Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Jarred Woods | Specialist Keith Baker, a mortarman with 1st Battalion, 293rd Infantry Regiment,...... read more read more
CAMP ATTERBURY, Ind.—Observer coach/trainers from the 157th Infantry Brigade have been mentoring Soldiers from Indiana Army National Guard’s 76th Infantry Brigade Combat Team and 38th Infantry Division during the large-scale training exercise, eXportable Combat Training Capability (XCTC) at Camp Atterbury Joint Maneuver Training Center, Ind.
As OC/Ts, these highly skilled officers and noncommissioned officers of the 157th Inf. Bde. are considered subject matter experts in their fields and are responsible for ensuring reserve component units and Soldiers are trained and prepared for worldwide operations.
“All the platoons I’ve worked with have been really enthusiastic,” said Sgt. 1st Class Eric Vertlieb, an OC/T with 1st Battalion, 335th Infantry Regiment, 157th. “They’ve been very receptive in everything and have taken all the knowledge I’ve given them.”
Not only are OC/Ts trained and certified through the First Army Academy, they also bring a wealth of real-world experience allowing novice Troops an opportunity to learn from someone who has deployed overseas. Vertlieb, who is also a combat veteran and former drill sergeant, knows just how essential this training can be.
“These reserve components aren’t afforded the chance to train 365 days a year such as an active duty component, so there can be a few hiccups when it comes to proficiency,” Vertlieb added. “That’s where our job comes in and we can put on that ‘teaching cap’ and help them where they need it.”
In addition to a learning curve there can also be other difficulties, however, Guard troops stand ready to meet those challenges.
“I think the toughest aspect is the ‘get going’ part; we come here and hit the ground running,” said Sgt. 1st Class Jose Sanchez, a platoon sergeant with 1st Battalion, 293rd Infantry Regiment, Indiana Army National Guard. “After some rehearsals, training and getting everyone on the same foot, everyone does really well once we start moving.”
Although the OC/Ts are the subject matter experts, the exchange of ideas within a training environment between trainer and trainee can go both ways.
“When we’ve had issues they’ve stepped in with guidance where we needed it, and when they don’t have information on something we help them,” Sanchez added. “This relationship really helps us establish the best practices for our mission.”
The command and control phase of training tested and evaluated headquarters reaction and management of battlefield elements. Combat training focused on unit and Soldier battle drills to include troop movement, urban warfare and live-fire exercises.
With the 157th Infantry Brigade’s OC/Ts at the helm of XCTC, Soldiers will be able to meet the needs of commanders and ultimately the nation.
“It boils down to the fact that in Iraq, Afghanistan or wherever the fight is, these Guard Troops fill a lot of the combat roles,” Vertlieb said. “The training they’re getting here helps them plan and be better prepared. It’s better to learn and become proficient here in a training environment than to not be prepared in combat.”
| Date Taken: | 08.16.2016 |
| Date Posted: | 08.16.2016 16:22 |
| Story ID: | 207315 |
| Location: | CAMP ATTERBURY, IN, US |
| Hometown: | BALTIMORE, MD, US |
| Hometown: | CAMP ATTERBURY, IN, US |
| Hometown: | FORT KNOX, KY, US |
| Hometown: | FORT WAYNE, IN, US |
| Hometown: | MUSCATATUCK URBAN TRAINING CENTER, IN, US |
| Hometown: | WARSAW, IN, US |
| Web Views: | 211 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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