Troopers from F Troop, 2nd Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment conduct training prior to a Bradley Gunnery Skills Test, here, Nov. 13. The training included how to assemble, mount, and fire the weapon systems of the Bradley.
Troopers from F Troop, 2nd Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment conducted training for their upcoming Bradley Gunnery Skills Test, here, Nov. 13.
The training included how to assemble, mount and fire the weapon systems on M2 Bradley Fighting Vehicles.
“We are out here training the vital skills necessary to pass the BGST,” said Spc. Joshua Schmall, a Trooper with F Troop, 2/11 ACR. “But more importantly, these weapon skills are the same skills used in a deployed environment. It’s all part of the train to fight, fight to win attitude.”
The BGST is held yearly and allows for Troopers to maintain certification on their weapon systems. Given the 11 ACR’s unique mission in providing an Opposing Force element, it is important that the unit’s Soldiers take time to maintain their basic Soldier skills.
“Our forces stay at the cutting edge of technology, and as such, the M2A1 Bradley Fighting Vehicle is a complicated weapon system,” said Staff Sgt. Jose Munoz, with F Troop, 2/11 ACR. “It’s a critical task to our mission as war fighters to maintain not only efficiency but proficiency. The training here brings me to a level where I am comfortable enough with the weapon system that I could use it, or direct someone in its use.”
A lot of the training is conducted by combat veterans, who are able to use their intimate knowledge of the weapon systems to better teach others. This real world experience adds to the training in ways that cannot be replicated.
Troopers from F Troop, 2nd Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment assemble a weapon system during training for a Bradley Gunnery Skills Test, here, Nov. 13. A lot of the training is conducted by combat veterans, who are able to use their intimate knowledge of the weapon systems to better teach others.
“Some of the same skills on being taught are the ones we use on every Decisive Action Rotation, like Fire Commands,” said Sgt. 1st Class Mike Marks, a Trooper with F Troop, 2/11 ACR. “The fact that we are able to use this training to better ourselves as Soldiers and an Opposing Force makes me more confident in my Troopers.”
Troopers from F Troop, 2/11 ACR are proving their commitment to their profession at arms. Their dedication to improving their craft is in keeping with the highest traditions and standards in the U.S. Army.
