MONROE, La. — Louisiana Army National Guardsmen with the 2nd Battalion, 108th Cavalry Squadron, headquartered in Shreveport, La., dealt with the sweltering June heat to complete valuable military exercises during their annual two-week training at Camp Minden in Minden, La.
The Troops performed pre-mobilization drills under the guidance of the Pre-mobilization Training Assistance Element in preparation for their anticipated 2010 deployment with the 256th Infantry Brigade Combat Team in support of the global war on terrorism.
Sgt. Maj. David Bovard, the operations sergeant major for the squadron, acknowledged that his Troops' dedication and hard work ensured success for this year's training.
"The Soldiers understand the seriousness of the training we are conducting here and their energy shows it," the Quitman, La., native explained. "We're fortunate in the Squadron to have good people."
The training included exercises in Military Operations in Urban Terrain, or MOUT tactics, which is designed to assist units in preparation for operations in close-quarter, urban environments. The Troops also received additional training in navigation, mounted and dismounted patrols, and various marksmanship training scenarios.
Bovard explained that camaraderie and history are the two main elements that make the Cavalry unique in the LANG.
"Everyone works as a team and takes care of one another," he said. "Being the only Cavalry squadron in the state provides that unique edge that other units don't have. Our Troopers are proud, and they train hard everyday."
The 2-108th consists of the Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, Shreveport, La.; Troop A (Motorized), Natchitoches, La.; Troop B (Motorized), Shreveport, La.; Troop C (Light), Coushatta, La.; and the Forward Support Company D, 199th Brigade Support Battalion, Shreveport, La.