IRON SNIPER. Strenous competition tests snipers abilities. Soldiers get one shot at. Meet the winners

Transcription

1 8A June 22, 2017 FORT BLISS BUGLE FORT BLISS BUGLE June 22, A Fighting Spirit > BEST OF THE BEST 1. Spc. Jacob Kehler, assigned to 1st Battalion, 6th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, fires a M2010 enhanced sniper rifle during the 1st Armored Division s Iron Sniper competition at McGregor Range, N.M., June Sgt. John Kohaut, assigned to 3rd Bn., 41st Inf. Regt., 1st BCT, 1st AD, looks downrange to find the distance for a target during the unknown distance target acquisition portion of the competition. 3. Staff Sgt. Kyle Johnson, cadre for the 1st AD s Iron Sniper competition, checks the time as two Soldiers complete an unknown distance ruck march. 4. A member of the cadre for the 1st AD s Iron Sniper competition indicates a hit during the unknown distance target acquisition portion of the competition Strenous competition tests snipers abilities Story and photos by Abigail Meyer / Fort Bliss Bugle Editor Soldiers get one shot at > McGREGOR RANGE, N.M. The Army sniper community is a small, highly-select group of Soldiers. Soldiers are chosen by their unit and then go sniper school at Fort Benning, Georgia. Battalion-sized units are usually only authorized a few sniper teams, each made up of two Soldiers. Ten of these highly-trained Soldiers competed in the 1st Armored Division Iron Sniper competition here June 12 through 15 to see who will represent the division at the U.S. Army International Sniper Competition in Fort Benning this October. This gives our sniper teams the ability to train in tough conditions, strenuous events that are going to stretch their abilities as snipers to perform their jobs, said Maj. David Culver, one of the event organizers assigned to 4th Battalion, 6th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division. Fourth Bn., 6th Inf. Regt. hosted the competition, planning the event to mirror the October competition. The days were packed with grueling events some of the distances the Soldiers shot at were three quarters of a mile away. The intense heat and desert landscape were additional challenges for the Soldiers. During the unknown distance target acquisition, the heat created a mirage-like effect that made it difficult for Soldiers to accurately get the distance. With the heat, when you get out farther you start to get that mirage effect coming off f the ground with that wavy effect. It makes distance evaluation a lot more difficult, said 1st Lt. Sean Douville, an event organizer assigned to 4th Bn., 6th Inf. Regt. The Soldiers were shooting at targets much farther than a typical Army qualification range, where the farthest target is about 300 meters away. Essentially we have 10 targets placed out between 200 meters and 1,100 meters, Douville said. The spotter and shooter teams will have two minutes to identify the target and then engage it, identify it, get a distance, get a windage calculation, all the little details that go into taking a shot that s out past 500 meters. They With the heat, when you get out farther you start to get that mirage effect coming off the ground with that wavy effect. It makes distance evaluation a lot more difficult. >> 1st Lt. Sean Douville get one shot first, then if they miss that shot, they have 10 seconds to take a second shot. Not just anyone can become an Army sniper. Just to make the internal unit selection is hard, then to make it through the school is hard. So an individual who has been through both is generally pretty high speed, Culver said. The Soldiers work in two-man teams, with a spotter and shooter. They re both trained to shoot. They all go through the same course. You get paired up in sniper school and learn both aspects of the job, Douville said. A spotter is doing a lot of the math that s incorporated into getting the farther shots while the shooter is inputting all that information into the weapon and actually taking the shot. Other events during the competition included an unknown distance ruck march that wound up being about six miles, a cold bore stress shoot and a 4K stalk lane where Soldiers had to approach a target and get close enough to engage without being spotted. In the end, Sgt. Justin Moench and Spc. Jacob Kehler, both assigned to 1st Battalion, 6th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, took top honors. My favorite event was the target acquisition where we had to talk each other on to targets, range a target and then engage it, Moench said. I would say that is the most realistic training we re going to have before we go downrange. Being able to talk my shooter on to a bad guy and be able to accurately know how far away he is within a few seconds and be able to accurately engage. Moench felt the competition was wellrounded and gave him a good idea of what to expect at the competition in October. He and his partner plan to hit the books and the gym to prepare for that competition. I had a good partner and he definitely did more than his share of the work. We were a good team and worked well together, Moench said. It was definitely a combined effort to get the job done. IRON SNIPER 5. Staff Sgt. Nathaniel Watkins, right, assigned to 4th Battalion, 6th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, keeps time as Soldiers competing in the Iron Sniper competition engage targets at McGregor Range, N.M., June 13. Meet the winners Sgt. Justin Moench, left, and Spc. Jacob Kehler, both assigned to 1st Bn., 6th Inf. Regt., 2nd BCT, 1st AD, won the Iron Sniper 17 competition here June Courtesy Photo

