Warhorse Pride 120 by Warhorse Pao

Serving the Soldiers, Civilians and Families of 2nd BCT, 4th Inf. Div.

Issue 120 Feb. 7, 2013

Qualifying as artillerymen once more Story and photos by Staff Sgt. Ruth Pagán

2nd BCT PAO, 4th Inf. Div.

fter two years as a mechanized unit, a battery of artillerymen on Fort Carson have returned to their roots and once again are sending rounds over the horizon. The Soldiers of Battery B, 3rd Battalion, 16th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, have been reassigned M109A6 Paladins, and took the last week in January to finish their qualification process, in preparation for an upcoming mission at the Pinon Canyon Maneuver Site, scheduled for mid February. “For the battery, this is the culminating exercise, where (Col. Omar Jones IV, commander, 2 BCT) signs off and says; ‘Yes you are a capable firing battery, fully certified and capable to do all our firing missions,’” said 1st Lt. Travis Cyphers, 2nd platoon leader, Battery B, 3rd Bn., 16th FA Reg. The qualifying process is important because it insures that the Paladins are calibrated right and that crewmembers can work cohesively together, said Sgt. 1st Class Glendon Sorrell, platoon sergeant, Battery B. The qualifying process started at the lowest level: sections had 10 days in December to qualify, then the platoon had a week in early January to qualify together, and finally the battery as a whole had a week to qualify. “This battalion hasn’t done field artillery

Sgt. Michael Leon, (left) cannon crewmember, Battery B, 3rd Bn., 16th FA Reg., lifts a 155mm round of white phosphorous smoke during battery artillery qualifications, Jan. 31. The battery was qualifying their M109A6 Paladins during a week-long training exercise.

An M109A6 Paladin fires a white phosphorous smoke round during battery artillery qualifications for Battery B, 3rd Bn., 16th FA Reg., Jan. 31. The battalion had not done field artillery in two years; this qualification not only proved the battalion was mission capable, but also helped Soldiers reacquaint themselves with their jobs, said 1st Lt. Travis Cyphers, 2nd platoon leader, Battery B.

for two years, so getting back into the process overall has been a very good exercise, and we’ve seen a lot of progress out there,” Cyphers said. The qualifying process gave crewmembers time to become familiar and proficient with the equipment and each other. “(All the training and qualifying missions we’ve performed together) shows we know what we are doing, that we are fast and efficient, and can get the mission done safely,” said Spc. Josh Maddox, gunner, Battery B. It is important for the battery to be qualified because it shows they are mission

ready. “Fire support is a very important factor to the brigade, because maneuvering commanders know that the fire support they are receiving from 3-16 Field Artillery is accurate and timely, and that it’s going to be done safely,” Cyphers said. The battery may be qualified but that doesn’t stop their continued training and development. “Just because we are finishing (qualifications at battery level) doesn’t mean we stop training; we still have room for improvement,” said Sorrell. “These guys are highly motivated and love what they do.”

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Warhorse Pride

Issue 120 Feb. 7, 2013

‘Bison’ gets back to basics Staff Sgt. Justin Bottomley, cavalry scout, Troop A, 1st Sqdn., 10th Cav. Reg., looks out for enemies during platoon scout training near Camp Red Devil, Jan. 26. Bottomley and his crew, consisting of three other Soldiers, set up their M3A3 Bradley Fighting Vehicle in a defensive posture in preparation to deny enemy movement.

Story and photos by Staff Sgt. Andrew Porch 2nd BCT PAO, 4th Inf. Div.

amouflaged by the natural woodland, the turret of an M3A3 Bradley fighting vehicle rotates to scan its sector near Fort Carson’s Camp Red Devil, Jan. 25. Inside the vehicle, cavalry scouts of Troop A, 1st Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd

Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, wait to engage simulated enemy forces. “Bison” Soldiers are getting back to the basics of decisive action training after conducting counterinsurgency operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. “These guys have spent the last 10 years or so fighting the war on terror,” said Staff Sgt. Justin Bottomley, cavalry scout, Troop A. “What our squadron, brigade

and elements above us have started to say is that we need to get back into the doctrinal fight of high intensity conflict.” During the training, the sections worked in small knit groups and focused on working as a team. “We get to do our first, second and third level tasks and learn our jobs,” said Bottomley. “Normally we don’t get a chance to work purely at the section level, and the last couple of days it has just been me and my wingman, and that builds up teamwork.” The Soldiers practiced some of those tasks by camouflaging and positioning their vehicle in a defensive posture, to prevent the enemy from moving north. “The problem with using a Bradley as a recon vehicle is that it is very tall, very loud and gives off a lot of signatures,” said Bottomley. “One thing we do is use the terrain to our advantage. We get our weapon system above the high ground to be able to engage the target and hopefully see the enemy before they see us.” New Soldiers assigned to the squadron learned their vehicles and their capabilities. “It’s a big learning experience,” said Pfc. Robert Baker, cavalry scout, Troop A. “For the most part, I don’t know much about

the system, so I have my team leaders and section sergeant to help me out and guide me in the right direction.” “As a driver, I am learning the ins and outs of what the vehicle can do,” said Baker. “Knowing the vehicle and the maintenance required is a big part of the training.” Fresh Soldiers are not the only one learning new things during the training. “Everyone is learning troop leading procedures,” said 1st Lt. Samuel Thode, executive officer, Troop B. “Platoon leaders are going through and working with their noncommissioned officers to figure out how to put together a mission, execute a mission and finish it. Afterwards we review: here’s what we did, what we thought was going to work, why it didn’t work, and here is how we can fix it.” Soldiers are conducting the training in preparation of future events that lead up to deployment. “The end state of the training is the Soldiers are competent at putting together a mission, executing it, and ready to do the same down the line in Pinon Canyon Maneuver Site, and later at the National Training Center in Fort Irwin, Calif.,” said Thode.

Soldiers of Troop A, 1st Sqdn, 10th Cav., Reg., drive their M3A3 Bradley Fighting Vehicles to reach a phase line where they will move into a defensive posture during platoon scout training near Fort Carson’s Camp Red Devil, Jan. 26. Soldiers of Apache Troop set up observation points throughout key areas of terrain so to have the advantage during a simulated battle.

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Warhorse Pride

Issue 120 Feb. 7, 2013

‘Engineers’ train in the field Photos by Staff Sgt. Andrew Porch 2nd BCT PAO, 4th Inf. Div.

Soldiers of Company C, 2nd STB, conduct a route reconnaissance during squad level training near Camp Red Devil, Jan. 30. “Comanche” Soldiers conducted day and night operations, with most Soldiers only sleeping 12 hours over a 72-hour period. Spc. Richard Rooney, combat engineer, Company C, 2nd STB, prepares a simulated charge of C-4 explosives in order to clear a mine field near Camp Red Devil, Jan. 30. Pfc. Samson Allotey, combat engineer, Company C, 2nd STB, uses a grapple to conduct manual breaching techniques near Camp Red Devil, Jan. 30. The grapple is used to remove obstacles such as concertina wire and debris. Manual breaching is one of many ways engineers are trained to remove obstacles so units can move freely throughout the battlefield.

Sgt. Todd White, (right) horizontal construction engineer, Company C, 2nd STB, takes notes during an operations order brief near Camp Red Devil, Jan. 30. White and his squad conducted obstacle reconnaissance training, which requires Soldiers to survey possible obstacles that could impede the unit’s movement.

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Warhorse Pride

Issue 120 Feb. 7, 2013

‘Black Knight’ Change of Command

Photos by Staff Sgt. Ruth Pagán 2nd BCT PAO, 4th Inf. Div.

Soldiers with Company B, 204th Brigade Support Battalion held a change of command ceremony in Waller Gym Feb. 6. Capt. Sheila Moffett relinquished command to Capt. Richard Paradiso.

Brig. Gen. Gonsalves Visits ‘Warhorse’ TOC

1-67 Armor Reg. cleans up Soldiers of 1st Bn., 67th Armor Reg., conduct recovery operations at Fort Carson’s Wash Facility, Feb. 8. “Death Dealer” Soldiers recently returned from a two-week field training exercise where the unit focused on platoon level training.

Photo by Staff Sgt.Andrew Porch 2nd BCT PAO, 4th Inf. Div.

Brig. Gen. Ryan Gonsalves, deputy commanding general for maneuver of 4th Inf. Div. and Fort Carson shakes hands with Sgt. Maj. Kevin Muhlenbeck, operations sergeant major, 2nd BCT, during a vist to the “Warhorse” Brigade tactical operations center at Fort Carson’s Wilderness Training Area, Feb. 1.

