Finance Soldiers demonstrate readiness during tactical, technical training event

By 1st Lt. Jonathan W. BobbDecember 22, 2015

Finance Soldiers demonstrate readiness during tactical, technical training event
1 / 4 Show Caption + Hide Caption – (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Finance Soldiers demonstrate readiness during tactical, technical training event
2 / 4 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Spc. Nikita S. Silantyev and Spc. Anton Klokun, left, cashiers with Bravo Detachment, 106th Financial Management Support Unit, or FMSU, disburse notional foreign currency to Sgt. Suleman O. Raji, right, certifying officer for Bravo Detachment, 106th ... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Finance Soldiers demonstrate readiness during tactical, technical training event
3 / 4 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Cpl. George Kuntublankenson, an automations noncommissioned officer with the 106th Financial Management Support Unit, configures the Very Small Aperture Terminal, providing basic network connectivity for the Financial Management Tactical Platform dur... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Finance Soldiers demonstrate readiness during tactical, technical training event
4 / 4 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Spc. Nikita S. Silantyev and Spc. David Z. Carreon, cashiers with Bravo Detachment, 106th Financial Management Support Unit, connect tow straps to recover a disabled vehicle during "React to Improvised Explosive Devise" training at Rhine Ordnance Bar... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

KAISERSLAUTERN, Germany (Dec. 22, 2015) -- Finance Soldiers, assigned to the 16th Special Troops Battalion, 16th Sustainment Brigade, tested their squads' tactical mettle during improvised explosive device, or IED, training at Rhine Ordnance Barracks, Dec. 10.

Soldiers, of Bravo Detachment, in coordination with the 106th Financial Management Support Unit, or FMSU, Headquarters, began the day with a detachment-wide alert, then convoyed to the training area for financial management training in a tactical environment. Troops also went through IED scenarios, testing their ability to adapt to adverse situations.

"We've been gradually preparing for this training for nearly three months now," said Capt. Christopher Miles, Bravo Detachment commander. "It was great to see the unit conduct operations encompassing the full-spectrum of its capabilities."

The training marked the first full-scale emergency deployment readiness exercise and capabilities validation for the 106th FMSU this fiscal year.

"First, we had to prepare our equipment by making sure it's functional and operating properly," said Spc. Ljubomir Komso, a disbursing technician for Bravo Detachment. "Through our command maintenance program, we practiced using it in our weekly training events and it really allowed us to accomplish our missions."

After the exercise, Soldiers from Baumholder and Kaiserslautern participated in a coordinated exercise, which tested both their tactical and technical proficiencies.

"The headquarters Soldiers gave technical support in order for us to effectively perform client server set up for our financial support mission," said Spc. Prashant Patil, a financial management technician for Bravo Detachment. "Specifically, and critical to our mission, was the accessibility of internet access through the setup of the very small aperture terminal system allowing the systems to communicate with each other."

Setting up deployable communications equipment, the headquarters element directly supported disbursing transactions for the detachment, demonstrating expeditionary financial operations in serious conditions.

"The training was unique because the headquarters was able to test their own capabilities while assisting the detachment," Patil said.

The daily mission of providing pay support to more than 8,000 service members in the Kaiserslautern Military Community makes training experiences like these difficult, yet rewarding as the opportunity broadens finance Soldiers' skill sets.

"Because a large part of what we do is mostly technical, a major priority of the training incorporated convoy operations and warrior skills," said 2nd Lt. Matthew R. Lane, the disbursing agent for Bravo Detachment.

The exercise focused on movement to harsh locations to provide financial support. En route to different objectives, Soldiers could expect anything from civilian crowds to complex IED attacks.

"Personally, I gained experience in operating a Humvee and how to react to an IED, which boosted my overall confidence level," said Pfc. Ana M. Lacaden, a financial management technician for Bravo Detachment.

Soldiers, of the 106th FMSU, successfully synchronized assets across multiple echelons to deploy their financial capabilities, simultaneously conducting full-spectrum operations.

"It was really impressive to see our team operating so effectively," said 1st Sgt. Terry L. Anderson, 106th FMSU first sergeant. "They were really motivated to execute these tasks in the field."

Conducting training throughout all stages of contingency operations, to include mobilization, deployment, and occupation, Soldiers of the 106th FMSU improved and demonstrated readiness to support the mission.

"We are part of a team and our mission is to provide financial support in both field and garrison environments," said Spc. Andriy Gordiychuk, a cashier for Bravo Detachment. "We achieve this by training to be flexible and knowing our equipment in order to support financial readiness within the [Operation] Atlantic Resolve alliance."

Related Links:

Army.mil: Europe News

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