Photo By 2nd Lt. Jarvis Mace | Bradley Fighting Vehicles assigned to the 1st Squadron, 98th Cavalry Regiment,...... read more read more
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FORT IRWIN, Calif. --The National Training Center hosts the 1st Squadron, 98th Cavalry Regiment, Mississippi Army National Guard, as they prepare for live fire exercises to finish their field training June 6, 2017.
The Amory, Mississippi, based squadron is working to become a more lethal combat force along with Mississippi’s 155th Armored Brigade Combat Team during their rotation here.
During the training at NTC the 1-98th practiced their tactics by providing the brigade with reconnaissance using mechanized infantry as they scrimmaged against opposing forces in the training area.
“Our mission as a cavalry squadron is to be the eyes and ears for the brigade,” said Capt. Johnathan K. Walker, commander of Troop C, 1-98th. “We are the tip of the spear, that means we are the very front. We are the absolute first to get into any enemy contact and that’s to shape the picture so that the brigade can know exactly what they’re facing and where the enemy is.”
Prior to the live fire exercises, leaders of the squadron plan and conduct dry fire exercises to ensure that their tactics are safe and efficient.
Dry fire is basically going through the motions without the use of live ammunition, said Staff Sgt. Brandon M. Ates, a Bradley Fighting Vehicle commander with the 1-98th.
“We go through the same thing that we would in the actual live fire,” said Walker. “So for us, we’re tasked with conducting a zone reconnaissance and then conducting a forward passage of lines. In addition to that, we will have targets that we’ll have to eliminate along the way, so that's where the live fire part comes in.”
After the military decision making process is completed the Soldiers prepare their Bradleys, and other equipment, for the upcoming exercises in which they will rehearse their movements and eliminate pop up targets by calling in artillery.
Not only is this operation at NTC good hands-on training for the 1-98th, it validates that the unit is prepared for combat.
The training is important because the unit doesn't know what combat situation they may be in so they want to maintain proficiency with their weapon systems, said Walker.
“The best part of the training is the actual getting the realistic effect,” said Ates. “By getting the realistic effect, you’ll get more of the outcome and more out of the training.”
In contrast to drilling at their home station, training at NTC is more intense since there is a known presence of opposing forces seeking the unit as they conduct operations.
After the rigorous training at NTC, the 155th Armored Brigade Combat Team will continue to be a relevant and ready force that stands ready for any mission at home or abroad.
| Date Taken: | 06.08.2017 |
| Date Posted: | 06.09.2017 02:08 |
| Story ID: | 236977 |
| Location: | FORT IRWIN, CA, US |
| Web Views: | 100 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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