Spc. Christopher Butts, with E Troop, 2nd Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, demonstrates to Pfc. Anthony Malear, also with E troop, the proper way to unscrew a main-gun barrel from a Bradley Fighting Vehicle as part of training for an upcoming Bradley Gunnery Skills Test, here, Nov 27. By using hip-pocket training, first-line supervisors are able to ensure that junior Soldiers get trained to standard.
Troopers from E Troop, 2nd Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, are training to keep their Soldier skills sharp between training rotations at the National Training Center and Fort Irwin.
During training rotations, the 11th ACR provides an opposing force for rotational units to test their mettle. Nevertheless, it’s important to the Regiment that its Soldiers also maintain their core competencies.
“With all of the training we provide to the rest of the Army, it’s important to make time to train yourselves and train your Soldiers,” said Sgt. Kenneth Cruise, a team leader with E Troop. “We take some of our off-time during the rotation to provide what training we can from manuals and experience. But, it doesn’t compare to being to schedule and planning solid training on the equipment that will prepare our Troopers for combat.”
Troops all across the Regiment are using the time in between rotations to check on their equipment and their proficiency with said equipment. By using hip pocket training, first-line supervisors are able to ensure that junior Soldiers get trained to standard.
“Replicating an insurgent force or an enemy army is fun,” said Pfc. Anthony Malear, a Bradley Fighting Vehicle driver with E Troop. “However, it’s good to get back to using my core skills, keeping them sharp for whenever I might need them.”
While other units might be able to take a knee after a hard rotation, 11th ACR Troopers are already training for the next fight. Recent training included maintenance of Bradley’s, firing procedures, and tactics used for targeting.
“The training we are doing here has helped me better understand my equipment’s capabilities and allows me to do my job as a Soldier more effectively,” said Pfc. Christopher Butts, a Bradley driver with E Troop.
Troopers from E Troop are proving their commitment to their profession of arms. Their dedication to honing their craft is in keeping with the highest traditions and standards in the U.S. Army.