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3 By 2nd Lt. Sam Richardson 2nd Bn., 43rd ADA, 11th ADA Bde. SOUTHWEST ASIA Soldiers assigned to Battery D, 2nd Battalion, 43rd Air Defense Warriors Artillery, 11th Air Defense Artillery Imperial Brigade are well known for having an unrelenting commitment to accomplishing their mission, even if success requires great personal sacrifice. Leaders, however, know that for Soldiers to sustain the fight and accomplish the mission over an extended period, they need time to rest and give attention to their professional development, personal lives and interests and families. So, while training or in the fight, leaders make time for Soldiers to take a knee. Additionally, this past month, Soldiers assigned to Btry. D made sure the battery s equipment received a similar opportunity to take a break and recover from long periods of continuous operation. Soldiers assigned to the battery cannot accomplish their mission and defend assets in Southwest Asia without operationally ready equipment. This makes maintenance one of the unit s top priorities, especially while deployed. Because of this, Soldiers assigned to the battery inspect and perform basic services on all pieces of equipment in the battery daily. Additionally, every other month the unit deviates from its normal battle rhythm to conduct a period of intensive maintenance called the Preventative Maintenance Sustainment Plan, developed by the battalion s maintenance personnel. The difference between these two levels of service is similar to the difference between conducting a state inspection for your car and having that car totally rebuilt. PMSP is an extreme process, but it is necessary to properly maintain equipment pushed to the extreme by operating at the limits of its capabilities in an unforgiving climate for 24 hours a day and for years at a time. Executing PMSP regularly and to a high standard is an essential and irreplaceable tool for maintaining the unit s FORT BLISS BUGLE June 22, A Equipment takes a knee to maintain combat readiness 1st Lt. Micah Uchida / 43rd ADA, 11th ADA Bde. Second Lt. Sam Richardson, right, and Spc. Veshon Sharp, operators of the engagement control station and assigned to Battery D, 2nd Battalion, 43rd Air Defense Warriors Artillery, 11th Air Defense Artillery Imperial Brigade, conduct Preventative Maintenance Sustainment Plan cosmetic maintenance on radar equipment in Southwest Asia June 4. combat readiness. Daily operations on site change substantially during PMSP. A team of highly specialized Patriot maintainers called the intermediate support element, attached to Team Strength of the 2nd Bn., 43rd ADA, 11th ADA Bde., lead the PMSP effort alongside the system maintainers organic to the battery. Together, these two groups of maintainers remove, clean and test many components of the system that would normally be handled only in the event of a fault hindering daily operations. All other Soldiers assist in the cleaning of these components, power washing and removing corrosion from vehicles, replacing filters, removing build up from radiators and generally supporting the PMSP effort under the direction of the system maintainers. PMSP is a major change of pace from normal operations and is an excellent opportunity for Soldiers to gain a more in-depth understanding of how their equipment operates. During PMSP, system maintenance personnel conduct checks, services and the deep cleaning of all Patriot equipment. On the battery s launching stations, a series of tests are conducted to verify all systems to effectively power up and be combat capable to fire interceptors at a moment s notice. Soldiers run these tests through a system that tests everything the launcher will use to fire a missile. In addition, personnel clean all racks and compartments in the engagement control station from top to bottom by blowing out debris and wiping down all visible cables with tech wipes and alcohol. They also tighten and secure any loose components. This is a painstaking process that takes two operators and one-system maintainer 24 hours to complete. The PMSP process for the radar requires approximately 36 hours of work executed by one operator, four ISE techs and two system maintainers. The delta system maintenance team and ISE worked seamlessly to complete all tasks at hand, resulting in the cutting down of PMSP time from (the scheduled) seven days to just five days, said Warrant Officer Mitchell Fortin, officer in charge of the 2nd Bn., 43rd ADA, ISE team Staff Sgt. Richard Trevino, ISE noncommissioned officer in charge, said working with the battery was a boost to his morale, primarily because of the great support the Diablos gave ISE. Overall, the battery continues to build effective and efficient partnerships with its sister units in the battalion and is going into the next month of training ready and equipped. CWO 2 Joshua Morris / 2nd Bn., 43rd ADA, 11th ADA Bde. Spc. Julian Codina, left, and Sgt. Robert Otterstrom, right, system maintainers assigned to Battery D, 2nd Battalion, 43rd Air Defense Warriors Artillery, 11th Air Defense Artillery Imperial Brigade, make adjustments to radar equipment in Southwest Asia June 2.

