"After the rains" – A sheet of mist provides perfect cover for 1-118th Field Artillery Regiment Warriors, Sgt. Michael Wilson (right) and Private 1st Class Desean Moore. The Soldiers were surveying a potential target during squad battle tactics drills at the British Army training camp, Barry Buddon, in Carnoustie , Scotland .  The ever present, albeit intermittent, rains did not dampen the impact of the two week training for the volunteer contingent from the 48th Infantry Brigade Combat Team.

118th troops train with 'Brits' in Scotland

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 BARRY BUDDON TRAINING CAMP, Carnoustie, Scotland –The home to the British Open near the small, Scottish village of Monifeith, boasts lush fairways and rolling hills. For two weeks in mid-September, Carnoustie hosted a different type of challenge on the greens. 

The business of Soldiering was the focus at the UK’s busiest light weaponry live firing range that happens to be adjacent to the storied course.  For wide-eyed Soldiers of Georgia’s 48th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, training in the mire of marsh-like ‘battlefields’ meant challenging themselves in a way none of them could have imagined.

The 48th BCT Soldiers were in Scotland as part of an on-going reciprocal UK-US infantry training partnership with the aim of fostering battlefield cohesiveness in the global war on terror.

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Getting down to business started early on the unit’s first day in Scotland. “You are here to train as infantrymen,” 4th Battalion, Yorkshire Regimental Sergeant Major (RSM) John Gilpin shouted at a formation of 118th Field Artillery Soldiers.  “As artillerymen I understand you want to get to the business of your job, but while you are here you will be immersed in what we are first...Infantrymen.”

“This is not quite what I expected,” Specialist Charles M. German said while drawing his British Army 5.58mm SA-80 machine gun.  During the two-week training exercise, this was his weapon and the valet from Sea Island had never seen it before. 

A cannon crewmember, the ‘Bravo’ Battery, 2nd Platoon Soldier had to familiarize fast to become proficient and effective. “My focus,” he said slapping his weapon, “is gonna be on this baby right here!”

He cradles the grey and black weapon, raises the sight and marvels at the clarity of an object some 300 meters away. 

“It’s like it is directly in front of me,” another Soldier points out mimicking German’s curious enthusiasm. 

As daunting as the expanse of the Barry Buddon ranges and the challenge of mastering a new weapon was for the Savannah based 118th FA contingent, they discovered they had to tune their ears to a language they didn’t quite grasp. “I researched some because that’s what you do when you travel,” German said, pleased with his foresight.  “Got satellite photos and looked at the weather, but when they start talking about ‘kit’, ‘scoff’, ‘ablutions’ (a-'blü-shin, a building housing bathing and toilet facilities on a military base) and drying rooms…well they lost me.”

KNOW

After a quick introduction to the ‘care and feeding’ of the weapon, the Georgians were ready to show what the 48th Volunteers could do and apply what they had learned on the 20 rifle ranges of the 930-hectare training camp.

The various scenarios on the ranges brought what was promised -- a challenge.  On the Individual Battle Skills Firing Range Soldiers made their way from position to position firing at “pop-up” targets which emerged seemingly from out of nowhere.

While on the range, soldiers have autonomy as to how best to secure their ‘sector’ but must also consider that those specific actions could determine the fate of a mission and their fellow Soldiers in the fight. As 48th IBCT soldiers looked over the lanes, the single row series of probable cover options seemed easily maneuverable, (a window, makeshift door, fencing, etc.) but that proved deceptive.

“You’ve got nine different ways to move on a 100 meter stretch and you have to do it while thinking about your battle buddies,” Private 1st Class Desean T. Moore said, panting as he did a mental after-action report of his turn on the lane. “That man beside you is depending on you to make the right decisions.”

Moore, who managed a high score for his fire team during his squad’s iteration, laughed at the idea of taking for granted the first assessments. 

“The realism of this course teaches you the fundamentals of staying alive.  Getting down on your belts, as they say, digging in and staying low or hugging that inch of post for cover puts it in your face.  You forget it’s a range because it is so real!”

In the muck of the squad assessment field Soldiers quickly learned that their business was changing their job description. 

The responsibility of planning an assault, seeking the enemy and calling in cover/suppressive fire was no longer solely the function of a platoon leader or lieutenant or staff non-commissioned officer. The squad leaders, corporals and sergeants, were now taking the reins and pushing forward to dominate the tempo of battle. 

“We are the ones with eyes-on what is taking place in real time and we can make the right decisions based on what we see and the intelligence we gather,” Sgt. Michael Wilson, an ‘Alpha’ Battery squad leader pointed out.

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The mental and physical strain of the two-week exercise put the brigade’s upcoming Afghanistan mission on a different level for some Soldiers.  The high intensity qualification live-fire sequences, for example, enhanced individual and team confidence for the 48th IBCT Soldiers and broadened their expectations. 

“We came here to get some solid education and training,” said Staff Sgt. Joseph L. Catanzariti, Wilson and Moore’s platoon sergeant.  “Taking advantage of the in-depth cross-training means we are building on what we already know and preparing ourselves to be effective when it counts.”

Catanzariti also identified the most beneficial aspect of the two-week immersion in the British Army’s way of preparing for battle.  Pointing out that an element of the 4th Yorkshire Territorial Army (a British National Guard component) would be down-range alongside the 48th Volunteers.

“Working with other countries reinforces camaraderie but most importantly I know that when I meet my brothers on the battlefield and we need to move as one unit I can pick up his, or her, weapon and complete the mission.”

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