DVIDS – News – Wache for a tag program organizes the survival training company in winter

Woodburn, Ore. – The final preparations were made, cold weather equipment was exhibited and two bus loads from soldiers drove off on a rainy day, with a final destination along the approach to the Bachelor of Mt. Bachelor from Woodburn, Oregon. 70 soldiers with the 3rd battalion, 116th cavalry regiment, left traditional training on a weekend with survival training during ice-cold weather conditions at Swampy Lakes Sno-Park.

“I think it is an ability to have every infantryman,” said Staff Sgt. Stephen Young. “We don't just train in the desert and it ensures an entertaining team building. It depends on survival – do our job and survive it under all conditions. “

The two -day drill weekend had a double mission: apply skills to survive the night while he organized thirteen volunteers with the “Wache for a Day” program. The GFAD program enables people who are interested in the guard the opportunity to shade the members of the service before officially working with the military.

“I found out about a social media contribution from GFAD,” said Elliot Pond. “It is a good idea to get a feeling for the army without being shouted at, as in basic training. It's nice to put a name and face on the uniform. “

The four-hour bus ride to the Swampy Lake Sno-Park was loud when the soldiers got each other and told stories from previous missions. The morality was high in the center of Oregon, where a good snow cover provided ideal snow camping conditions. The parking lot toilet gave a reference to the current conditions with four feet of snow on the roof.

The air brakes hissed and the bus door swung up – time to work. As a fine snow, soldiers and gfad fell equally their warm layers and shouldered their equipment. The team moved as a line in a knee -deep snow -covered path. Several squads peeled off to break new ways into their overnight positions among the small pines.

With anchored tools in the hand, soldiers and guards and those who have registered for the gfad experience, ditch or snow height. The work was a group effort and the team changed alternately, rested, Mages (meals ready for eating) or collected tree branches for a warming fire. Snowshoes were delivered and some people took the opportunity to walk through the deep snow.

Founded as daylight, the red headlights raised the snowfield and always shone on the expansive warehouse when the carrier rose to throw out another shovel of snow. The work continued until every motorhome was satisfied with their living rooms for the night. The lack of light was a natural break and most of the Gfads returned to bend the arms chamber to have a warm sleep on an army bed, while four fearless guests with the soldiers could defy the elements and snowbotters.

In the morning, the journey back to the home station was noticeably calmer when people warmed up their bones and sleep.

The Gfad participant, Quentin Shiffer, thought about her time in the area: “The training was difficult, but the skills are invaluable. At the end of the day I know that this will only positively influence my life. “

Although the training was a short survival test overnight, both the soldiers of the 3-16. as well as the GFAD participants excellent knowledge and skills. The GFAD participants were able to deal first-hand as it is to be in the National Guard of Oregon, and the current soldiers were able to mark another performance from their task list.