FORT HOOD, Texas - There were no text books, chalkboards or classrooms used to educate approximately 66 teachers from the central Texas community on how the Soldiers from the 2nd Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division "Thunder Horse" prepare for deployment here Aug 19.
"I was new to the unit when we deployed and had to learn their standard operating procedures (SOP)," said Spc. Jessie Wilson, one of the team leaders for Company B. "So it's cool I got to show these people today what I've learned over the past year and help them understand what we do a little better."
Wilson and the rest of his company simulated a patrol in an Iraqi village at the base's Phantom Run range. The Soldiers reacted to small-arms fire, improvised explosive devices and rocket propelled grenades.
Afterwards, the educators spoke with the Soldiers to learn more about their jobs in the military.
"One teacher actually touched one of the plates in my vest and said 'oh that's heavy,'" said Wilson, a native of Bronx, N.Y. "This was real good stuff."
The day wasn't over for the teachers though. They also went on to the Engagement Skills Trainer, where the group practiced marksmanship techniques using a scenario-simulation program.
"My favorite part of the day was just interacting with the Soldiers," said Katie Bloomquist, a reading teacher at Cavazos Elementary School. "Hearing their stories and seeing what they do helps you understand what they've gone through and the sacrifices they've made."
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