Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Kevin Spence | Troopers assigned to the 1st Squadron, 3rd Cavalry Regiment Sniper Section conduct a...... read more read more
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FORT HOOD, Texas — Under triple digit heat nearing 115 degrees, Troopers assigned to the 1st Squadron, 3rd Cavalry Regiment Sniper Section, conducted a squad designated marksman qualification with the M110A1 rifle at Trapnell Sniper Range, Fort Hood, Texas, July 23, 2026, testing precision, speed and endurance.
The training combined known- and unknown-distance engagements from 300 to 600 meters, requiring Troopers to rapidly adjust for wind, elevation and target identification under strict time constraints. Leaders emphasized that training in demanding conditions prepares Troopers for combat, where weather and terrain are unpredictable.
During the qualification, Troopers engaged targets within seconds, reinforcing the importance of accuracy under pressure.
“You have five seconds to engage the target,” said Cavalry Scout Sgt. Alafaga Vaega. “If you miss, it’s a zero.”
According to Staff Sgt. Jaden Tyler, sniper section leader, the training built upon fundamental infantry skills.
“We’re not doing anything more special than the everyday infantryman,” Tyler said. “We’re just doing it in a more precise and stricter manner.”
Among the Troopers training were two cousins, Sgt. Alafaga Vaega and Spc. Minute Faitsi, who serve together in the same formation.
“I have my cousin here. We share a really good connection,” Vaega said. “We share a lot from home.”
Faitsi said serving alongside family strengthens trust and communication in training.
“Having someone you trust makes it easier to stay focused,” Faitsi said.
Vaega said his background prepared him for the demands of military service.
“We live on a mountain back home,” he said. “We farm and hunt to get food, and we have a river about a mile away — that’s where we get water.”
He said those experiences helped build resilience that carries into training today.
“Hardship is a good thing,” Vaega said. “When you face hardship later in life, you realize it may not have been that hard after all.”
Both Troopers said they view training as an opportunity to improve their skills and take on greater challenges.
“My first time I didn’t pass,” Faitsi said. “So, I try to soak in as much knowledge as I can.”
Faitsi added he plans to attend Ranger School and continue progressing within the formation.
“I got a slot for Ranger School,” he said. “Hopefully after that I can walk on to sniper school.”
Vaega said he remains focused on continuing to develop within the sniper section.
“I look forward to rejoining the sniper section,” he said. “Whatever position they put me in, I’m ready.”
Through training, both Troopers continue to build the skills, discipline and confidence required to operate in demanding environments.
| Date Taken: | 07.23.2026 |
| Date Posted: | 07.29.2026 12:06 |
| Story ID: | 570939 |
| Location: | FORT HOOD, TEXAS, US |
| Web Views: | 48 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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