience, “I really enjoyed my first AT and felt like I really learned and took in a lot more compared to basic training. It made things real to me and how much you need to rely on your battle buddies.”

Many of the missions required Soldiers to work together and communicate effectively. Several Soldiers were placed in leadership positions for the first time.

Pvt. Scott Shoopman shares what he took away from this experience, “I learned that some people can’t handle stress as well as others. I also learned a lot of new warrior skills. Over all I thought it was a fun experience.”

All of the training settings were hands-on in order to make the environment as real as possible. But Soldiers of 1194th learned how to effectively defeat all obstacles in their way, dominated their battlespace and conquered the mission while growing stronger, closer, and more cohesive as an overall company team.

Pvt. Courtney Lutz stated, “My favorite part about AT is getting to know the other Soldiers and creating that ‘family’ bond.” This AT sought to increase readiness and increase unit cohesion and the 1194th accomplished its mission.

• Date Taken: 08.27.2015
• Date Posted: 08.27.2015 17:23
• Story ID: 174476
• Location: CHILLICOTHE, OH, US