By Maj. John Heil
332nd Medical Brigade
NASHVILLE, TN – During a hot two-week July period in Nashville, TN, Soldiers of the 332nd Medical Brigade, worked together as a team to perform multiple combat tasks beneficial for mission accomplishment. "Everyone pitched in," said Spc. James Wilson, human resource information management specialist, "Mutual aid was carried throughout the two weeks."
"Mutual aid [professed by Capt. Lloyd Jackson, headquarters company commander] means helping each other and Soldiers out to accomplish the mission," said Wilson.
Medical Warriors of the 332nd worked together and worked hard during annual training to accomplish their tasks. "Some mission essential tasks performed during annual training included litter carries, tactical maneuvers, patrolling, lanes training, and other team building skills," said Wilson.
Soldiers were divided into teams during the lanes training. "Both teams had a scenario and we conducted the mission as if it were real," said Spc. Sarah Ceja, 332nd MED BDE Soldier.
"The headquarters commander had a positive attitude," said Wilson, "His positive culture made for a positive AT because he was heavily involved and that made everyone motivated to go out and do it."
"Mutual aid is a "one-team" concept," said Jackson, "We worked as a team and during lanes training we did tasks like survey a casualty, the litter obstacle course, patrols with different movement styles, responding to fire, reaction to being captured by the enemy, and pugle-stick training."
"This was my first AT," said Wilson, "and hearing from other Soldiers – everyone had a good time – no one complained, no one whined."
"We had some good team building skills," said Pfc. Jeff Hart, human resource information management specialist, "I enjoyed the obstacle course, putting up the tents, lanes training, and combative training."
Training during the two-weeks was physical and mentally challenging. "By the end of AT," said Hart, "There were people who were able to pass their APFT, who hadn't been able to before."
"It was a watershed event due to the fact it was a coming together of designing principles, soldiering, aptitude and holistic training," said Jackson, "All members of the team were present and actively participating in Soldier readiness."