Soldiers and Airmen of the Montana National Guard converged on Fort Harrison, Mont. on July 8-10 to conduct wildland fire fighting training for Red Card certification. The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) trained these guardsmen in the basics of safely fighting fires. Completing the training were 172 motivated Guardsmen, who are available for fire activations if called upon later this year. Training included a 3-mile ruck march with a 45-pound pack within 45 minutes, as well as progressive hose lay, pump and roll techniques, line digging, and general equipment familiarization.
Our Guardsmen stand ready to support and defend Montana in this already hot summer.
ON THE WAY! B Co 1-163rd is slinging lead downrange with Bradley gunnery and dismount squad rifle training. With many experienced NCOs and new soldiers, this training is vital to bridge the experience gap at every level in the company, from diver to gunner, and rifleman to team leader.