FORT HOOD, Texas -- On a given day, an Army intelligence analyst might double as a master fitness trainer or a combat medic may be a road guard.
Because Soldiers are expected to possess a broad spectrum of skills, it is important they conduct routine and specialized training to keep up with the Army's changing needs.
During the first week of September, Soldiers assigned to the 1st "Ironhorse" Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division made time for routine training while continuing preparations for several missions across Europe this fall.
More than 20 Ironhorse Soldiers took to the classroom and the road to earn a basic, yet crucial, certification: a military driver's license.
"(It is) very important that we have Soldiers properly trained and licensed on vehicles that we will be using," said Sgt. Travis Willingham, a master driver assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company "Hammer," of the Ironhorse Brigade. "Without drivers, you don't have any mobility. (Without) mobility, you don't have an operation."
Since the upcoming exercises Combined Resolve III and Atlantic Resolve span several European countries, this particular round of driver's training will prove its value once Soldiers are on the ground.
"We are going to need the vehicles, so we can transport everything from (people to) supplies, weapons and ammunition," said Willingham, a native of Edinburg, Texas.
Licensed drivers are needed to move vehicles from ships and trains for use throughout ongoing training operations with NATO allies.
The mission is more efficient when Soldiers possess multiple certifications, including a military driver's license, said 1st Sgt. James Wichet, Hammer Company senior noncommissioned officer.
"Every person (in) a section should be able to operate every piece of equipment," said Witchet, a Houston, Texas, native.
If a Soldier gets sick and is unable to drive, it can cost time and affect overall mission success, especially if the rest of the team is incapable of filling in, Wichet added.
In addition to basic driver's training, Soldiers will later receive more mission specific instruction before heading to Germany, Estonia, Lithuania, Latvia and Poland.
"Some of these Soldiers have never been to Europe, so a lot of intense training is going on to make sure that they understand the rules and regulations for driving in Europe," Wichet said.
Social Sharing