Story by Staff Sgt. Michael J. Oliver, Bravo Company, Detachment 1, 2/75th Recruiting and Retention Battalion
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Kentucky National Guard recruit Pfc. Jacob Perkins of Crittenden, Ky., climbs through an obstacle during the Bravo Company Recruit Sustainment Program annual field training exercise at the Grant County High School Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps complex in Dry Ridge, Ky. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Michael Oliver, 2/75th Recruiting and Retention)
DRY RIDGE, Ky. -- More than 200 of the Kentucky National Guard's newest recruits prepared for their future trip to Army Basic Combat Training during a field training exercise at Grant County High School in Dry Ridge, Ky.
“Our training prepares the new Soldiers for the rigorous and physical training they will encounter at BCT and they will be ahead of their peers when they go to their individual basic and advanced training,” said Cpt. Travis Riley, commander of Bravo Company, 2/75
th Recruiting and Retention Battalion.
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Kentucky National Guard recruit Pvt. Demikia Cooper of Independence, Ky., climbs an obstacle ladder as part of the Kentucky Guard's Recruit Sustainment field training exercise in Dry Ridge, Ky., April 5, 2014. The exercise brought the recruits to the field to prepare them for the rigors of basic training. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Scott Raymond)
To see more photos from this story, click here.
As part of the Kentucky Guard's Recruit Sustainment Program, new enlistees are trained in the routine Soldier skills and Army Values before leaving to basic combat training and advanced individual training. The recruits drill one weekend a month, just like traditional Guardsmen, in preparation for what is to come.
"The field training exercise is a great opportunity to change up the schedule a bit," said Riley. " We bring them all together, get them outdoors all day and give them an even better taste of what's next.".
The future Soldiers were taught and guided through several Army warrior tasks and drills at the exercise. The training included fire team tactical movements, evaluate a casualty, prevent or control shock and first aid on a suspected fracture and open abdominal wound. The new Guardsmen also learned how to use a geographical map, a magnetic compass and determining their 50 meter pace count.
The highlight of the day, for most, including the new recruits muscling their way through a mile long obstacle course, and building team cohesion with relay events.
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The Kentucky National Guard’s newest recruits prepared for Army Basic Combat Training during the Bravo Company Recruit Sustainment Program annual field training exercise at Grant County High School’s Junior Reserve Officer Training Corp complex in Dry Ridge, Ky., April 5, 2014. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Michael Oliver, 2/75th Recruiting and Retention)
“Today’s training was tough but I’m glad we are doing it so I can be ready and pass basic,” said Pvt. 1st Class Emily Tillman of Hebron, Ky. Tillman also stated she wants to use the KYNG experience to become an agent with the U.S. Marshals.
The annual event was conducted by Soldiers with Bravo Co.'s Recruit Sustainment Program. This year, they received help from the high school's Army Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps as cadets from the school led the recruits through the JROTC obstacle course.
“I think it’s real cool that everybody is using our JROTC field to help out with all the new recruits," said Pvt. 1
st Class Jacob Perkins, Grant County H.S. JROTC Cadet from Crittenden, Ky. "This gives me pride and a since of accomplishment knowing that I may have helped somebody pass their basic training,”
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Kentucky National Guard recruits Pvt. Patrick Carlisle and Pfc. Darin Barnhill race each other while caring two filled 5 gallon water jugs during the Bravo Company Recruit Sustainment Program annual field training exercise at Grant County High School Junior Reserve Officer Training Corp complex in Dry Ridge, Ky. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Michael Oliver, 2/75th Recruiting and Retention)