USA Patriotism! ... "Showcasing Pride of America"USA Store! ... American / Patriotic themed gift products at USA Patriotism!

Home - Articles - Heroes - Photos - Poems - Stories - Students - Music - Videos
Quotes - Speeches - References - Great Patriots - Honor Halls - Stars for Troops
USA's Birth - New Content
- About - Contact - Press
- CureNow - Donate
- Privacy

Click To Google Search USA Patriotism!
USA Patriotism! YouTube ChannelJoin / Like the USA Patriotism! Facebook pagePinterestLinkedInUSA Patriotism! Instagram ChannelUSA Patriotism! On TwitterUSA Patriotism! at Flickr

Patriotic Articles
Military

Patritoic USA and Military Gifts from The Bradford ExchangeTough Tex USA FlagPatriotic USA Caps

Operation Ready Warrior Teaches Soldiers Adaptability, Leadership
by U.S. Army Cheryl Phillips
August 27, 2020

Army Reserve Soldiers are learning how to adapt when integrating COVID-19 safety guidelines into training during Operation Ready Warrior underway at Fort McCoy, Wisconsin.

During Army Warrior Tasks training, Soldiers in six-person fire teams went through scenario-based lanes while wearing face masks during 90-degree temperatures and the heat index reaching 100 degrees or more.

U.S. Army Warrior Tasks fire team lanes tested Army Reserve Soldiers on individual and team-based skills needed to maintain their individual and unit readiness while adhering to the Defense Department training guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Sergeant Bryce Dickerson, center left, and Pfc. Alex Stone, right, prepare to conduct their lane with other members of the 993rd Transportation Medium Truck Company at Fort McCoy, Wisconsin on August 25, 2020. (U.S. Army photo by Zachary Mott)
U.S. Army Warrior Tasks fire team lanes tested Army Reserve Soldiers on individual and team-based skills needed to maintain their individual and unit readiness while adhering to the Defense Department training guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Sergeant Bryce Dickerson, center left, and Pfc. Alex Stone, right, prepare to conduct their lane with other members of the 993rd Transportation Medium Truck Company at Fort McCoy, Wisconsin on August 25, 2020. (U.S. Army photo by Zachary Mott)

The Soldiers from the 993rd Transportation Medium Truck Company, based in Lakeland and Palatka, Fla., learned how to communicate with their higher headquarters using situation reports. They also completed a 9-line medical report on an injured team member. They gained real-world experience during a scenario that saw them interact with local nationals, respond to an improvised explosive device in the road and react under enemy fire while on patrol through the woods of Fort McCoy.

The Observer/Controller reminded the Soldiers that everyone is a sensor; if they see something they should say something. That’s why communication was stressed, not only with higher but with each other.

Private First Class Alexander Stone described the OPW training as crawl, walk, run. “There’s a lot of live action training here. It’s faster paced than what we’re used to at our unit,” he said.

A member of the Army Reserve for four years, Stone explained that there is a lot of repetition during the training which reinforces key tasks. “I’m soaking in as much information as I can,” he said.

The 88M wheeled mechanic has learned to adjust despite the COVID-19 requirements. “The virus isn’t something we can’t fight,” he said. “Staying 6 feet apart, wearing masks – we have to adapt. We learn to work through the precautions” of COVID-19.

Stone likes the leadership roles he’s assumed during the training. In his civilian life, Stone is working toward a degree in cybersecurity from Florida Southwest State College, where he’s in his second year.

The best part of the training “is the sense of accomplishment. We’re going to need the training if deployed,” Stone said.

U.S. Army Private Carlos Amador, 623rd Transportation Company, provides security while Sgt. Kyshali Ramirez, 623rd Transportation Company, waits for instructions during warrior task lanes training at Fort McCoy, Wisconsin on August 23, 2020, as part of Operation Ready Warrior. (U.S. Army photo by Zachary Mott)
U.S. Army Private Carlos Amador, 623rd Transportation Company, provides security while Sgt. Kyshali Ramirez, 623rd Transportation Company, waits for instructions during warrior task lanes training at Fort McCoy, Wisconsin on August 23, 2020, as part of Operation Ready Warrior. (U.S. Army photo by Zachary Mott)

 Sgt. Bryce Dickerson said the training is concentrated into a short two weeks. “We’ve trained on new weapons qualifications and the new Army Combat Fitness Test, along with lanes training. It’s good training that we usually don’t get at the unit,” he said. The training also “gives younger Soldiers the opportunity to step up and get into a leadership role.”

The 91B, wheeled vehicle mechanic, likes passing on his knowledge to younger Soldiers. “Great NCOs have pushed me to be better in the past,” something he’s now doing with his fellow unit Soldiers during ORW.

Dickerson has also adapted in a COVID-19 environment. “This is a new normal that we need to learn to live with. This makes you realize that you have to be ready for whatever comes next,” he said.

Unit readiness is enhanced as a result of ORW, with pre-mobilization being the next level. “The training is helping us get ready for the next phase,” Dickerson said.

Our Valiant Troops | Veterans | Citizens Like Us

U.S. Army Gifts | U.S. Army | Army National Guard | U.S. Department of Defense

Satute of Liberty / Flag Mugs and Steins

Tough Tex American Flags

SunSetter 20' Telescoping Flagpole with Free American Flag

USA, military, and other patriotic themed pullover and button down Polo shirts

Personalized Patriotic Embroidered Shirts

USA Flag and other American Theme Caps and Hats

American Pride: Poems Honoring America and Her Patriots! by David G. Bancroft