Mustangs share teamwork, expertise with Ukrainians

Photo By Staff Sgt. John Onuoha | YAVORIV, Ukraine - ­Soldiers of 6th Squadron, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division train Ukrainians on how to maintain the fundamentals of marksmanship while using individual movement techniques during battle buddy movement live ­fire training, August 16, 2016. The Mustangs showed Ukrainians how to move under direct fire using the correct individual tactical fire and movement techniques. Soldiers of 6­-8 Cav are here training Ukrainian Soldiers in support of the Joint Multinational Training Group­-Ukraine. The training is part of the ongoing efforts to contribute to Ukraine's long term military reform and professionalism and to help improve Ukraine's internal defense capabilities and training capacity. (U.S.Army photo by Spc. John Onuoha / Released)  

YAVORIV, UKRAINE

08.16.2016

Story by Spc. John Onuoha 

2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division Public Affairs

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 showed Soldiers of the Ukrainian army how to build teamwork and discipline during battle buddy movement technique training here August 16.

The training lanes consisted of nine targets. Soldiers had to move within 100 meters of the enemy position, using the correct individual tactical fire and movement techniques dictated by terrain features in order to successfully complete the training. They used individual movement techniques such as the high crawl, the low crawl and three to five second rushes in order to close with the enemy. As one Soldier moved their battle buddy provided cover fire.

According to Sgt. Robert Taylor, a scout with 6­-8 Cav., the training is important because it will help the Ukrainians get used to being aware of their environment and fellow Soldiers while in combat. “Every Soldier should know how to use these basic skills because it builds cognizance as a team.”

The Ukrainian Soldiers conducted both a dry and a blank run-­through before the live­ fire. This helped familiarize them with the different movement techniques and also gave them a chance to understand the importance of communicating between each other and with their leadership during movement.

“We are doing dry runs so they can get used to the movement and everything,” Taylor said. “The biggest thing we want to instill in these Soldiers is safety.”

Oleh, a Ukrainian infantryman said the drill helps Ukrainians to be more cohesive and work better as a team when clearing a room or reacting to enemy contact. “Working together makes our job more efficient,” he said

The Mustang Troopers are conducting this training as part of the Joint Multinational Training Group­-Ukraine mission. JMTG-­U is focused on building a sustainable, enduring training capacity and capability within the Ukrainian Ground Forces. They do this through direct training efforts and the consolidation and resourcing of dedicated Ukrainian training cadre.

• Date Taken: 08.16.2016
• Date Posted: 08.20.2016 03:01
• Story ID: 207770
• Location: YAVORIV, UA