FORT STEWART, Ga. - Although it weighs over 50,000 lbs, is equipped with a 25mm cannon and twin missiles capable of destroying targets at a maximum range of 12,300 feet, and is loaded with new technological upgrades, this machine is still not too much of a challenge for them " facing challenges are what they are best at.
They climb aboard the iron beast-perhaps the mightiest, most powerful fighting machine in today’s U.S. Army.
They learn it thoroughly, inside and out. After all, these Bradley Fighting Vehicles will play a big part in accomplishing their mission. This alone makes learning the beast like the back of their hands a priority.
Two 2nd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, Third Infantry Division battalions, including 1st Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment “Battle Boars," 2HBCT, Third ID, and 1st Battalion, 64th Armored Regiment “Desert Rogues," 2HBCT, Third ID, recently received Bradley Fighting Machines, adding more power behind their already heavy brigade.
The Spartan Soldiers are currently undergoing a two " three month training period, completely familiarizing themselves with machines.
The Battle Boars, who received their Bradley vehicles about four weeks ago, are in the process of getting all their Soldiers trained and certified on driving the vehicle while at the same time looking forward to firing the machine.
Staff Sergeant Raymond Richards, Company B, 1/30th Inf. Regt., 2HBCT, said the training has been excellent so far.
“This has really been some good training. We have some Soldiers who already know their way around the Bradley pretty well, but this training is so in depth it’s teaching all of us new things about this machine, experienced and inexperienced,” Staff Sgt. Richards said. “So far we’ve gotten under the hood and inside to check out all the new upgrades in technology, now we’re driving and I know a lot of my guys can’t wait to fire these things.”
Desert Rogue Soldiers received their fighting vehicles, July 6.
Specialist Craig Leib, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1/64th AR, 2HBCT, said he and his battle buddies have learned extensive information on the Bradley vehicles and are in the process of preparing their vehicles for the hands-on training to come.
“Right now, we’re installing radios and squaring away our load plans so when it’s time to actually get in them and train, we’ll be ready to roll,” Spc. Leib said. “I think everyone is pretty much excited to have them; I definitely think they’re not only essential to what we do, but they are also pretty cool.”
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