3-121, 48IBCT Engage in Challenging Live-Fire Exercise

By Spc. Ryan TatumJune 21, 2017

3-121, 48IBCT Engage in Challenging Live-Fire Exercise
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

Georgia National Guard Soldiers from 3rd Battalion, 121st Infantry Regiment, 48th Infantry Brigade Combat Team conducted a maneuver live fire exercise as part of the eXportable Combat Training Capability exercise, June 15. The Soldiers started with basic Army skill-level training and were tested day and night prior to conducting the live fire.

The XCTC is a three week long brigade field training exercise designed to certify 48th IBCT's readiness at the platoon level. The 48th IBCT is partnered with 3rd Infantry Division during XCTC and is under the command of 3rd ID as part of the Army's Associated Unit Pilot Program.

Staff Sgt. Dylan M. Clarke, an observer coach and trainer from Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team engaged in the training with the intent to teach.

"The platoon is doing a basic attack that involves clearing a bunker," said Clarke. "We want them to build their own confidence in the training and to be safe while doing it because it is a live-fire exercise."

Clarke said from the first day of training until now, the Soldiers have made improvements in leadership positions. The Soldiers arrived with a basic knowledge of infantry tactics. The OC's guidance to the Soldiers has made a significant change and has helped them become more efficient, according to Clarke.

"They are in the stages to be battlefield ready, and there is always room for improvement," said Clarke. "I believe, that if they were called to deploy, they would be able to handle themselves properly."

Staff Sgt. Reginald Lyons, a squad leader for Charlie Company, 3-121, said he will take back this knowledge to improve his unit.

"The biggest thing I will take back is more on the squad tactical infantry level -just different ways that I can train them to progress and stay sharp," said Lyons.

Clarke enjoys being an OC because he is able to view the training from another aspect.

"Being an OC is a rewarding experience -being able to see things from the other perspective, not actually conducting the training yourself, but seeing how things are done," said Clarke. "It's easy to see where the improvements need to be, especially in my own squad. After watching other individuals, I noticed the same patterns in my squad. So, it is a great experience and it might be something I want to pursue further in my career as well," he said.

Lyons said the training is proving to be both challenging and rewarding for the Soldiers in his squad.

"It's challenging. They find it very rewarding after they go through the challenge," said Lyons. "Overall, they walk around with their heads a lot higher than they were the first day here. It's been a great experience and they are enjoying themselves."