FORT SILL, Okla.-- A new era for the Ordnance Training Detachment at Fort Sill began with the activation of a student company June 22.
The activation required Soldiers in the company to wear a new unit patch on their uniforms.
Previously, all 94M Firefinder Radar Repairer and 94S Patriot Missile System Repairer military occupational specialties were assigned to A Battery, 1st Battalion, 78th Field Artillery, for administrative purposes, while all of their MOS instruction was provided by the OTD. Students are now assigned to the OTD for all training and administration.
"The biggest change is the simplicity for the Soldiers," said Maj. Brian Wolford, OTD commanding officer. "Now they are under the same cadre, instructors and company their entire time here. We've had great support from the 1-78th; this just cuts out a layer."
The OTD is under the 73rd Ordnance Battalion, Fort Gordon, Ga., which is part of the Army Sustainment Center of Excellence's 59th Ordnance Brigade, headquartered at Fort Lee, Va.
Almost 120 students received their shoulder sleeve insignias from Wolford, platoon sergeants and other cadre during a ceremony outside Building 1653, Randolph Road -- the OTD's administration facility. The students had previously worn the 1-78th FA patch.
The shield-shaped unit patch features a torch of knowledge surrounded by five stars, said Pfc. Jared Shankin, a 94S student, who participated in the ceremony. The stars represent the five core functions of sustainment: supply and field services, transportation, maintenance, human resources and financial management.
"The patch promotes morale and esprit de corps by symbolizing the SCoE's outstanding contributions to the Army, the Department of Defense and the nation," Shankin said.
Spc. Nathan Poffinbarger, who is about to begin the 94S course, said he was anxious to wear the patch.
"It represents a great start to my future," said Poffinbarger, who recently completed basic training here.
"I'm very excited about fixing the equipment for the Patriot [missile] system."
The patch was created by the Army Sustainment Center of Excellence in January 2009, and has been worn by the OTD staff, or cadre since then, Davila said.
Soldiers in student companies in advanced individual training are now wearing the patch signifying the unification of all the branches under one umbrella, she said.
Editor's note: Some information for this article compiled by the Cannoneer staff.
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