Photo By Sgt. Claire Charles | Spc. Brendon Bell conducts a security patrol with 3rd squadron, 278th Armored Cavalry...... read more read more
FORT INDIANTOWN GAP, Pa. – Spc. Brendon Bell, a native of Westfield, Pa., used his skills as an armor crewman with K-Troop, 3rd squadron, 278th Armored Cavalry Regiment, 55th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, Pennsylvania Army National Guard during annual training (AT) here Aug. 9.
“You have to love your job,” said Bell. “I love being a tanker, there is nothing better than being able to step on a tank to operate or load it.”
Bell trained for AT with more than 175 Soldiers from the 3/278th ACR in field exercises and battle drills that enhance tactical proficiency and mission effectiveness.
“We have a demanding training cycle that begins with strengthening Soldier readiness and culminates with a Squadron level FTX where we integrate and synchronize all weapons and capabilities in an austere environment against a peer adversary or hybrid threat,” said Maj. Chris McLaud, squadron commander, 3/278th ACR.
Bell enlisted in the Pennsylvania National Guard in 2018 and recently deployed to Poland with the 3/278th in support of the Enhanced Forward Presence mission.
The 3/278th is assigned to the 278th Armored Calvary Regiment of the Tennessee Army National Guard, but falls under the Pa. Guard’s 55th MEB for administrative purposes. The squadron has five troops: Headquarter and Headquarters Troop (HHT), I-Troop, K-Troop, L-Troop and H-Troop/278th Regimental Support Squadron (H/RSS).
“During the deployment, we all became a family and created a strong bond,” said Bell. “I got to work on tanks and be part of something bigger than myself.”
Bell is able to operate and load large transport vehicles such as the M1 Abrams tank, an armored fighting vehicle that provides overwhelming firepower during font-line combat.
While participating the battle drills during annual training, Bell reflected on the many experiences and opportunities he’s had since joining the Pa. Guard.
“I hope to one day join active duty and be able to command a tank,” said Bell.
Bell is married to his high school sweetheart. He is a father of four children who he hopes will join the military and continue the family legacy of service.
| Date Taken: | 08.09.2020 |
| Date Posted: | 08.10.2020 14:12 |
| Story ID: | 375616 |
| Location: | FORT INDIANTOWN GAP, PA, US |
| Hometown: | WELLSBORO, PA, US |
| Web Views: | 477 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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