4 ID deputy commanding general visits troops in Lithuania

Photo By Corinna Baltos | RUKLA, Lithuania – Paratroopers with A Company, 2nd Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade, qualify on their M-4 Carbine Rifles Sept. 20 at the Rukla Training Area. The Paratroopers arrived in Lithuania last week to conduct training with their Lithuanian counterparts in support of Atlantic Resolve, a U.S. led effort being conducted in Eastern Europe to demonstrate U.S. commitment to the collective security of NATO and dedication to enduring peace and stability in the region. The Paratroopers are spending the week at the range zeroing and qualifying on their weapons before they begin conducting live-fire exercises. At the beginning of the week the Paratroopers shot their weapons “slick”, or without any extra gear on. As the week progresses, they will fire wearing their full combat load and zero and qualify using an Advanced Combat Optical Gunsight (ACOG). Unit standards require each Paratrooper to hit a minimum of 30 out of 40 targets to qualify. The 173rd Airborne Brigade, based in Vicenza, Italy, is the Army Contingency Response Force in Europe, and is capable of projecting forces to conduct a full range of military operations across the United States European, Central and Africa Command areas of responsibility within 18 hours.  

RUKLA, LITHUANIA

09.21.2016

Story by Staff Sgt. Corinna Baltos 

24th Theater Public Affairs Support Element

RUKLA, Lithuania – Brig. Gen. Kenneth L Kamper, Deputy Commanding General, 4th Infantry Division, who leads the Atlantic Resolve Mission Command Element, visited 173rd Airborne Brigade Paratroopers Sept. 21 as they conducted basic marksmanship training in Lithuania.

The Paratroopers from Abel Company, 2nd Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment, arrived in Lithuania last week to embark on a six-month rotation to train with Lithuanian partners as part of Atlantic Resolve, a U.S. led effort being conducted in Eastern Europe to demonstrate U.S. commitment to the collective security of NATO and dedication to enduring peace and stability in the region.

Before embarking on joint training ventures, the Paratroopers are spending their first few weeks going over basic marksmanship principles and re-familiarizing themselves with their weapons. In October they will begin conducting live-fire exercises as well as training with the Lithuanian Armed Forces “Iron Wolf” Mechanized Infantry Brigade.

Kamper was impressed to hear that all of the Paratroopers had been a “first time go” with their weapon, and that the majority had shot 30 out of 40 or better their first time around. Able Company Paratroopers are required to hit a minimum of 30 targets to be given a “go” at the range.

“Who didn’t hit 30 out of 40? It was you, wasn’t it 1st Sgt.?,” he asked jokingly.

After visiting the Paratroopers in the field, Kamper visited the barracks and attended an awards ceremony between the outgoing U.S. unit, Battle Company, 3rd Combined Arms Battalion, 69th Armor Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division and the Lithuanian Armed Forces.

“You have done a great job,” he said to the 3rd Bn., 69th Arm. Rgmt. Soldiers. “We are proud of you.”

Over the next several months Paratroopers from 2nd Bn., 503rd Inf. Regt. in Lithuania will work closely with allies there to refine their skills, and establish relationships that will increase security in the region and enhance both the U.S. and Lithuanian militaries’ ability to work effectively together to deter potential threats.
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The 173rd Airborne Brigade, based in Vicenza, Italy, is the Army Contingency Response Force in Europe, and is capable of projecting forces to conduct a full range of military operations across the United States European, Central and Africa Command areas of responsibility within 18 hours.

• Date Taken: 09.21.2016
• Date Posted: 09.22.2016 02:42
• Story ID: 210205
• Location: RUKLA, LT