Snipers from the 4th Squadron, 2d Cavalry Regiment played a key role in the protection of the squadron during Dragoon Ready. Dragoon Ready was a combined arms, force-on-force training exercise designed to test and enhance the readiness of 2CR. The squadron snipers were prepared for Dragoon Ready after participating in several operations and exercises for the U.S. Army, NATO and multinational partners throughout the year.
Saber Squadron, as 2CR’s reconnaissance squadron provided early warning and protection by maintaining contact with the opposing force during Dragoon Ready. The squadron’s tactical operations center conducted operations in close proximity to the forward edge of the battle area, meaning enemy forces would often pass closely to the TOC.
The 4/2CR snipers manned a long duration observation point providing security for the command post satellite communications terminal, and they served as a quick reaction force for the unit’s TOC. The sniper’s ability to evade and stay hidden enabled the security of the most forward TOC in the regiment.
Armed with an AT4 shoulder mounted anti-tank weapon, M110 sniper rifle and tactical expertise, the 2CR snipers identified and defended against dismounted and mounted OPFOR.
”We are a squadron asset [and] our skill set enables us to be a force multiplier….forward of the line of other Troops,” said Spc. William Rhodes, sniper team leader, Warhorse Troop, 4/2CR.,“It feels good to apply our training and insight into this exercise, while gaining insight into the enemy as well.”
Frequently the TOC moved to sustain communication with the troops. During one movement the headquarters element came under intense fire from several armored vehicles allowing the headquarters to displace. The snipers dismounted in a nearby tree line to intercept the armored vehicles with their AT4s. Their actions demonstrated the importance of training and experience, and they proved a major asset to the overall mission, despite being few in number.
Dragoon Ready proved a successful operation due to the lessons learned at the individual, team and unit level. The Saber Squadron destroyed 100 percent of the OPFOR during the enemy’s main attack, and observer controller teams reset the enemy and requested the squadron let the reconstituted OPFOR pass so the rest of the regiment could continue to receive training.
Dragoon Ready validated the squadron’s unified land operations and the unit, like the snipers, will take lessons learned in order to better prepare for Saber Junction 19.