The ‘Mighty Burt’s Knights’ practice bunker bustering
U.S. Army Story by Spc. Yon Trimble
KARLIKI, Poland – U.S. Army Soldiers from 3rd Battalion, 66th Armored Regiment, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division conduct M136 AT4 Light Anti-Armor Weapon training at Johana Range, Poland May 2, 2019.
“Today’s training gives the Soldier a familiarization with the weapon system,” said U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Larry W. Kirby, squad leader assigned to Charlie Company, 3rd BN, 66th AR, 1ABCT, 1ID.
“This is the first time I fired, we call them ‘bunker busters,’ since basic training,” said U.S. Army Pvt. Luke T. Powers from Kailua Kona, Hawaii, rifleman assigned to 2nd Squad, 1st Platoon, Charlie Company, 3rd BN, 66th AR, 1ABCT, 1ID.
The U.S. Army uses the AT4 to effectively assault armored vehicles, tanks and other combat vehicles, landing crafts, helicopters, and other aircrafts.
“Soldiers get first-hand experience with using this weapon system, so that they can quickly employ and destroy any armored threat that we may encounter,” said Kirby.
The 3rd BN, 66th AR, 1 ABCT, 1 ID is from Fort Riley, Kansas and is currently deployed to Europe in support of Atlantic Resolve.
“I was excited when I heard we were coming to Europe,” said Powers. “It’s cool that we get to do our job out here and also get to interact with the locals.”
Atlantic Resolve builds readiness, increases interoperability and enhances the bonds between ally and partner militaries with multinational training events in Bulgaria, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland and Romania.
“This type of training is important because these AT teams are paramount to (the) success of the armored fight,” said Kirby.