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Sgt. Dustin Gautney
2HBCT Public Affairs
Recently Soldiers from 3rd Squadron, 7th Cavalry, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, began a succession of rapid training to prepare themselves for their upcoming deployment to the Joint Readiness Training Center in Folk Pork, Louisiana.
Most military units that deploy to JRTC often have months of train-up prior to their training rotation. However, since the Saber Squadron has only had a few weeks’ notice, the unit has made a 360-degree change of their training calendar to better prepare themselves for the challenges of JRTC, according to Lt. Col. Lance Varney, commander, 3-7 Cavalry.
“As soon as we were notified of our JRTC rotation we had to do a complete reversal of our training schedule. Originally we were heavily focused on basic cavalry scout technics and Bradley Fighting Vehicle gunnery. Now that training had to completely change to meet the requirements for JRTC,” said Lt. Col. Varney.
The change in training does not necessary mean a draw back for the squadron, stated Lt. Col. Varney.
“We are taking the approach to JRTC like we would a standard deployment. This means the focus had to change from gunnery to personal readiness; something up till now we have not trained for,” said Lt. Col. Varney. “Just like a standard deployment, were having Soldiers go through every step as if this was an overseas deployment. From the Soldier Readiness Processing, to make sure their personal recorders are in order, to even a town hall and a deployment fair, to ensure our staff has the full experience of a deployment.”
Lieutenant Colonel Varney also stated the deployment preparation training was not only falling primarily on the Soldiers or the Family Readiness Group, but the squadron’s staff has been required to battle plan maneuvers, same as they would for a deployment.
“We have a young staff here, so it was key for them to learn the essential detailed planning and coordinating tasks related to deploying a unit. This meant rigorous mission analysis and Rehearsal of Concept drills, that all have yielded excellent training experiences for the command staff,” said Lt. Col. Varney.
Because of the mission requirements for JRTC, Command Sgt. Maj. Michael Mingle, 3-7 Cavalry, stated the squadron’s Bradley Fighting Vehicle crews had to quickly train-up and certify on light gun trucks to be a vital asset for the squadron during the rotation.
“I am extremely proud of how quickly and proficiently our Soldiers have taken to the changes that have been thrown at them. They really do live up to the motto: Any Mission, Any Time, Any Where,” said. Command Sgt. Maj. Mingle.
Sgt. Dustin Gautney
2HBCT Public Affairs
Soldiers from 3rd Squadron, 7th Cavalry, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, Third Infantry Division, recently completed the squadron’s unstabilized gunnery during a nine-day training exercise held at Fort Stewart.
The squadron associates the success of this year’s gunnery to the work put into the previous year’s gunnery, which focused heavily on basic gunnery fundamentals.
“The difference between this year’s and last year’s gunnery is that we started preparing for this year at the conclusion of gunnery last year,” said Lt. Col. Lance Varney, commander, 3/7 Cav.
Lieutenant Colonel Varney also stated that while the squadron retained much of the knowledge learned from the previous year; many of the crews qualifying were new.
“Although we have many new crews, we still have enough institutional knowledge within the squadron which has made this year’s gunnery go much smoother. Last year we focused heavily on the fundamentals, which allowed the Squadron to qualify about the same number of brand new gunners in about a third of the time,” Lt. Col. Varney said.
“During the gunnery multi-phase training evaluation, learning how to maintain, employ, operate and actually be tested on a weapons system is crucial. Gunnery not only tests competency, but also builds Soldier’s confidence in their individual and team skills while simulating real life battlefield situations,” said Sgt. First Class Noel Sawyer, 3/7 Cav., 2HBCT, squadron master gunner.
Sergeant First Class Sawyer stated that Gunnery is a systematic process that focuses on main weapon systems and validates the training Soldiers have completed throughout the year. It also builds the confidence in the Soldiers, preparing them to use their weapon systems in combat situations.
Sergeant First Class Sawyer agreed with Lt. Col. Varney that the success from the previous year has led to greater success during the squadron’s current gunnery.
“All of our Soldiers, including the officers, noncommissioned officers, gunners and drivers, have done an outstanding job in gunnery this year, building on our successes from last year,” Sgt. First Class Sawyer said.
Capt. Gina Goris
2HBCT Public Affairs
Troopers from 3rd “Saber” Squadron, 7th Cavalry, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, Third Infantry Division, did their part to ensure that the Saber Squadron is living up to the Army Emergency Relief’s Campaign motto of “Soldiers taking care of their own” during a special Army Emergency Relief signing ceremony,
March 16. At the event, the Squadron Command team stressed the importance for Troopers to donate to the Army Emergency Relief Program. The AER Program is an asset that allows Army unit Commands to provide emergency financial assistance to Soldiers - active duty and retired, as well as, their dependents when there is a valid need since 1942. “I would say that the AER program is important for all Soldiers’, their Families’, active and retired, morale and welfare by providing grants or loans for auto and house repair. They provide loans for purchasing a car (down payment), fixing appliances in your home, and much more,” said Command Sgt. Maj. Michael Mingle, 3/7 Cav., 2HBCT. To reinforce this message the Saber Command Team spoke to the Squadron about the importance of the AER program and signed individual donation cards committing to the cause in front of the Squadron formation.
“It is important that each Soldier gives to the Army Emergency Relief two dollars to help fellow Soldiers and or themselves in a time of need, because you might be the next Soldier in need,” said Command Sgt. Major Mingle. “I like the fact that everything we contribute comes directly back to our Soldiers, and feel that we have a responsibility to increase our contributions with the Squadron to better match what our Troopers benefited from last year,” said Lt. Col. Lance Varney, commander, 3/7 Cav. The awareness campaign runs through May 15, 2012. To date the Squadron's Troopers have donated $9,390 during this campaign.
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