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olders assigned to the 2nd Squadron, 13th Cavalry Regiment kicked off 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division’s Bulldog Focus training exercise here Feb. 6.
Bulldog Focus is a six-week exercise that validates the brigade’s battalions in multi-echelon exercises, integrated field exercises and combined arms live-fire exercises.
The exercise will prepare the brigade’s Soldiers for a rotation at the National Training Center at Fort Irwin, California, later this year. Each battalion will participate in Bulldog Focus prior to the brigade’s Iron Focus exercise, which begins March 19. The 2nd Sqdn., 13th Cav. Regt. was the first unit to go through the exercise in the Fort Bliss training area.
“During Bulldog Focus we are training our mission essential task list and ensuring that Soldiers and equipment are ready,” said Lt. Col. Mike Zopfi, the commander of the 2nd Sqdn., 13th Cav. Regt.
This includes training Soldiers in tasks such as zone reconnaissance, area reconnaissance and a screen line, Zopfi said. The training also includes company-oriented tasks of movement to contact, deliberate attack and attack in zone, he added.
The Soldiers have completed sequenced gunnery tables that began in October and are bringing their experiences together during Bulldog Focus, according to 1st Lt. Eric Gonzales, adjutant, 2nd Sqdn., 13th Cav. Regt.
“This is my third time being in the field,” said Pfc. Marcellus Sammons, a cavalry scout with Troop B, 2nd Sqdn., 13th Cav. Regt. “I’d rather be in the field than back in garrison because I’m actually doing my job. I’m progressing much further here than being in the motor pool.”
This type of training enables leaders to understand their Soldiers’ strengths along with their weaknesses. In addition to unit proficiency, the field environment provides Soldiers the opportunity to grow in their individual occupations.
Spc. Jerome Darden, an intelligence analyst assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Sqdn., 13th Cav. Regt., said he values being in the field for his professional growth.
“I enjoy being out here,” Darden said. “I definitely learn a lot, especially when I am with the S3 and other S shops because I get to learn more than my own job and how everything fits together.”
The cavalry regiment received support from Soldiers assigned to the 4th Battalion, 1st Field Artillery Regiment, 1st Armored Division Artillery, for a Combined Arms Live Fire Exercise Feb. 14-15. The “Defender” battalion provided fire support with their M109 Paladins while 2nd Sqdn., 13th Cav. Regt. maneuvered with their M1 Abrams Tanks and M2 Bradley Fighting Vehicles.
The exercise was an opportunity for Soldiers to practice firing calls and motions with actual ammunition, said Sgt. 1st Class Curtis Ward, platoon sergeant, Battery B, 4th Bn., 1st FA Regt., DIVARTY.
Soldiers with 1st Battalion, 77th Armored Regiment are also participating as opposition forces for 2nd Sqdn., 13th Cav. Regt. The 1st Bn., 77th AR will be the next battalion to train during Bulldog Focus and will work toward their own validation.
| Date Taken: | 02.21.2018 |
| Date Posted: | 02.28.2018 14:15 |
| Story ID: | 267578 |
| Location: | EL PASO, TEXAS, US |
| Web Views: | 96 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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