TF 3-197 NEWSLETTER I S S U E
Commanders talk
A Co conducts a new type of training
2 0 1 1
BY: CPT Christopher Thompson
about their units
J A N
Sharpening The Tip of the Spear
SPECIAL POINTS OF INTEREST:
2
MWR kicks off 2011 USO concerts
INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
Alpha Company TF 3-197 (ARES Co.) is nearing completion of specialized training as a Tactical Combat Force (TCF). Upon completion ARES will be the first Company in the Task Force to be trained in one of the many potential mission sets directed by the 1st TSC and the 197th Fires Brigade. ARES Company started the training with a weeklong infantry based training set getting its leaders prepared to teach their squad and platoon members how to shoot, move, and communicate as a cohesive team with little to no infantry experience as a whole. The training consisted of advance rifle marksmanship, close quarter combat, and team and squad level movement. This training package designed by 3-
197 BN and L-3 MPRI was well received by all of the ARES soldiers. Week two
The beautiful Kuwaiti desert
was focused on the ARES leaders training their Soldiers on the same tasks. The train the trainer concept empowered the squad and team level leaders to build stronger relationships with their Soldiers while learning all of their team’s strengths and weaknesses. The first two weeks
B Co Checks In
2
HHC supports the BN
2
D Co “So far so good”
3
C Co Chimes In
3
Guard Families
4
TF 3-197 Promotes 50 Soldiers
5
Right: ARES Co. prepares for movement at the armor
MWR Kicks off 2011 concerts
6
of God.
Left: Soldiers from 2nd platoon ARES Co. move through one of the TCF lanes .
were in preparation for a nine day platoon level operational training set consisting of site security, screening operations, and platoon attack. Each of the platoon leaders and platoon sergeants were responsible to work with MPRI to teach their Soldiers the basics of what it takes to operate as a mechanized infantry platoon. The training as a whole has been a tough learning adventure embraced by the Company. ARES Company is widely known for its willingness to embrace challenges and overcome obstacles and this TCF training was no exception. The Company is now preparing to reset to continue to support the Battalion convoy escort mission.