2-5 CAV rolls out with lessons learned

Photo By Sgt. Hannah Tarkelly | U.S. Army Cpl. Hayes of 2nd Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division ground guides a Bradley Fighting Vehicle in preparation to move out for phase two of Combined Resolve XI at the Grafenwoehr Training Range in Germany, Jan. 17, 2019. The 2-5 CAV is deployed to Europe in support of Atlantic Resolve, an enduring training exercise between U.S. and NATO forces. (U.S. Army National Guard video by Sgt. Marcel Pugh and Spc. Hannah Tarkelly, 382nd Public Affairs Detachment/ 1st ABCT, 1st CD/Released)  

GRAFENWOEHR, GERMANY

01.18.2019

Story by Spc. Hannah Tarkelly 

382nd Public Affairs Detachment

GRAFENWOEHR TRAINING RANGE, Germany – U.S. Soldiers of 2nd Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division reflected upon lessons learned as they prepared to move out for phase two of Combined Resolve XI, Jan. 17, 2019.

The motor pool was a busy and loud atmosphere as 2-5 CAV Soldiers hastily worked through the thick mud and heavy rain to ensure their weapon systems and as well themselves were ready for the training that lay ahead.

Soldiers of 2-5 CAV have endured approximately eight to nine months of intense training while deployed in Europe in support of Atlantic Resolve, an enduring training exercise between U.S. and NATO forces.

Previous trainings, including CBR XI phase one, allowed Soldiers to enhance their physical and mental capabilities on the battle field. These trainings allowed Soldiers to learn from the obstacles they have encountered to become more lethal and proficient in their tasks.

“The biggest obstacle was the weather and making sure we were prepared for the conditions,” said U.S. Army Pvt. 1st Class Austin Yother an infantryman assigned to Alpha Co. 2-5 CAV. “It was very Icy for our brads (Bradley Fighting Vehicle) so we were slipping and sliding on the first go but it was good training for our drivers.”

Soldiers from the warm climate of Fort Hood, Texas had to adjust to Germany’s snowy and cold environment to maintain readiness in nature’s most adverse conditions.

“The snow was obscuring our vision,” said U.S. Army Spc. Alexander Miller a fires support specialist assigned to Bravo Co. 2-5 CAV. “If I can’t see impacting mortars that means I also can’t see if there are any friendly elements out there.”

Miller’s job is to ensure Soldiers have accurate and efficient fires on the battlefield. Therefore, he had to use his knowledge and leadership to make the proper adjustments during training.

“It gives me an understanding as to what to expect during certain situations like in snow, hail, fog and rain,” Miller said. “It provides me the ability to exercise my leadership qualities.”

During these obstacles communication becomes an essential component to certify safe and effective training.

“I learned that communication is the most important thing while we are out there doing those lanes or in actual combat,” Yother said. “We got to observe other teams and we saw how one piece of misinformation can screw up an entire lane.”

Through the various months of training these Soldiers have been able to identify their weaknesses and mistakes to enhance their skill-set, knowledge and readiness.

“They prepared well and they learned that there is a couple errors they needed to focus on,” said U.S. Army 1st Lt. Jesse Nelson the platoon leader of third platoon, Bravo Company, 2-5 CAV. “Everything we do is to train for that next fight.”

As they roll out they’re not only taking their equipment but their advanced knowledge and experience that has enabled them to become one of America’s most lethal warriors.

• Date Taken: 01.18.2019
• Date Posted: 01.18.2019 15:50
• Story ID: 307488
• Location: GRAFENWOEHR, DE
• Hometown: FORT CAVAZOS, TX, US