Fort Drum, New York, June 13, 2015 -- It's June in northern New York, and the trees have only recently greened. It almost feels like spring and with the spring comes rain. Since the arrival of the 116th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Virginia National Guard, who are taking part in a multi-echelon integrated brigade training exercise, it has been raining almost non-stop. The grounds are wet and the boots and socks are wetter, but the infantrymen keep moving forward.
"This is their third mission in three days, they are always postured to move, but now they have some time to take a break because the lane they are on was pushed to the right," said Sgt. 1st Class Luke Devescovi, a Pooler, Georgia, resident and reserve observer coach/trainer attached to the 188th Infantry Brigade for this exercise. He and his fellow OC/Ts are embedded with the 1st Battalion, 116th Infantry Regiment as they conduct infantry maneuvers in the training area. He stated that basic care of the infantry soldier is critical to any mission, and sometimes the OC/Ts role extends beyond the execution of the lane.
"The medics, the engineers, every single person that is contributing to this mission is under our radar, and if assisting the medics in doing their job better is going to better this company then we have to address it," Devescovi said.
According to FM 3-21.75, The Warrior Ethos and Soldier Combat Skills, care of the feet is essential and is part of a simple personal hygiene regimen that affects how a Soldier performs. However, in a wet environment, proper care can be a challenge. During the break, medics went around to each Soldier and checked for signs of immersion foot, which is preventable.
"We are making sure their feet aren't cracked, and giving them time to allow their feet to dry. We use moleskin to reduce friction, and also foot powder," said Spc. William Greening, 3rd Platoon, 1-116th's medic. He said that the nightly rains have made it almost impossible for the Soldiers to dry their socks and boots before putting them back on again for the next mission, creating a breeding ground for bacteria, and possibly severely impact the mission if Soldiers are taken out of the fight.
"Usually, we are pretty hands off, but we wanted to avoid real world casualties and anyone who was going to be potentially taken off the mission," Devescovi said. Prior to joining the reserves, he was active duty and spent much of his time patrolling.
"I know dismounted patrols and I love patrolling, it's near and dear to me. What I like to emphasis is that they understand the basic mechanics of patrolling," he said. He joined the reserves after serving on active duty with the 1st Ranger Battalion.
This is Devescovi's first OC mission, and helping him through are the observer coach/trainers of 1st Battalion, 306th Infantry Regiment.
"I've learned a lot from them. Many have platoon sergeant time and a lot of experience," he said.
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