By Spc. John Onuoha, 6-8 Cav., 2IBCT UPAR
YAVORIV, Ukraine. - Soldiers of 6th Squadron, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd
Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, arrived July 9 and
immediately got to work in preparation for their five-month long mission
here.
The mission entails training Ukrainian battalions that come through the
International Peacekeeping and Security Center on a 55-day training
rotation. It is designed to reinforce defensive skills of the Ukrainian Ground
Forces in order to increase their capacity for self-defense.
"The general mission is to train the Ukrainian Army and build partnership
on a strategic level," said Command Sgt. Maj. Michael Oliver of 6-8 Cav.
"All Soldiers must conduct themselves with dignity and respect, be able to
train with their counterparts every day to get the Ukrainian Army better.”
In addition to preparing for the mission Soldiers were advised on how to
build a good relationship with their Ukrainian counterparts and why it is
important for the success of the mission.
"First you have to start with meeting people on their field and then go from
there on building relationships by talking to them and understanding what
they need from you so you know how you can help them," said Oliver.
During a brief to the troopers of 6-8, Oliver held an open discussion with
his Troopers about understanding and accepting differences. The Soldiers
were able to share their thoughts and ask questions.
"It is important for Soldiers to understand that the way we do things at
home is different from the Ukrainian’s, because of their different customs,
and to accept that just like we would want them to accept our customs,"
said Sgt. 1st Class Richard Fredericks, a platoon sergeant with Troop B, 6-8 Cav.
The leadership team emphasized not only the importance of understanding
others customs and perspectives in helping to develop relationships, but
also the role of discipline and teamwork.
"The best kind of discipline is buddy to buddy discipline," said Capt.
Andrew Hibbs, commander of Troop B, 6-8 Cav. "Correcting a fellow
Soldier when necessary is important to help us do the right thing always as
a team. We are a direct representation of our country."
Hibbs advised Soldiers to maintain proper military customs and courtesies,
and have fun.
Soldiers expressed their enthusiasm for the mission and how they look
forward to having a memorable time in Ukraine.
"It has been exciting for me since the moment I heard our unit was going to Ukraine," said Pfc. Brian Smoak with Troop B, 6-8 Cav. "This is my
first deployment and I am really looking forward to training with the
Ukrainian Soldiers, and enjoying my time here."
| Date Taken: |
07.09.2016 |
| Date Posted: |
07.13.2016 07:20 |
| Story ID: |
203806 |
| Location: |
YAVORIV, UA |
| Web Views: |
138 |
| Downloads: |
1 |
PUBLIC DOMAIN
This work, Mustangs arrive in preparation for Ukraine mission, by SSG John Onuoha, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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