No Rest for the Weary, as the Michigan Army National Guard’s C Company, 1st Battalion, 125th Infantry Regiment Continues its Intensive Training Schedule

Photo By Lt. Col. Charles Calio | On Sept. 12, 2017 at Sennelager Training Area, Germany, Michigan Army National Guard medics and physician’s assistants met with their counterparts from the Royal Wessex Yeomanry to exchange ideas and methods in treating combat wounds, and also to engage in mock applications of their methods. For purposes of Exercise Spartan Star, the medics of the 1-125th Infantry Regiment have been augmented by physician assistants from the Michigan Army National Guard’s 119th Field Artillery Battalion, headquartered in Lansing, Michigan.  

SENNELAGER, GERMANY

09.12.2017

Story by Maj. Charles Calio 

126th Theater Public Affairs Support Element

SENNELAGER TRAINING AREA, Germany – Despite its extensive travels by plane and bus, lack of sleep and its continued adjustment to the change in time zones, C Company, 1st Battalion, 125th Infantry Regiment (1-125IN) spent the day at Sennelager Training Area (STA) zeroing its M4 rifles, training members of the Royal Wessex Yeomanry (RWxY) reserve unit on the usage of the M4, and conducting joint medical training.

To start the day, C Company’s Soldiers zeroed their M4 weapons system as they recently received ambidextrous safeties, and heavy barrels with the ability to fire steel penetrating rounds. “Any time you upgrade or change a component of your weapons system, it’s imperative to zero your weapon so that you can accurately apply rounds on target,” said 1st Lt. Tim Moreno, company executive officer. “The zero process went great, and the new components worked perfectly. The guys were motivated and had a good time sending rounds down range.”

After zeroing their weapons, C Company trained the United Kingdom’s RWxY soldiers on the usage of the M4. The RWxY soldiers first received intensive primary marksmanship instruction (PMI), and then proceeded to shoot on the 25m alternative qualification course. “The British soldiers were great students, and it was an honor to work with one of our closest allies that continues to serve with the U.S. throughout the world today,” said Sgt. Johnathan O’Brien, the PMI instructor. “I was very impressed with their shooting. If I remember correctly, 15 of the British soldiers shot expert, and six of the soldiers shot a perfect 40 for 40.”

The training continued into the evening when medics and physician’s assistants (PA) from C Company and the RWxY met to exchange current methods in treating combat wounds, and also to engage in mock applications of their methods. “The British medics appeared very well versed in the most current combat medicine methods, and it was great to exchange ideas and experiences,” said Capt. Corey Hirdes, a PA with the Michigan Army National Guard’s 119th Field Artillery Battalion, who is in Germany helping support the 1-125IN. “I’m very happy to be a part of Spartan Star, and I look forward to further engagements with the British medics.”

• Date Taken: 09.12.2017
• Date Posted: 09.12.2017 16:48
• Story ID: 247976
• Location: SENNELAGER, DE
• Hometown: GRAND RAPIDS, MI, US