FORT CARSON, Colo. -- Family members of 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, hustled to formation Saturday to learn what it is like to be a Soldier.
Standing at attention in Ironhorse Park, 40 "Raider" Brigade Family members replied, "Yes drill sergeant," as Sgt. 1st Class Craig Kitt, 4th Battalion, 42nd Field Artillery Regiment, 1st BCT, 4th Inf. Div., took command of the formation, providing a realistic scenario of what it is like to be a Soldier for a day.
The 1st BCT Rear Detachment coordinated the "Raider for a Day" activities, offering military operations in urban terrain training exercises, simulation training using an M16 assault rifle and a .50-caliber machine gun, hand-to-hand combat demonA,Astrations, medical evacuation exercises and a physical training session, which included pushups, sit-ups and stretches.
"We wanted our Family members to get a taste of what their deployed Soldiers go through," said Lt. Col. David Meyer, brigade executive officer. "I think the Families will feel closer to their Soldier after today."
The Raider Brigade deployed to Afghanistan August. The Soldiers went through months of training prior to deployment, and their Families received an introduction to that training Saturday.
"We want to give the spouses an opportunity to get involved while their Soldiers are deployed," said Capt. Jason Elrod, 1st. Bn., 66th Armor Regiment, who helped conduct the training.
The Family members went through five hours of continuous training, taking only a 10-minute break to eat their "Meals Ready to Eat" or "Jimmy Deans."
"My husband gave me a few MRE tips, like not to eat the gum because it's a laxative," said Misty Bruce, a Family readiness group leader.
Bruce participated in the activities with her friends, Amy Martindale and Natosha Lawson, who also have husbands deployed in Raider brigade.
Geared in Advanced Combat Helmets and Improved Outer Tactical Vests, the Family members learned how to clear a house.
"We want to show the spouses the basics of clearing a house," said Staff Sgt. Troy Crabb, 1st Bn., 22nd Inf. Reg., 1st BCT, 4th Inf. Div. "We have a limited amount of time but they seem to be catching on quickly."
Bruce, Martindale and Lawson stacked on a cardboard house inside the 1st Bn., 22nd Inf. Reg., central operation facility, going room by room kicking down doors yelling "bang bang" at targets.
"I didn't realize the gear was going to be so heavy," said Lawson.
"I can't wait to call my husband and tell him all the things I did today."
Scouts from 7th Squadron, 10th Cavalry, 1st BCT, 4th Inf. Div., taught the Family members how to load a weapon and fire from the prone position at the engaging skills trainer simulator.
"It was hard to reload the .50-cal," Martindale said during the simulation. "It takes a lot of strength to pull the bolt back."
The group took turns firing an M16 and .50-caliber machine gun, aiming at a screen during a simulated attack.
"My favorite part was manning the .50-cal," Bruce said. "After today, I have a greater appreciation for what my husband does."
The Families finished the day with a better understanding of all the hard work their Soldiers do.
As the "Raider for a Day" ended, Lawson said "It was fun playing Soldier for a day, but I don't see myself joining the Army anytime soon."
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