4/2CR utilizes training area unique to Europe

Photo By Capt. Ellen Brabo | Outlaw Troop, 4th Squadron, 2d Cavalry Regiment conducts a route reconnaissance mission to identify a tactical assembly area at the maneuver rights area, Germany, Jan. 20, 2018. In order to provide Soldiers a realistic training environment, 4th Squadron, 2CR took advantage of the MRA, a 500-square kilometer section of countryside located at the German-Czech border that provides unique training opportunities to the European theater.  

VILSECK, BY, GERMANY

04.12.2018

Courtesy Story

2d Cavalry Regiment

Written by 1st Lt. Philip Dotson, Platoon Leader, Outlaw Troop, 4th Squadron, 2d Cavalry Regiment

The 4th Squadron, 2d Cavalry Regiment executed its platoon certifications in order to train and validate its leaders and Soldiers on the collective tasks of reconnaissance and security operations at the maneuver rights area, Germany, Jan. 16 - 30, 2018. These Soldiers proved that they are always ready by completing complex problems throughout a dynamic training environment.

In an effort to provide the Saber Squadron’s Troopers with the most realistic training possible, the squadron took advantage of the MRA, a 500-square kilometer section of countryside situated along the German-Czech border. The MRA provides an opportunity that is unique to training here in Europe.

Rather than maneuvering in the restrictive training areas that are available to forces stateside, these platoons conducted their certification on the ground and among the local population they may one day have to defend. The value of training in the MRA adds to the readiness of every Soldier assigned to 2CR.

“Training our Soldiers in actual towns and countryside and not a simulated training environment, like you’d find at stateside training areas, provides unparalleled value,” said Sgt. First Class Aaron Cuscuna, Platoon Sergeant, Outlaw Troop, 4th Squadron, 2CR. “This allows our Troopers to truly train for the complicated mission set given to us here in Europe.”

In addition, the platoons executed tasks they could be called upon to perform during a real-world deployment. The situational training exercise focused on pulling an armor brigade forward into an area of operation.
Using zone, area and route reconnaissance missions, each platoon identified tactical assembly areas, conducted bridge classifications, stream analysis and route classification. These missions are critical to the scouts’ ability to support the infantry and armor units that would be following close behind in combat operations.

Engineer reconnaissance teams, rapidly employable bridges and Blackhawk helicopters were just a few of the additional enablers the Saber Squadron employed to maneuver on the battlefield. When you combine organic unmanned aerial systems, such the Raven and the Instant Eye, with mortars, artillery and U.S. Army attack aviation, the Saber scouts can deliver lethal effects on the forward edge of any conflict.

During the entire training event, the 4th Squadron, 2CR also hosted 2nd Lt. Kevin Danielides, a French military academy Cadet, in an effort to strengthen multinational partnerships and improve the current interoperability between our Armed Forces and NATO allies.

Danielides integrated into every aspect of the platoon certification, including mounted and dismounted operations, air insertion and instruction on U.S. weapon systems, optics and artillery.

“The resources available and the ability to conduct training in the German countryside was just amazing,” said Danielides.

As the Saber Squadron continues to prepare for Saber Strike 18, and any future missions, the ability to certify in the MRA paid dividends towards each platoon’s readiness, critical thinking and lethality. This realistic, tailored training environment better prepared the 4th Squadron, 2CR for the critical mission set of deterrence in Europe.

• Date Taken: 04.12.2018
• Date Posted: 04.12.2018 02:58
• Story ID: 272748
• Location: VILSECK, BY, DE