By Det.1 /444th MPAD
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The State Area Command Headquarters Detachment traveled to Fort Dix to conduct "core" Annual Training from May 7 to 10. This abbreviated, yet intense, period of training marked the final Annual Training period with the unit for outgoing detachment commander, Capt. Rita L. Wiley.
"It was a very productive AT with very good quality training for a number of reasons," said Wiley. "During the intense four-day period, we accomplished a lot of basic soldiering that most of these soldiers don’t have a chance to complete on a regular drill weekend. Because they support subordinate units and help assist with other units’ needs, they have very limited time to train together. So, the AT was a perfect opportunity."
Training officer, W3 Freddie A. Rios, Sr., who was responsible for planning and organizing the AT, agreed that such a "core" AT is the best opportunity for soldiers to get the basic training they need.
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Rios also stated that, in addition to being shorter, this AT was unique in that there were no problems when coordinating issues such as billeting, classrooms, ranges and ammunition pick-up is rare. "The flexibility of personnel at the Fort Dix facilities was very customer service oriented and made the planning process go smoothly."
Although training planning may have gone smoothly, some of the soldiers got an unanticipated surprise when Brig. Gen. Ronald B. Stewart piloted and landed an UH-1 Huey Helicopter right into their territory on Wednesday, May 9.
However, BG Stewart didn't simply observe all soldiers who were participating in weapons qualification, Annual Physical Fitness Testing and Common Task Testing, including Land Navigation and Map Reading. He further surprised the troops by joining the enlisted ranks in zeroing and firing the new M16A2 rifle on the range.
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Spc. Simone A. Dunn, an administrative clerk was one of the first soldiers to qualify on the new rifle. She said she appreciated the change of pace from being behind her desk every day to being in the field.
The Land Navigation course was helpful but also vert difficult, according to Dunn. "I really enjoyed the AT a lot, but it was very hard to find those points. We started to think that the points just weren’t out there," said Dunn.
Even after completing basic training, Dunn said that she and other soldiers sometimes "still lack confidence and experience with some things such as land navigation, pace count and map work.
"I will be going to PLDC soon and really needed to have some of this training to build my skill and confidence," she said.
Wiley relinquished command of the STARC HQ Detachment to Capt. Joseph Bartel on Sunday, May 20. Capt. Wiley said that while she will miss her unit and everything they were able to accomplish together, she also can't wait to start her new position in training.
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