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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.
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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)
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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.
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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)
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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.
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