Soldiers from Cohort Company, 2nd Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (LI) conducted a squad-level training exercise Aug. 4-6, 2020, on Fort Drum, N.Y. The unit focused on entering and clearing rooms, conducting simulated raids, and completing situational training exercise lanes that consisted of movement techniques through wooded terrain.
“This training is important because the squad is the foundation of the Army,” said Cpl. Derek Self, 2nd Platoon Team Leader. “My job as a leader is to be hands-on with my guys when it comes to training.”
The “Golden Dragons” prepared for the multi-day exercise by focusing on individual tasks such as urban rifle marksmanship, points of dominance in a room, and marking of the rooms. They transitioned into team-level operations where each team was put through weeks of Battle Drill Six scenarios, testing their ability to operate as a fluid team. Finally, after a live-fire exercise, they were certified to proceed with squad-level operations.
Unit cohesion and skills development were integral for the squad-level event, said 1st Sgt. Daniel Bryan, the Cohort Company first sergeant.
The buildup and the training prepare the Soldiers for combat in urban environments. The training helps with this by creating a foundation of urban tactics that leaders use to develop their Soldiers. Understanding the tactics, techniques, and procedures assists Soldiers with navigating through structures or populated areas.
Cohort Company implemented its previously gained skills and completed the mission tasks to standard. They managed their squads in an urban environment, handled complex situations, disseminated information under stressful circumstances, and completed squad missions during both day and night.
Bryan commended the work put in by all of his Soldiers.
“We have a cohort of capable men and women who [can] absorb knowledge their leaders give them and execute at a high level,” he said. “I believe our Soldiers exceeded the expectation at the company and battalion level.”
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