FORT CARSON, CO - The wind grazed along the grassy hills of Fort Carson on the morning of Feb. 20, 2018. The Soldiers had their eyes peeled on the horizon as they maneuvered forward in formation, ready for anything. One Soldier yelled out, "Contact! Three enemy, 12 o'clock, 300 meters!" The entire squad dropped to the ground to seek cover as they returned fire. Team A prepared to move forward while team B provided security to the rear. They were trained and ready to complete their mission. This drill, among many others, is exactly the type of training 2nd Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, has been conducting in preparation for its upcoming deployment to Afghanistan.

The Soldiers have been diligently training on everything from qualification ranges to rollover training. Troops with the 2nd Sqdn., 1st Cav. Regt. have dedicated countless hours on their combat readiness.

Each troop has filled their calendar with a number of training events, one of them being live-fire exercises, which stress the value of individuals operating coherently as a single unit. From this training, the Blackhawks have not only become experts in marksmanship, but have also mastered movement techniques, battle drills and tactics, which allow them to gain advantage positions over their enemies.

The Blackhawks have enhanced their lethality by engaging and destroying targets with the use of the common remotely operated weapon station, mounted on armored vehicles. Vehicle crews tested on their ability to operate and correct malfunctions on the weapon system. The final test came in the form of a live fire familiarization exercise bringing together all of the critical tasks learned. This training, in addition to the squad tactics, has improved the Blackhawks mounted and dismounted operations.

In addition to direct fire engagement drills, the troops have been certifying their indirect fire infantrymen, commonly referred to as motormen, to employ mortars. These weapons systems enable the force to engage targets in ranges, which extend beyond line of sight.

The Blackhawks gained experience operating the rollover and Maxx Pro vehicles by using the rollover training vehicle at the Fort Carson Training Support Center. Soldiers learned the risk associated in the event of a rollover, not only during combat operations, but in training operations as well. After mounting the vehicle, they experienced three different scenarios, which replicated the chaos of a rollover. Soldiers came out of this training knowing how to egress while maintaining accountability of their crew in the event of a vehicle rollover.

Much of 2nd Sqdn., 1st Cav. Reg. training put an emphasis on counter improvised explosive device (IED) training. Soldiers learned the types and components of IEDs, as well as the skills necessary to recognize them. Troops learned ground sign awareness and how to operate handheld equipment, which aids in the detection of IEDs.

While the training is important, families of the deploying troops are also a top priority ensuring Soldiers' loved ones remain informed and cared for during this transition. Soldiers and their families were encouraged to attend the brigade pre-deployment town hall meeting, where they were valuable resources. Programs, such as the family readiness group and the child and youth services, have reached out offering Soldiers and families support before, during and after deployment. With these programs and events in place, Soldiers can focus on the mission at hand, confident their families are in good hands.

The Blackhawks live by 4th Inf. Div. philosophy of always being ready, working toward implementing the tactics, skills, standard operating procedures and camaraderie, which will contribute to the success of their operations. With deployment rapidly approaching, the training for mission readiness will continue to be the focus of each troop.