Warhorse Pride Col. Omar Jones IV........................2nd BCT Commander Command Sgt. Maj. Robert Lehtonen....2nd BCT CSM Maj. Chris Maestas.................................................PAO OIC Staff Sgt. Andrew Porch..................................PAO NCOIC Staff Sgt. Ruth Pagan.........................Layout and Design Sgt. Seth Barham........................................................Editor

The Warhorse Pride is produced in the interest of the Soldiers of the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division. The Warhorse Pide is an Army-funded newsletter authorized under provision of AR 360-1. Contents of the Warhorse Pride are not necessarily the view of, nor endorsed by the U.S. government, Department of Defense, Department of the Army or the 4th Infantry Division. All editorial content of The Warhorse Pride is prepared, edited, provided and approved by the 2nd Brigade Combat Team Public

Photo by Staff Sgt.Andrew Porch 2nd BCT PAO, 4th Inf. Div.

Affairs Office. The Warhorse Pride welcomes articles, commentary and photos from readers. The Warhorse Pride reserves the right to edit submissions selected for the publication. All issues of The Warhorse Pride can be viewed online from your home computer at www.facebook. com/2bct4id Submissions should be e-mailed to the editor: ruth.a.pagan2.mil@mail.mil

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Family Readiness Group

Issue 120 Feb. 7, 2013

CARE Team level I training is offered by ACS on: 22 January at 1800 12 February at 0900 9 March at 1000 (call 526-4590 to RSVP) Warhorse CAREs is scenario based and will take you a little deeper into what to expect while serving on a CARE Team. Work as a group as you talk through how to handle different situations. CARE Team II will present 6 facilitators that will give insight to lessons learned, examples of CARE Team kits and taking care of the caregiver. CARE Team Level I is recommended but not required to attend training. Levels I & II are both required to be a member of the CARE Team.

Contact your BN FRSA/FRL for more information and to RSVP. Childcare provided at your own cost.

6 FEB

WHC 0900-1100 CT II 1300-1500 12 FEB WHC 1830-2030 27 FEB CT II 1800-2000 12 MAR CT II 0900-1100 WHC 1300-1500 10 APR WHC 0900-1100 CT II 1300-1500 ~All training will be held at the FRC~

Although all training is similar in nature, each is beneficial in its own way for preparing you to care for others. Each training only needs to be attended once.

Family Film Fun: Brave@ Fountain Library Branch 6:30 p.m.h

Valentine’s Dance Party featuring Tiny Barge @ Stargazers Theater and Event Center 8:00 p.m. $10

09 10

12th Annual Chinese New Year Festival @ Colorado Springs City Auditorium 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Family Adventure Day-American Folk Art @ Bemis School of Art 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

The Hans Christian Andersen Storybook @ The Simpich Sowcase Marionette Theater 2:30 p.m. $12 - $14

Pink Floyed Lazer Spectacular @ Pikes Peak Center 7:30 p.m. $30

The True Story of the Three Little Pigs @ Pikes Peak Center 7:00 p.m. $9, $14 and $17

Baby Time @ East Library 11:00 a.m.

Air Force Academy Chamber Recital Series @ Colorado College, Packard Hall 7:30 p.m.

FRSA Information

3-16 FAR Dyanne Beckman.........................................................526-1635 dyanne.m.beckman.civ@mail.mil

2nd BCT Valarie Adams............................................................524-4797 valarie.a.adams.civ@mail.mil

1-67 AR Valerie Mansapit...........................................................524-1476 valerie.j.mansapit.civ@mail.mil

1-10 CAV Francy Avizu...............................................................526-1946 francy.avizu.civ@mail.mil

204th BSB Barbara Young...............................................................526-4172 barbara.a.young.civ@mail.mil

Paint the Town, Paint and Party Studio in Colorado Springs 3:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. $20

A Valentie’s Day Tea @ Garden of the God’s 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

2-8 IN Ursula Pittman...........................................................526-0727 ursula.t.pittman.civ@mail.mil 2 STB Spc. Morgan Madrick..............................................503-2602 morgan.a.madrick.mil@mail.mil Find us on Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/2bct4id

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Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers

Issue 120 Feb. 7, 2013