|
After the demise of the best Airborne plan, a most terrifying
effect occurs on the battlefield. This effect is known as the rule
of the LGOPs or Little Group of Paratroopers.
Twenty-five
teams of Paratroopers from the 82nd Airborne Division competed to
determine who was the most proficient in the Paratrooper Essential
Task List though a series of assessments at Fort Bragg, N.C., May
23. The event saw the paratroopers tested on rigging their
equipment, actions in the aircraft, rendering their equipment for
service, establishing communication and a layout of required gear.
|
As paratroopers descend in the background, a team from the Little
Group of Paratroopers event holds up an inspectable item
during All American Week 2016, Fort Bragg, N.C. May 23rd. The LGOP
event tested the paratroopers on their essential task list with
events such as rigging their equipment, readying their equipment for
service, and a layout of all required equipment. (U.S. Army photo by
Staff Sgt. Christopher Freeman)
|
"(The competition) consisted of nine-man teams jumping
from a CH-47 Chinook from the 82nd Combat Aviation Brigade
and performing our duties as Paratroopers in the shortest
amount of time safely," said Sgt. Daniel Fienco, battalion
air noncommissioned officer, 307th Engineer Battalion, 3rd
Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division.
The competition was for time and pitted each battalion against
one another.
"The hardest part was trying to make sure we
made time while rigging our equipment for the operation," said
Fienco. "This is what we train for constantly. Now we get to test
ourselves against the other battalions in the division."
The
event showcased the teamwork that is seen all across the Division.
Even though the Paratroopers were graded individually, they had to
operate as a team to accomplish all required tasks.
"I look
at it as it makes us a stronger team," said Fienco. "Competing like
this helps bring us closer together as a unit. I got to lead from
the front of my team.”
The competition began early in the
morning with equipment draw and briefs.
"We showed up at 4:30
a.m. to gain accountability and secure our gear," said Fienco. "We
then went to Green Ramp for a brief that included standards for
success. Immediately following that, we were given 15 minutes to rig
our ruck or face a penalty."
For Fienco, being a Paratrooper
carries a special meaning.
“I earned the title of
Paratrooper,” said Fienco. “On a previous jump, I sustained a
serious injury and it took me a long time to get back to where I can
jump again. I jumped today in my seventh and final All American
Week. I am going to miss it. This has been home to me for the last
nine years.”
For infantryman Spc. Tristan Nuziard with 2nd
Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 3rd BCT, the event
helped carry on a family legacy.
"On my dad's side dating
back three generations, they have all been involved in All American
Weeks," said Nuziard. "It fills my heart with joy to be able to
continue this family tradition. I hope my son gets to experience the
tradition."
Even though the event carried on a family
tradition, the paratroopers enjoyed the event and fostered stronger
teams through the Division.
"We operated in small teams
justifying the name LGOP," said Fienco. "It showcases the skills
that the 82nd Abn. Div. is known for. This competition helps all the
units involved to become better Paratroopers."
By U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Christopher Freeman
Provided
through DVIDS
Copyright 2016
Comment on this article |
