Detachment gains valuable experience

Confidence is high for soldiers from the 211th MPAD as they approach Thanksgiving holiday weekend. Since October, the unit has trained vigorously to prepare for its January deployment. Soldiers have come together to prepare for deployment with training in both the classroom and in the field.

After completing three weeks of intensive field and classroom training at Fort Dix, New Jersey, the unit returned to Bryan, Texas to continue its mobilization training.

Training at Fort Dix consisted mainly of basic soldiering skills, including qualifications for weapons training for the M-16 and the M-9. Soldiers also participated in combatives, land navigation, grenades and mine-awareness training.

During training at Fort Dix, soldiers were faced with the challenge of getting out of a rolled-over Humvee. This challenge, like all others faced by the 211th was a success. Every soldier showed his/her ability to do their best in tough situations.

The training at the Reserve Training Center-East at Fort Dix culminated with convoy situational training. Soldiers participated in improvised explosive devices training and also in security exercises at traffic control points.

In Bryan, the unit participated in language training and driver’s training. For two days, soldiers learned key phrases in Arabic that facilitate communication while on deployment. Further instruction took place when soldiers drove Humvees off-road, including going up and down a hill that has close to a 60-degree incline.

The momentum continues with enthusiasm for deployment and the unit’s cohesion is strengthening as it looks towards achieving both short-term and long-term goals.