The 1st Squadron,32nd Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, spent nearly two weeks training in day and night live fire, Nov. 1-10, during Eagle Flight II exercise that was held at Fort Knox.
The training included multiple exercises and situations, aiding Soldiers in perfecting standard operating procedures and improving their ability to conduct reconnaissance missions for 1st BCT.
All Bandit units executed platoon-level combined arms maneuver ranges, including dry, blank and live fire duration as both mounted and dismounted elements.
"Hearing and seeing each gunner talk their weapon system, while engaging multiple targets simultaneously gives you a feeling like no other," said Sgt. Cody Hill, platoon leader's gunner, 3rd Platoon, Troop A, 1-32nd Cavalry Regiment.
A common term used by Soldiers is "make our guns talk," which describes the sound of multiple weapon systems firing together.
"Our guns weren't just talking they were singing," said 1st Lt. Brandon Slocum, platoon leader, 3rd Platoon, Troop A.
The 1-32nd's Troops A, B, and C and the distribution platoon from Company D each had the opportunity to execute and perfect scenarios built to challenge the capabilities of the units.
Communication is vital to 1-32nd's mission as it provides specific information requirements to the headquarters and other units within 1st BCT.
"This exercise helped our platoon communicate between sections and to our higher headquarters a lot more than before," Hill said.
While Troop A conducted live-fire training, Troop B took on situational training exercises involving a force-on-force mission.
Each platoon had the requirement to participate in troop leading procedures and build a plan to collect information on possible enemy locations. They also created and executed reconnaissance missions on specific areas of interest within their area of operation.
"We conducted a screen and a zone recon mission where I was able to see both sides of the scenario," said Pfc. Joseph Levato, 2nd Platoon Scout, Troop B. "It helps you gain a better understanding of what the enemy would do in either situation. The missions showed me the importance of communication within our platoons and it gave me more confidence to get on a radio and call up what was needed."
Soldiers of Troop C, 1-32nd Cav. Regt.'s dismounted troop, conducted live-fire ranges and then quickly moved into situational training exercises. They executed several air assault missions as the squadron was supported by the Kentucky National Guard with aviation assets, improving their mobility and cross-unit planning.
Troop C's sniper, scout and mortar teams dispersed into the woods to practice dismounted long range reconnaissance, as well as how to remain unidentified in thick and challenging terrain.
"Steep terrain and dense vegetation slowed movement and tested the ability of my team to carry combat loads while still having the physical and mental stamina to execute our mission," said Sgt. Jeremey Zanolini, senior sniper in Troop C. "The thick underbrush tested our ability to move undetected and emplace the sniper team in positions that allowed them to observe multiple objectives."
Soldiers of 1-32nd Cav. Regt. distribution platoon supports squadron operations by providing ammunition, water and other supplies. They also provide recovery operations for any vehicles that might break down or are unable to move on the battlefield.
This section holds a huge responsibility in ensuring troops and their vehicles are mission capable.
"Being a new platoon leader for the distro platoon, it felt great to run the range with my platoon," said 1st Lt. Brant Cross, Company D's platoon leader.
Soldiers of the distribution platoon not only engaged enemy targets during their iterations, but also conducted a recovery operation under fire, as they towed a tactical vehicle from the range. They also had the opportunity to call for indirect fire during their exercises.
"My favorite part of the range was the integration of calling for fire," Cross said. "We do not get a lot of training on it as the distro platoon, therefore planning with the fire support officer and calling for fire was added realism."
The squadron collectively exercised all capabilities during the Fort Knox training.
The exercise made the Soldiers more comfortable and proficient with their weapon systems,
communication and overall skills in their functions.
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