FORT LEONARD WOOD, Mo. -- (Oct. 4, 2012) The Soldiers from Company C, 1st Battalion, 48th Infantry Regiment started their seventh week of Basic Combat Training by transitioning from Basic to Advance Rifle Marksmanship.
"They're back in the Engagement Skills Trainer, our fully functional weapons simulator. Soldiers move beyond the basics of marksmanship and apply the same fundamental skills while wearing their full combat load of equipment and non-standard firing positions," said Lt. Col. Erik Anderson, 1-48th Inf. Bn. commander.
On Tuesday, they continued Advanced Rifle Marksmanship by transitioning from basic iron sights to using the close combat optic and the AN/PAQ-4 ("Pack-4") infra-red laser to engage targets at night under night vision optics. They also executed reflexive fire techniques used in close quarters battle focusing on firing positions and stance, movement techniques, and target identification and engagement skills.
By Friday, they were ready to head out to the Urban Operations site to learn tactics, techniques, procedures, Warrior Tasks and Battle Drills for executing effective military operations in an urban environment.
"Urban Operations is basically clearing rooms. They learned how to clear a room, to make sure there are no enemies hiding and any casualties are taken care of," said Staff Sgt. Leslie Watkins, Co. C, 1-48th Inf. Bn. drill sergeant. "This is building their confidence on how fast they can enter and clear a room."
First, the Soldiers practiced in a square made with tape, to simulate rooms. Then, they moved into the fake homes.
"We have rooms set up just like a house. There are couches, beds, and dressers. It's good for them to be able to think quickly," Watkins said. "It's a smaller space, they don't know what's behind the door -- it gets their adrenaline up."
Pvt. Jesse Henderson said even though he knew there wouldn't be real people hiding inside, the adrenaline rush he got during the training was real.
"It's totally different than the engineer tape. It's a lot more serious. We had to be focused," Henderson said.
Watkins said part of that adrenaline rush comes from firing their weapons in such a small space, within close proximity to their battle buddies.
"We let them use blanks in there," Watkins said.
Henderson said he learned how to depend on his team leader during the exercise.
"You have to have a good team leader. Pvt. Andrew Jobes was my team leader. He did really good. He has this squared away," Henderson said.
Next week the Soldiers will attack week eight of training, while preparing for their final and most extensive Field Training Exercise in week 9.
Pvt. Tayler Douglas, 18, Los Angeles, Calif.
MOS: 68P Radiology Specialist
How does it feel to be in your final phase of BCT: "I am very happy to be almost done with this. I've worked so hard."
How are you doing with Close Quarter Battle and Urban Operations training: "We've been doing ready-ups, so going into the room and actually shooting at targets is fun."
What have you enjoyed the most this week: "At night we got to use night vision. It was so cool. It looked awesome because you could see everything as clear as day -- except it was green."
Pvt. Andrew Jobes, 18, Eminence, Ind.
MOS: 13D Field Artillery Automated Tactical Data Systems Specialist
How does it feel to be in your final phase of BCT: "Awesome. I am counting down the days until Oct. 18."
How are you doing with Close Quarter Battle and Urban Operations training: "It's fun. Being able to actually do it is really cool."
What have you enjoyed the most this week: "The night fire because we got to use night vision scopes."
Pfc. Darwin Rivera, 21, Puerto Rico
MOS: 91B Wheeled Vehicle Mechanic
How does it feel to be in your final phase of BCT: "Awesome. I just excited because I want to go to Advanced Individual Training and try those things. I want to get out of here as soon as possible. I'm use to all the training, so it's not as fun."
How are you doing with Close Quarter Battle and Urban Operations training: "It feels good because I had never done that. I had seen it in the movies and wondered how they do it. Now, I am doing it and it is really hard because you have to be alert and quick. I like to practice that."
What have you enjoyed the most this week: "The night vision exercise was cool, but it was uncomfortable."
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