Live-fire exercise shows 'Lethal' resolve

Photo By Sgt. Nicholas Vidro | US Army soldiers of the 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division prep two mock “casualties” for transport as part of a battalion live fire training exercise at Grafewoehr Training Area, Germany on May 26, 2017. The training exercise was the ultimate example of teamwork, as many platoons worked together to achieve battlefield cohesion and effectiveness, with the added danger of live rounds flying overhead. (Photo taken by Pvt. Nicholas Vidro, 7th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment)  

GRAFENWOEHR, BY, GERMANY

05.27.2017

Story by Pvt. Nicholas Vidro 

7th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

GRAFENWOEHR, Germany -- The shattering blasts of the battlefield can rattle anyone standing in their presence, but you couldn't tell looking at the Soldiers of the 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division. Maintaining solid concentration as well as an air of caution, the combined companies of the 2-12th conducted a live-fire exercise on May 26, 2017 at Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany.

This training exercise was conducted as part of an emergency deployment readiness exercise that saw the entire battalion deployed and on simulated battlefields in less than a month. The exercise is a part of the Army's readiness initiative that wants to see that units can be deployed around the world on short notice.

The training that was conducted saw teams working together at a battalion level. There were dismounted troops supported by mortar teams and Humvees. The dismounted movements were a part of many scenarios, including building infiltration and firing from trenches. The training was conducted by live fire as well as a version where teams fired blank rounds, both during the day and at night. 1st Lt. Christopher Watson, a scout platoon leader with 2-12th elaborated on the importance of this type of training.

“It's crucial not only for the individual Soldier, but for the all of the teams and squads making up the platoon,” he said.

The firing range served as the ultimate test of teamwork as well as a challenge for the individual Soldiers. With the sights and sounds of a genuine battle raging around them, the Soldiers of the 2-12th were pushed against a mental wall, but stood against it with resilience and reliance on the skills they've fostered while on deployment and at home. Spc. Craig Labistre Jr., a medic with weapon squad, 2nd platoon, 2-12th explained what it's like to be a part of the fray.

“It's not really different whether it's dry or live fire. You use the same skills and having discipline is still important either way, so when you're actually fighting it's almost second nature,” he said.

After the smoke of the firing range began to clear, there was an air of relief as brothers-in-arms congratulated each other on a job well done. Later, Soldiers and their leaders gathered to discuss the merits and faults of the training, making sure the troops would be even more effective during future exercises. From leaving the tarmac at the Nuremberg Airport in Germany to getting off the range in Grafenwoehr, the infantrymen of the 2-12th have not stopped working to perfect their profession of arms, proving that the Army is indeed ready to go anywhere any time.

• Date Taken: 05.27.2017
• Date Posted: 05.27.2017 11:01
• Story ID: 235547
• Location: GRAFENWOEHR, BY, DE