READY FOR TODAY, TRAINING FOR TOMORROW: 143D ESC FORTIFIES THE FUNDAMENTALS

Photo By Sgt. 1st Class John Carkeet IV | Army Sgt. 1st Class Jimmy Gonzalez, a Tampa, Florida, native serving as the senior human resources noncommissioned officer for the Human Resources Operations Branch, 143d Sustainment Command (Expeditionary), fires his M16 rifle from the kneeling position during a weapons qualification class conducted April 8, 2017, at the Combat Arms Training Facility in Patrick Air Force Base, Fla. . The 143d ESC coordinated with the U.S. Air Force to use this $8.5 million facility to train and qualify approximately 300 Soldiers as they continue to fulfill the Army Reserve's ongoing mission to quickly deliver a lethal and combat capable force in an ever-evolving environment. (U.S. Army Photo by Army Sgt. John L. Carkeet IV, 143rd Sustainment Command (Expeditionary))  

PATRICK AIR FORCE BASE, FL, UNITED STATES

04.08.2017

Story by Sgt. John Carkeet IV 

143d Sustainment Command (Expeditionary)

PATRICK AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. – Soldiers from Headquarters & Headquarters Company, 143d Sustainment Command (Expeditionary), demonstrated the Army Reserve’s commitment to be the most capable, combat ready and lethal federal Reserve force in U.S. history during a field training event conducted April 8, 2017, at Patrick Air Force Base, Fla.

“America’s armed forces look to the Army Reserve to provide quick access to trained and ready forces that our active duty partners need to initiate, sustain and prevail in major operations,” said 1st Lt. Jonathan R. Clark, company commander, HHC, 143d ESC. “The 143d [ESC] supports this critical role by conducting immersive and engaging Battle Assemblies that test our capabilities at the individual Soldier level.”

Approximately 300 Soldiers demonstrated their marksmanship skills during a weapons qualification event at Patrick AFB’s Combat Arms Training Facility. The 143d ESC partnered with the U.S. Air Force 45th Space Wing to use this $8.5 million facility to train and qualify the troops with the M9 Pistol, M4 Carbine, M16 Rifle and the M249 light machine gun.

While awaiting their turn on the firing line, the troops participated in various classes and practical exercises that enhanced their fundamentals of marksmanship, radio communications, medical care under fire and other essential skills for all Soldiers to master regardless of their rank, assignment or specialty.

“Today’s global security environment is growing in scope and complexity,” said Clark. “The Army Reserve is rapidly evolving to adapt to this ever-changing environment, and the 143d [ESC] will be better prepared to overcome complex challenges that threaten our nation by fortifying the fundamentals of a highly effective, warfighting force.”

• Date Taken: 04.08.2017
• Date Posted: 08.02.2017 17:42
• Story ID: 229856
• Location: PATRICK AIR FORCE BASE, FL, US