Small-unit leaders train, pave the way

Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Ryan Hohman | Pfc. Steve Gabrielson, who serves as a team leader with the with the 2nd Battalion, 1st Infantry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, reloads his M-4 carbine while taking part in squad training Feb. 8. Team leaders from 2-1 IN came together Feb. 8-10 to receive the training vital to their role as team leaders. The three day training covered a wide range of subjects such as proper counseling of their soldiers, day-to-day maintenance, and combat-focused training exercises to include claymore, live-fire, and squad training ranges.  

JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, WA, UNITED STATES

02.21.2012

Story by Sgt. Ryan Hohman 

2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division

JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. –In the military the leaders with the most impact on soldiers aren’t usually the battalion or company commanders, but rather the most junior leader, the team leader.

For the team leaders with the 2nd Battalion, 1st Infantry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, Feb. 8-10 was a time for them to come together and receive the training vital to their role as team leaders.

“The training allowed us to take the team leaders from across the battalion and bring them together to provide them with the best training we can,” said Sgt. 1st Class Bryan Boreon, who serves as the Platoon Sergeant with 2nd Platoon, 2-1 IN.

The three day training covered a wide range of subjects such as proper counseling of soldiers, day-to-day maintenance and combat-focused training exercises to include claymore, live-fire, and squad training ranges.

“This training is very important for team leaders,” said Boreon. “The training covered many of the topics these Soldiers will face on a daily basis while fulfilling their leadership roles where ever they may go.”

The wide range of training proved to be very beneficial for the new leaders.

“The training was good because there hasn’t been a lot of garrison time for most units,” said Spc. Nicholas Kiren, who serves as a team leader with C Company, 2-1 IN. “This training provides us with a better base knowledge of what needs to be done so we can be more effective leaders.”

By strengthening the leadership of junior leaders, the unit, as a whole, is able to strengthen as well.

“When we are able to rely on our soldiers to perform their task it relives the senior leadership to perform other tasks and allow the platoon to function better as a whole,” said Boreon.

• Date Taken: 02.21.2012
• Date Posted: 03.02.2012 16:57
• Story ID: 84656
• Location: JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, WA, US