Email   Print   Share By Spc. Sharla Lewis, 3rd BCT, 1st Cav. Div. Public Affairs

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Soldiers with 3rd BSTB, 3rd BCT, 1st Cav. Div. prepare an unmanned aerial vehicle for launch during a training exercise at Fort Hood June 18. Spc. Sharla Lewis, 3rd BCT, 1st Cav. Div. Public Affairs

An unmanned aerial vehicle takes off during a training exercise at Fort Hood conducted by 3rd BSTB, 3rd BCT, 1st Cav. Div. June 18. This training is meant to prepare the unit for their future deployments. Spc. Sharla Lewis, 3rd BCT, 1st Cav. Div. Public Affairs

Soldiers with 3rd Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division recently conducted a three-week-long training exercise on new equipment at Fort Hood.

A platoon of Grey Wolf Soldiers trained on RQ-7B “Shadow” Unmanned Aerial Systems, which are tactical intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance platforms. The Shadow provides near-real-time full motion video to commanders to help them understand their operating environments.

The Shadow was recently upgraded to improve maintenance turnaround time, increase flight endurance and provide extended communication range for radio equipment. Additionally, the system now has an updated engine to increase fuel efficiency.

The training prepares the Soldiers for future deployments and

introduces the troops to the new components.

“This training is allowing us to progress our people to get ready to deploy,” Sgt. Shawn Kentch said. “Hands-on experience is the only way to learn the equipment, which we don’t get unless we go to the field, so being able to come out here really brings it back to the surface.”

Soldiers who assisted in launching an aircraft June 18 said it was a cool experience, one they enjoyed.

“It went pretty good,” Pfc. Thomas Arnette said. “It makes you a little nervous the first few times you do it.”

Besides providing valuable education for troops in the battalion, the training fosters cohesion and a sense of camaraderie. Each person had a job to do, whether it was monitoring video surveillance, keeping lines of communication open or clearing the airspace.

The atmosphere was light while the Soldiers worked on the

equipment. They swapped stories of previous days in the field and watched as the team on the airstrip readied the UAS for launch.

“This brings the platoon together and provides real life experience,” Sgt. 1st Class Joseph Armer said. “I couldn’t ask for a better platoon than what I have now.”