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    Soldier spotlight- Staff Sgt. Douglas Costello

    Soldier spotlight- Staff Sgt. Douglas Costello

    Photo By 1st Lt. Ashley Childress | Staff Sgt. Douglas Costello, a human resource specialist, with the 213th Personnel...... read more read more

    FORT INDIANTOWN GAP, PA, UNITED STATES

    04.10.2021

    Story by Sgt. 1st Class Ashley Childress 

    109th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

    FORT INDIANTOWN GAP, Pa. - Staff Sgt. Douglas Costello serves as a human resources specialist with the 213th Personnel Company, 728th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 213th Regional Support Group, Pennsylvania Army National Guard.

    Costello competed in the U.S. Army Small Arms Championship (All Army) at Fort Benning, Georgia, March 14-20 as part of the PAARNG team. The competition, known as All Army, is a comprehensive, live-fire training event that tests Soldier’s abilities to employ primary and secondary weapon systems during stressful events created by competition.

    “The U.S. Army Small Arms Championship match is my favorite,” said Costello. “It is a true test of fundamentals and those fundamentals get put on display.”

    Costello placed 16th out of 212 total shooters. During the months leading to the competition, Costello said that the shooting team dedicated a lot of time preparing for the match.

    “To prepare for the all-Army match, the marksmanship training unit and our team conducted multiple ranges designed to build upon foundational marksmanship,” said Costello. “The overall dynamic of shooting on a team increases marksmanship readiness and the confidence needed for intense matches.”

    Costello originally became interested in shooting when he was growing up for hunting and sport. He said when he joined the military, the foundation that he built from hunting became a valuable skill that he could improve on.

    “I have gained so much experience from being in the National Guard,” said Costello. “There are a multitude of skills required to be a Soldier and the military provides opportunities to improve on those skillsets and develop proficiencies.”

    Costello is from Mountain Top, Pennsylvania and has been part of the PAARNG Active Guard Reserve Program where he works full-time as a training non-commissioned officer. He has served in the PAARNG for over 19 years and holds the military occupational specialty codes 42A, human resources specialist, and 11B, infantryman.

    “I have been in the AGR program for five years now,” said Costello. “I absolutely love it and plan to stay in until I cannot do it anymore.”
    Costello has attended multiple courses during his career in the National Guard, including Airborne, Air Assault, Long Range Surveillance Leadership Course, Pathfinder, Infantry school and other required Non-Commissioned Officer education system courses.

    Maintaining mental focus during the competitions can sometimes feel overwhelming, said Costello. He confidently said that he is able turn the pressure into a strength by relying on his skillsets and knowing the fundamentals will take over.

    “Whether you want to call it nerves, excitement or anticipation, there is always pressure,” Costello said. “The ability to put aside that nervousness is what makes or breaks you.”

    Costello mentioned that shooting for the PAARNG has been a great experience and recommends it to everyone.

    “Don’t pass judgement on yourself or automatically think you are a good or bad shooter,” said Costello. “Get involved and know it’s the people that surround you and the people that you shoot with that will make you a better shooter.”

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    NEWS INFO

    Date Taken: 04.10.2021
    Date Posted: 04.15.2021 13:30
    Story ID: 393540
    Location: FORT INDIANTOWN GAP, PA, US

    Web Views: 193
    Downloads: 0

    PUBLIC DOMAIN