Photo By Sgt. Von Marie Donato | Pvt. Meljie Celeste, a cavalry scout with 2nd platoon, A Troop, 2nd Squadron, 13th...... read more read more
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MCGREGOR RANGE, N.M. – After successfully training for weeks in the field, long cold nights and laborious hot days, it was time to put their Bradley Fighting Vehicle skills to the test. Once they qualified as three-man crews, the next step would require their ultimate talent and concentration: engaging a mission in sections with more Soldiers and more challenges.
Soldiers assigned to 2nd Squadron, 13th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, participated in “section gunnery” which would require them to build competent lethal teams capable of maneuvering and engaging and destroying the enemy to accomplish the wartime mission in support of the brigade’s intelligence requirements at McGregor Range Oct. 29.
“This is a foundational building block for fire and maneuver warfare. The act of gunnery brings three individuals together: the driver, the gunner and vehicle commander. Three very different jobs,” said Command Sgt. Maj. Michael C. Williams, senior enlisted adviser for 2nd Squadron, 13th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division. “They have to learn to come together as a close knit team. A team that thinks as one, moves as one, acts as one, and operates in such close-concert that they are able to maneuver the vehicle, identify and acquire targetry and fire the weapon within windows of seconds.”
Not only must the crews try to work in unison with Soldiers of fellow Bradley Fighting Vehicles, they must also try to become a cohesive fighting force.
“This section of our gunnery training requires the individual crews to exercise and demonstrate effective lethality while coordinating with another vehicle,” said Lt. Col. Robert G. Born, commander, 2nd Squadron, 13th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division. “Their actions have to be synchronized and ensure survivability.”
Not only do the crews and sections have to move in a synchronized fashion, but they also have to battle their unpredictable environment and be skilled in executing the precise mission of their commander.
“The crews have to ensure that they are using the terrain correctly and that their movement techniques are appropriate for the threat they will encounter,” Born said. “They also need to assure they are in compliance with the reconnaissance guidance that has been set forth by the acting commander.”
The Soldiers also incorporated weapons and unmanned aircraft into their field training.
“It’s my goal to make sure that my Soldiers are able to incorporate all assets that I have as a troop commander, including call for fire, utilizing mortars, using the Raven, which is an unmanned aircraft system and effectively execute the mission at hand,” said Capt. Adrian Acevedo, commander, Troop A, 2nd Sqdn., 13th Cav Regt., 3rd BCT, 1st AD.
This field training also presented a productive and suitable environment for noncommissioned officers to educate and mentor less experienced Soldiers.
“Our gunnery training gave a great deal of experience to our newer Soldiers and allowed them to be exposed to things that they have not done in the Army yet,” said Staff Sgt. Michael T. Dennis, master gunner, Troop A, 2nd Squadron, 13th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division. “It was also an opportunity for them to become proficient on their weapon systems.”
At the training’s conclusion there was a sense of satisfaction with the Soldiers who proved their tactical proficiencies and willingness to become a stronger unit.
“I am very impressed with the fire and maneuver proficiency and lethality of our crews across the squadron,” Born said.
| Date Taken: | 10.29.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 09.27.2016 18:03 |
| Story ID: | 210769 |
| Location: | FORT BLISS, TX, US |
| Web Views: | 78 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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