FORT HOOD, Texas - As Soldiers prepare for their upcoming gunnery - a series of ranges for armor personnel to become proficient in their skills - there are many behind-the-scenes functions that aid in their success.
The 1st Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment, "Black Knights," 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, conducted pre-gunnery operations here, Aug. 20-24.
Capt. James Martin, the assistant operations officer for 1st Bn., 5th Cav. Regt., said throughout the week the Black Knights focused on the essentials, such as: range safety procedures, crew evaluations, fire and medical safety, weapons verification, logistical support and communication operations.
Pre-gunnery operations are designed to develop and establish standard operating procedures for gunnery operations, explained Martin.
"We focus on the support side so we can get ahead of the curve," said Martin. "By ensuring everyone follows protocol and everything is in place, gunnery will be successful."
That success comes from each company in the battalion supporting each other.
Companies took turns running the range to familiarize themselves with the operations, and ensure tank and Bradley crewmembers have an accurate run through the gunnery lanes in October, said Capt. Kyle Hatzinger, the commander for Company D., 1st Bn., 5th Cav. Regt.
"Working together means crews can obtain knowledge from the more experienced crew members, which means prerequisites will be met and gunnery becomes more efficient," added Hatzinger.
"Learning from other crews helps reduce mistakes in gunnery, it allows for a smoother experience overall," said Sgt. Carlos Avalos, a tank commander for Company D.
Logistical support was a large factor during the week as well, added Martin. Providing logistical support ensures other Black Knight companies can focus on their range operations.
The Black Knight's Echo Forward Support Company conducted two logistical patrols a day in support of the range and crews.
"We provided recovery assets, fuel, food, ice and other needed supplies," said 1st Lt. Matthew Cline, a platoon leader for Echo FSC.
In between supplying the other companies, Echo FSC soldiers utilized the extra time to conduct training that mirrored real world operations overseas.
"Operations during gunnery and while deployed are performed in a different capacity so we used this week as a prep phase," added Cline.
Preparation paid off as Black Knight crews and soldiers successfully prepared for gunnery while learning range procedures, building stability and team integration, said Martin.
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