Good evening Dragoon friends and family, it’s Friday and while many folks are getting ready to begin an extended holiday weekend, we here at Fort Leonard Wood are continuing to drive on with our world-class training. This last week has been an eventful one and the momentum is going to carry over well into next week. While there is always much to do we remain on top of things because we have some of the finest cadre in the United States Army, ready and willing to take on any challenge. And now for the update: Alpha Company (Week 10): Alpha Rock finished up their fourth day of FTX III yesterday waking up in their foxholes, covered in a fresh blanket of snow. After getting up for morning stand-to, their Drill Sergeants got them moving on a final series of missions designed to test each of them both mentally and physically. The conditions were particularly tough all week, and most of the trainees had to dig deep and push themselves harder than they had ever pushed themselves before. As the sun sank over the horizon and the temperatures began to drop again the cadre tested them one final time. They moved them all from their patrol bases deep in the woods to a small built-up area where they found themselves standing in front of a pile of pugil-stick equipment. From there each of them had to gear up and fight an opponent until a winner was ultimately declared for each platoon and for the company overall. After that they immediately transitioned into the Rite of Passage ceremony. Surrounded by burn barrels, in front of the American flag, while standing in the snow, they received a speech on the Army Values and the tenets of the Army Profession of Arms. After that I officially welcomed them into the Army—no longer as trainees—but as U.S. Army Soldiers. I was proud to tell them all that they had finally made it, and told them that now they carry on the legacy and responsibility that goes along with it. Bravo Company (Week 6): The Bulldogs have spent the last two days out at the range firing live ammunition at pop-up targets, honing those critical marksmanship skills before the big test next Wednesday. They will have one last opportunity for practice next week before they do it for real and conduct their rifle qualification. This is a critically important and highly stressful event, but we feel confident that each of them will do just fine. They’ve been training hard and I expect that they will do well. Delta Company (Week 6): Dawg Company spent Thursday working on a number of things. They started off focused on individual Army Warrior Tasks and Battle Drills, then they were off to the classroom for Master Resiliency Training. After that they went to the Engagement Skills Trainer to polish up a bit on marksmanship in the simulator. Today they went out to the Confidence Tower and learned to rappel—each of them faced with their fear of heights and developed strategies to cope with adversity. Delta Company also has a big week ahead of them next week with their rifle qualification on Thursday. They too have been working hard and we are optimistic about them as well. We hope everyone back home is preparing to enjoy their holiday weekend. For many folks out there who are planning on coming here for Alpha Company’s Family and Graduation Days we just ask that you be deliberate and safe during your travels. We are looking forward to seeing you all and getting you back together with your loved ones for this very special occasion! Everyone have a wonderful weekend. Lieutenant Colonel Gries Dragoon 6
Posted on: Fri, 16 Jan 2015 21:59:06 +0000
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