35th ADA Brigade Soldiers Conduct Week-Long Warrior Task Training
by Pfc. Gretchen N. Goodrich

            Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea—While most Air Defense Artillery units focus on shooting down tactical ballistic missiles, the Soldiers of Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 35th Air Defense Artillery Brigade, recently spent their week in the field training on basic warrior tasks.

            During Feb. 22-28, the air defenders trained and completed various warrior tasks to include weapon assembly, mount training, nuclear, biological and chemical training, first aid and more.

            “We focused on warrior tasks and battle drill training,” said Capt. David L. Tervin, HHB commander.  By training to fight, the soldiers got a taste of what is to come in the next field exercise, added Tervin.

“The purpose was to train up new soldiers and train in areas we don’t really train on,” said Master Sgt. Michael Belt, the communications non-commissioned officer in charge. 

            Training classes were developed and instructed by the battery platoon sergeants or subject-matter experts to ensure the soldiers were getting adequate and efficient training.  The hands-on training also allowed the soldiers to have some fun.

            Spc. Russell S. Pate, a mechanic in the battery, had a competition amongst the soldiers to see who could disassembly and reassemble an M249 Squad Automatic Weapon.       

            “I really enjoyed the weapon assembly of the M249,” said Pfc. Eui Young Hwang, a signal support KATUSA (Korean Augmentation Troops to the United States Army)  in HHB.  “M16 assembly is really common, but I have never touched an M249 before.” 

At left,  Sgt. Tae Sub Lee, who works in the 35th ADA Brigade supply section, puts pressure on a wound during the first aid class offered during the battery’s field training exercise. At right,  Sgt. Angela A. Reznickcheck, the brigade’s Nuclear Biological and Chemical NCO, shows the soldiers how to properly clean their gas masks.

            Having to evaluate a casualty was another hands-on class for the troops as they used an actual person to assess and perform medical aid.  The soldiers learned how to take care of their fellow soldiers, whether on the battlefield or at home with their families, said Sgt. Jeffrey W. Page, the battery’s medic. 

            The soldiers also trained on battle field skills, such as being a part of a quick-reaction force.  Instructors gave soldiers real-life scenarios and pointers in how to quickly gain control of an environment and work together as a team.   

            “The QRF training was a great way to prepare soldiers for events they might actually encounter in a firefight,” said Pvt. Michael Ramstetter, a fire direction control operations assistant.  “As soldiers, we must know how to press on and fight.”

            The training also showed the warfighters how to handle their weapons while running, rolling and even falling, sad Pfc. Bobby J. Ortiz, the battery’s orderly room clerk.

            Other training the soldiers received involved calling from radios to request a medical evacuation and how to accurately perform guard duty while in the field.

            With the cold temperatures and snow during the week of training, safety was of concern. 

            “We had heated warming tents and held the classes inside to keep the soldiers out of the cold,” said Belt.  The NCOs present ensured that the soldiers pulling guard duty rotated out every few minutes.

            Regardless of the snow flurries and the temperatures, the soldiers completed the training and even spent the last few days of training testing their knowledge.

            “I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished,” said Tervin.  HHB has an important mission in the brigade; we support the brigade headquarters that is in care of two battalions, said Tervin.

            Not only was the training great, but so was the food.

            “We had two food sergeants doing it all, serving two hot meals a day-it’s been phenomenal,” said Tervin.

            Overall, the battery’s objective of training soldiers was maximized.  Not only were the soldiers prepared for the next field exercise, they received warrior tasks and battle drill focused training that also keyed in on the battery’s mission essential task list, said Tervin.

            Training is always of value, said Belt.  “If you don’t use it, you become weak in it so train up so it becomes second nature.” 

Pfc. Gretchen N. Goodrich is assigned to HHB, 35th Air Defense Artillery Brigade,  Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea.