following this action, Stewart dragged a 200-pound dummy to the casualty evacuation point and treated the wounded
Soldier with his co... VIEW ORIGINAL
FORT SILL, Okla. (Aug. 15, 2014) -- Members of B Battery "Bulldogs," 3rd Battalion, 13th Field Artillery, completed a two-day field training exercise Aug. 5-6, at Blue Beaver Maneuver Range here.
The field training exercise (FTX) afforded the Soldiers a chance to step outside of their occupational
specialty area and work on the basics. Soldiers were challenged on a variety of Army Warrior Tasks that focused on tasks outside of their primary military occupational specialties.
"Our primary focus is usually on [Multiple Launch Rocket System] training, however, given that artillery units have historically supported the war on terror by conducting contingency operations, it
is vital that all Soldiers refine basic level skills," said B Battery 1st Sgt. Anthony Kaltved. "Training
like we did during this FTX prepares Soldiers for any mission because they practice skills that are necessary to be effective and efficient in combat."
The FTX began with a tactical road march to the training site. Once they arrived, Soldiers downgraded their gear and set up their assembly area.
Afterward, they received preliminary marksmanship instruction on the M16 rifle, zeroed their weapons and then qualified. The Bulldogs received more familiarization training before the reflexive
fire range in the evening, when they practiced acquiring their targets with their night vision
goggles, optical scopes and flashlights.
"The reflexive fire and night range training was phenomenal. It helped familiarize us with the technology that we have, and makes me feel more confident that if we were to do a
contingency mission, the Bulldogs would be able to perform accordingly," said Sgt. Alexander McHenry.
Aug. 6 began early for the battery's Soldiers with the Bulldog Challenge. It was an individual competition that tested Soldiers on their ability to complete Warrior Tasks to standard while building unit morale. Nineteen Soldiers battled throughout the day to earn the title, Bulldog Champion.
The competitors received a land navigation point approximately 800 meters from their destination.
Before moving onto their next station, they had tosuccessfully locate their point and then report back
to the leadership with the correct code.
"This part of the challenge was great because it taught us confidence in ourselves, our training and in our equipment. It was a great mental and physical challenge," said Spc. Zachary Ringel.
Once the Soldiers returned and topped off their hydration packs, they negotiated lanes covering
Warrior Tasks. Many of these lanes tested Soldiers' ability to engage and suppress an insurgent effectively from different distances and positions.
For example, after suppressing a simulated insurgent in one lane, the Soldier had to rescue a 200-pound training dummy, drag it to safety, treat for a variety of injuries and then call-in a medical evacuation.
"Dragging that 200- pound dummy was a good gut check," said Ringel. "It gave us a good idea of what it would take to rescue your buddy in a combat situation."
The Oklahoma heat added an additional element to the competition. Leaders said it was a challenge
to supervise and monitor all of the Soldiers as they continued the competition. Kaltved said having
excellent medics and leadership on site was key the safety of the competitors.
To provide competitors with a break, at some lanes Soldiers completed less physically demanding
tasks, such as putting a 1523E Advanced Systems Improvement Program radio into operation or completing a written test covering board questions.
Despite the rough conditions, the competition throughout the event was fierce. Noncommissioned
officers Sgt. Joshua Hooper and Staff Sgt. Walter Loor fought for the title neckand-neck from station to station.
"Near the end I was cramping pretty bad and was just exhausted. I thought of our battery motto 'Never Quit,'" said Hooper. Although he proved victorious, he credited his competitor with his
success.
"Staff Sergeant Loor and I have been in the battery together for a long time. We enjoyed the friendly competition. We were exhausted so we worked together to motivate and push each
other. Honestly, I couldn't have won without him,"said Hooper.
Battery leaders shared similar sentiments about the training event and Soldiers pushing themselves
to their maximum potential.
"The buy-in from the Soldiers was epic. They want to do this stuff. As leaders, we provide them
with the means to conduct that training. They buy in, are motivated, and are excited to be Soldiers," said Kaltved.
Capt. Stephen Dwyer, battery commander, said he the training event made him proud to be commander.
"Our battery motto 'Bulldogs never quit,' was demonstrated by each and every Soldier today," said Dwyer.
Despite their exhaustion, Soldiers were excited about the training and about being within the battery in general.
"Bravo Battery is like a family," said Ringel.
McHenry said everyone wants to accomplish the mission and is willing to do what it takes to get it
done.
"You leave Bravo Battery at the end of the day, and there is always something funny or memorable that makes you want to come back," he said. "You leave
and think, I hope work is like that tomorrow, and it always is."
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