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5 FORT BLISS BUGLE June 22, A Mass Communication Specialist Nathan K. Serpico / U.S. Navy Fire Controlman 3rd Class Adrian Valles, from El Paso, feeds line through a scuttle aboard Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Lake Champlain (CG 57) while departing Joint Base Perl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, after a scheduled port visit June 17. Sgt. Christopher Schmiett / 1st AD RSSB Public Affairs Sgt. Eric Drake, holding certificate, right, a motor transport operator assigned to the Special Troops Battalion, 1st Armored Division Resolute Support Sustainment Brigade, reenlists for six years at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, Saturday. Soldiers assigned to the 761st Explosive Ordnance Disposal Company created the controlled detnation behind him. Maj. Richard Adansi Sgt. 1st Class Cynthia Burns Staff Sgt. Jeslyn Chapman Maj. Jabulani Fuller Courtesy Photos Spc. Terrence Wiggins, right, assigned to the U.S. Army Joint Modernization Command, receives a certificate of appreciation from Karen Josephs, military liaison, Nolan Richardson Middle School, during an annual awards luncheon at the school June 1. Wiggins was the unit s outstanding Soldier volunteer of the year. Staff Sgt. Dwayne Jackson Capt. Raynaldo Romero Staff Sgt. Joshua Howell School officials also recognized the JMC with the Partners in Education Prestigious Partner Award and several other Soldiers, pictured above, for their efforts at the school. Sgt. Devone Collins / 24th Press Camp Headquarters From left, Staff Sgt. Eric Atkinson, Staff Sgt. Juan Rocha, Sgt. Zachary Diglio, Spc. Timothy Wood, Spc. Ryan French, and Pvt. Jeremy Blevins pose for a photo with the Gainey Cup during the St. George Ball at the Centennial Banquet and Conference Center here May 25. The Soldiers, who won the cup in May and hold the title as the best scouts in the Army, also pose here wearing their St. George Medals. Master Sgt. Jeremy Bunkley / 1st AD Public Affairs Sgt. 1st Class David Coffelt, assigned to 1st Armored Division Headquarters, poses for a photo with family members here June 2 as he prepares to deploy to Iraq in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. Sgt. Jacob Holmes / 24th Press Camp Headquarters From left, Sgt. 1st Class Joseph Elkins, 1st Sgt. Joseph Kelley and Capt. David Matoi pose for a photo after receiving the St. George Medal during the St. George Ball at the Centennial Banquet and Conference Center here May 25. Courtesy photo Warrior Transition Battalion students who completed certificates in terrorism and homeland security pose with their certificates here May 11. Park University professors taught the courses at the Soldier and Family Assistance Center here. The certificate consists of classes in security, emergency management, homeland security and terrorism and domestic preparedness. The classes are designed to prepare soldiers for future careers in law enforcement and security, and are not only for Soldiers assigned to the WTB.

6 14A June 22, 2017 FORT BLISS BUGLE Capt. Doug Cannon, former commander, center, Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 11th Air Defense Artillery Imperial Brigade, stands with Hammer Soldiers after a rousing game of bubble-suit soccer at the Joshua W. Soto Physical Fitness Center here May 10. Cannon s change of command occurred later that morning. Cannon will soon begin a new chapter in his career as part of the cadre at West Point, his alma mater. Kayla Good / Navy Offi ce of Community Outreach Petty Officer 2nd Class David Chavira, a native of El Paso and 2011 graduate of El Dorado High School, poses for a photo aboard the guided missile destroyer, USS John Paul Jones, operating out of Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. Chavira works as a fire controlman and is responsible for shooting weapons and gun maintenance. I like the adrenaline rush of shooting huge guns, Chavira said. Col. Shana E. Peck, center left, commander, 11th Air Defense Artillery Imperial Brigade, and Command Sgt. Maj. Paul D. Albright, center right, senior enlisted adviser, 11th ADA Bde., present certificates of appreciation for exemplary service to the crew at the Silas L. Copeland Arrival/Departure Airfield Control Group Operations Facility-Logistics Readiness Center here May 22. Chief Warrant Officer 2 Carlton Huguley, far right, first row, a brigade movement technician, recommended the team for the award due to their assistance with incoming and outgoing flights as well as the associated air-load training to personnel of the Imperial Brigade. From left, Pvt. Faith Tarrance, assigned to 1st Battalion, 43rd Air Defense Artillery, 11th Air Defense Artillery Brigade, Spc. Angel Claudio, Battery B, 2nd Air Defense Artillery Regiment, (THAAD), 11th ADA Bde., and Staff Sgt. Robbie Henry, Btry. B, 2nd ADA Regt., (THAAD), 11th ADA Bde., pose for a photo in recognition of the hard work they did while feeding the brigade s Soldiers during the headquarter s mission rehearsal exercise train-up at Tobin Wells here June 12 through 15. Not present are Spc. Shimon Green and Spc. Michael Lasteaps, 2nd Bn., 43rd ADA; Pfc. Aalyah Nance, Btry. B, 2nd ADA Regt., (THAAD) and Pvt. Shaquan Swindle, 1st Bn., 43rd ADA. From left, Maj. Sara Carlson, former brigade judge advocate, Maj. Ahmad Yassin, former brigade surgeon, Capt. Doug Cannon, former commander, Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion, and Spc. Zach Kijowski, former command driver, pose for a photo in front of brigade headquarters here May 24 after receiving awards before leaving the Imperial command team and moving on to their next duty stations. Dave Burge, right, Fort Bliss military reporter, El Paso Times, interviews Lt. Col. B.J. Bennett, left, commander, 1st Battalion, 43rd Air Defense Cobra Strike Artillery, 11th Air Defense Artillery Brigade, here Jun 8. Bennett, with his command team, led Cobra Strike through a successful deployment to Southwest Asia that began last spring. Burge was recently enshrined in the Fort Bliss Wall of Patriots for his support of the military community here in El Paso and Fort Bliss.

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