56th SBCT Soldier Eperiences NTC for the First Time

Photo By 1st Sgt. HollyAnn Nicom | Sgt. Travis Hermann, a fire support noncommissioned officer with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 112th Infantry Regiment, 56th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 28th Infantry Division, carries supplies out of a Stryker in cantonment at the National Training Center, Fort Irwin, California, Aug. 18. Hermann lived in close quarters with his teammates in a Stryker for more than two weeks while being evaluated in multiple scenarios on the “battlefield” at NTC. (U.S. Army National Guard Photo by Sgt. 1st Class HollyAnn Nicom/released)  

FORT IRWIN, CA, UNITED STATES

08.18.2018

Story by Sgt. 1st Class HollyAnn Nicom 

109th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

FORT IRWIN, California- Sgt. Travis Hermann, a fire support noncommissioned officer with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 112th Infantry Regiment, 56th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 28th Infantry Division, Pennsylvania Army National Guard, is wrapping up his participation in a combat training rotation at the National Training Center, Fort Irwin, California.

Hermann coordinated fire support for the 112th Infantry Regiment while navigating with his Stryker team through the harsh terrain of the Mojave Desert.

Hermann, a New Brighton, Pennsylvania native, experienced training scenarios at NTC for the first time and found the exercise challenging on many levels.

“We went to a brigade-level rehearsal where I had to stand on a giant map and tell them where my targets were and where I was shooting”, said Hermann. “I haven’t done that before: it was very cool. “

Although there were times when the rehearsals didn’t sync with what actually occurred on the “battlefield,” Hermann adapted to the changes quickly.

“As soon as we hit the ground, things just evolved on their own,” said Hermann, referring to his team’s ability to adjust its mission succinctly based on how the battlefield scenarios played out.

During the preparation phase of the training, Hermann worked with many Soldiers with whom he does not normally interact with on drill weekends.

“I was able to network with other sections”, said Hermann. “I’ve seen these guys for years, but I never got to personally work with them, but I went on the reconnaissance I stayed out with them for a week.”

Along with the opportunity to network with fellow Soldiers, Hermann said his NTC experience allowed him to learn lessons that relate to his civilian job as a truck driver.

“The planning, working on the vehicles--it’s all applicable,” said Hermann. “I work in the gas industry, so working with a lot of the large machinery and heavy diesel equipment translates very easily.”

Hermann’s unit supported the 56th SBCT during its monthlong combat training rotation at NTC.

• Date Taken: 08.18.2018
• Date Posted: 08.19.2018 16:18
• Story ID: 289387
• Location: FORT IRWIN, CA, US
• Hometown: NEW BRIGHTON, PA, US