A sign of a disciplined unit is what junior leaders decide to do with the white space during field exercises – the down time between missions. Leading by example, Sgt. Adam Lee, tactical command post non-commissioned officer in charge, Regimental Engineer Squadron, 2d Cavalry Regiment, seized the initiative throughout exercise Dragoon Ready, a 7th Army Training Command/Joint Multinational Readiness Center led exercise designed to enhance readiness and qualify 2CR in Unified Land Operations in Hohenfels, Germany, Oct. 20 – 25, 2018.
Lee led the Soldiers of the TAC through a series of battle drill rehearsals: react to contact, squad attack, establishing a hasty perimeter defense and emergency vehicle drills. His positive attitude and tendency to make the best of his time was reflected in how his Soldiers conducted their rehearsals. Lee’s team displayed tactical and technical proficiency through their deliberate execution of rehearsals which ultimately contributed to the team’s high level of training readiness.
“Soldiers will revert to their training and it is my duty to provide that training,” said Lee.
While at the Hohenfels Training Area, he wanted ensure that his Soldiers would react properly to enemy contact or indirect fires. Lee developed his Soldiers to take over in the event of a loss in leadership due to enemy contact. One of his Soldiers, Spc. Robert Stalnecker, squadron command driver, RES, 2CR, stood out with his natural leadership capabilities. Often seizing the initiative in Lee’s absence, he conducted team leader checks on his peers and led them in their priorities of work in the field.
“It is important to take pride in your work and seize the initiative in the absence of leadership,” said Stalnecker.
Lee often tells his peers to embody the “be, know, do” attitude and sharpen their tactical and technical skills. Because of the training and rehearsals Lee’s team completed, they quickly adapted to the ever changing training environment where the threats and problem sets were complex and dynamic. The strong focus on training readiness through rehearsals built a better relationship amongst the team.
“We set the standard for what it means to operate in the squadron TAC,” said Stalnecker.