In case you didn't know, a group of foxes is called a skulk. And the Army's Field Artillery branch has a skulk of newly minted fire support specialists, known as 13 Foxes.
B Battery, 1st Battalion, 78th Field Artillery at Fort Sill recognized the newest graduates from the Advanced Individual Training (AIT) 13F class numbers 19-13 and 20-13 on April 24.
Their instructors pinned the crossed Napoleon cannons insignia of the field artillery branch on the graduate's left lapel, signifying that each Soldier has been branch-qualified by the Army and the FA commander, and that they are true artillerymen.
"In B Battery we train two types of specialists 13 Foxes, who are forward observers that direct artillery fires, and 13 Tangos, who are survey and metrological specialists," said Capt. Prince Zawolo, B Battery commander, 1-78th FA. "The 13F training cycle takes about six weeks. For today's graduation we combined our 13F classes, so we had 58 graduates today."
Guest speaker for the graduation ceremony was retired Brig. Gen. Jesse Cross. A distinguished Army veteran with 32 years of service, Cross gave the graduates some practical advice for success.
"You have made it past the first gate. There are many more that you'll have to pass through. Take advantage of every opportunity to excel. You are the strength of our tomorrow," Cross said. "We challenge all of you to improve and learn something new every day; to stay focused and not forget the Soldier's Creed. Get your education and be a positive role model. Don't forget you are a band of brothers."
Cross went on say that some of the graduates would serve in the Army for six, 10, 20 or even 30 years, with a few of them returning to Fort Sill as FA instructors themselves.
"But no matter how long you serve, we are grateful that you have answered the call of duty, so that many Americans can live and experience the American dream. A dream rooted in a proud nation," Cross said.
Zawolo added that the 1-78th FA has a class of Soldiers graduating almost every week, representing one of the seven field artillery specialties.
"The number of students in the program varies between 200 and 250 Soldiers. It's a continuous flow," he said.
Six Soldiers were also recognized for their outstanding performance in their classes during the 13F training cycle.
Distinguished honor graduates:
-- Pfc. Marc Liberman Class 19-13. Class average of 99.20 percent
-- Pvt. Thomas Pereau Class 19-20. Class average of 98.89 percent
Master shooter awards:
-- Pfc. Timothy Jensen Class 19-13
-- Pvt. Eric Norman Class 19-20
Army physical fitness awards:
-- Pfc. Anthony Aviles Class 19-13. Scored 293 out of 300
-- Pfc. Brandon Willingham Class 19-20. Scored 300 out of 300
Social Sharing