SCHOFIELD BARRACKS, Hawaii " More than 100 Samoa-based U.S. Army Reservists of the 100th Battalion, 442nd Infantry Regiment, 9th Mission Support Command, returned to American Samoa, June 30, after completing 18 days of training at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii.
The Soldiers from B (“Bravo”) Company, C (“Charlie”) Company and the 740th Combat Support Company were in Hawaii June 13-30 to practice their skills in an environment that simulates how combat, logistical and other base support operations, work in a deployed environment.
“Annual training is the culmination of our entire training year,” said Bravo Company Commander Capt. Blake Byars. “In order to join our battalion and fully train on our company’s mission essential tasks, we come to a location like Schofield Barracks,” said Byars.
Members of Bravo and Charlie Companies conducted training and qualification on the M-4 Rifle, M-249 Squad Automatic Weapon, and the M-240B Automatic Rifle. They also completed two live fire exercises, counter improvised explosive device training, advanced short range marksmanship, and military operations in urban terrain, or “MOUT” training.
According to many of the Soldiers, the training took great perseverance, hard work and team building to successfully complete the missions.
“Training was all day, every day and there were many rehearsals which were really effective,” said Pfc. James Faumuina, an infantryman in Charlie Company. “I commend our leaders for their dedication, nonstop drills and hard work to help us become better Soldiers. They pushed us to the limit, but they also made the training challenging and fun.”
While Bravo and Charlie Companies conducted infantry training events, the 740th CSC provided logistical support to the entire 525 Soldiers of the 100th Battalion by distributing ammunition and hot meals as well as providing transportation and maintenance support.
Pfc. Alexandria So’oaemalelagi, a water purification specialist with the 740th CSC, said, “Each day we pushed approximately 10,000 rounds of ammo to each of the infantry companies. We conducted logistical support both day and night throughout the duration of annual training.”
“I was always on a mission,” said Pfc. Arrielle Maloata, a transportation specialist. “I was either transporting the infantry companies to and from ranges, pushing chow to locations all over Schofield Barracks, or providing water to each company. We drove more than 60 miles each day.”
The 100th Battalion’s 2011 annual training was quite an experience for all Soldiers involved and the leadership was incredibly proud.
“Our Toa o Samoa did an outstanding job,” said Byars. “The non-commissioned officers at all levels have spent the past 12 months preparing for this annual training. The Soldiers executed their mission successfully and without any major issues. Now we return home to prepare for our 2012 annual training. ”
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