Regulators Take Sergeant's Time Training On The Road

FORT HOOD, Texas - When 1st Sgt. Yolanda Brown of the 53rd Quartermaster Company, 553rd Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 4th Sustainment Brigade, 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) noticed that her company needed some additional motivation during sergeant's time training, she decided to revamp the training and add a little fun.

"I wanted to implement change, away from the old Army way," Brown said. "I want the Soldiers to look forward to participating and to have fun with this change. We cannot anticipate what mission will be assigned to our unit during a deployment, so I want my Soldiers to be jacks of many trades."

The Regulators began their new training July 8 at West Fort Hood by participating in a 3.75 mile ruck march. Each Soldier carried 40 - 60 pounds on their backs and some had their weapons.

During the long march, the company set up training along the route to include: a demonstration of the proper wear and assembly of nuclear, biological, and chemical defense equipment; and preparing the nine-line medical evacuation request and casualty card.

Soldiers also learned how to prevent and treating heat injuries. That training included a demonstration on how to properly insert an IV on a Soldier.

"I enjoyed this training. It was a different experience than the other road marches we've done," said Spc. Jamaal Hatcher. "Some of the inexperienced road marchers appreciated the intervals as a chance to rest. Eventually the company will do this weekly for a great workout and to encourage cohesion."

According to those involved, the goal of sergeant's time training is to develop a cohesive work environment by removing Soldiers from their day to day duties and simulating real-life combat scenarios.

(Spc. Ann Marie White from the 553rd Combat Sustainment Support Battalion contributed to this story)