SENDAI, Japan — Over hill, over dell, through knee-deep snow trudged Soldiers from the 1-118th Combined Arms Battalion Feb. 13 during Platoon Lane Training.
The Soldiers moved stealthily across the landscape, armed with M4 Carbines, M240 machine guns and squad automatic weapons, looking for enemy soldiers.
This training was intended to improve the Soldier's ability to move as a platoon, improve communication abilities and deal with dead and wounded.
"Training like this provides us with team coordination," said Sgt. 1st Class Sammie Robertson, platoon sergeant, 1st Platoon, A Company. "Soldiers get the chance to learn each other's capabilities and bring out team cohesion."
"We've come together real well during this training," said Pfc. Marcus Debord, Bradley driver for 1st Platoon, A Company "We've learned about each other and how to work better with one another."
Additionally, Soldiers got training in movement, patrolling techniques, assaulting objectives and handling prisoners of war.
After traveling to the training area by troop carrier, Soldiers set out, down roads and paths, staying near the tree lines to avoid being sighted, while moving towards their objective. This type of training is integral for Infantry Soldiers. Their mission often entails traveling from one point to another, avoiding the enemy until it is time to take them on and take the objective.
Yesterday, Guardsman meet with their Japanese counter parts and each group gave several demonstrations of patrolling and movements. Both sides learned new terms as they tried to describe what they were doing, what it was called and what was involved.
"It was supposed to initially be a refresher and rehearsal on our part for what we are going to be doing tomorrow," said Sgt. Joshua Hanafin, tank commander, Company D. "We didn't know we were going to have [Japanese] observers. But we adapted and overcame. It was a positive and constructive experience."
"Here, we've been able to train and give demonstrations to [the Japanese army] and they have been able to do the same for us," said Robertson. "There is very little difference in what we do."
The positions and formations of the two armies may be different, but the goal is the same, "move from point A to point B undetected and maintain a 360 degree perimeter," said Robertson.
As the day of training came to a close, several of the Soldiers discussed how important this type of training is, as well as a need to practice often to be proficient.
"I wish we could do this more often back home," said Robertson.
| Date Taken: | 02.13.2010 |
| Date Posted: | 04.13.2010 20:12 |
| Story ID: | 48105 |
| Location: | SENDAI, JP |
| Web Views: | 127 |
| Downloads: | 97 |
This work, Soldiers from 1-118th Combined Arms Battalion Participate in Platoon Lanes in Japan, by SFC Brad Mincey, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
