214th Fires Brigade Soldiers train infantry skills

FORT SILL, Okla. -- In preparation for Soldiers' deployment as security forces to Southwest Asia soon, C Battery, 2nd Battalion, 5th Field Artillery is undergoing intense training in areas outside of its typical fires mission.

The cross-training and diversification of essential skills is both taxing and rewarding for these "Rock Hard" warriors.

"These Soldiers are transitioning from a purely field artillery environment to a movement, more infantry mind-set," explained 2nd Lt. Zach Smith of 4th Platoon.

This transition requires hard work and dedication, but with each class and exercise, team bonds grow stronger and Soldiers more proficient.

"This is bringing us together really well," said Staff Sgt. Kevin Granger of 4th Platoon, "even the guys we just picked up are grasping the concepts and fitting right in."

One such training exercise consisted of three days of infantry style squad movement techniques, urban and village security operations, room and building clearing and the proper handling of detainees.

"These are valuable skills for all Soldiers, and this training is especially good for the younger, less experienced Soldiers," said Spc. Nolan Shed, 2nd Platoon, who is preparing for his third deployment. "We all did this in basic training, but when you do it with your peers and experienced NCOs, you really get the feel for how it works."

The first two days of infantry style training saw C Battery divided into squads and teams with Soldiers moving tactically through woodlines and open terrain while other groups raided buildings and pulled perimeter security for their teammates.

Team after team breeched doors and cleared buildings, while others practiced reacting to direct fire and assaulting through enemy positions before searching prisoners and calling up their reports. The first few runs were carefully coached and rehearsed, but the final ones ran at machine precision with minimal guidance.

The training occurred under the watchful eyes of experienced leadership, including two infantry noncommissioned officer cadre from the 434th Field Artillery Brigade.

Sgt. 1st Class Christopher Coyle and Staff Sgt. Daniel Kakerbeck were present to assist and instruct the fundamental skills necessary to work as a quick reaction force, observing the exercises and filling in blanks when needed.

"You don't see artillery units doing this kind of training every day. These Soldiers are proficient in their job, and now they are training to be well-rounded Soldiers, and they're doing it right," said Coyle as the training progressed and the teams' movements became more efficient and refined.

The Soldiers seemed to unanimously agree with Coyle.

"I'm really enjoying this, it's a great break from our usual training, and I can really see our improvement as we become more disciplined and learn to work together," Pfc. Anteragious Bolton said.

The infantry movement technique training culminated on the third day, when the battery worked as platoons to accomplish missions. For 3rd Platoon, this mission involved moving as squads to a village called Little Chicago, where they quickly established security, cleared the buildings of threats and established entry control points on both ends of the road leading into the village. The efficiency with which the platoon operated was an indication of the quality of training and the Soldiers' motivation and dedication.

"This mission shows the importance of readiness," explained Smith. "We see that we have to be ready for any mission, whether it is fires support or something else altogether. We work with the needs of the Army, and we must be ready for all missions."