Story by Sgt. Erica N. Cain
July 26, 2010
FORT HOOD, Texas — Instead of taking directions, as usual, junior enlisted Soldiers with 1st Battalion, 289th Infantry Regiment, an Army Reserve battalion under the 479th Field Artillery Brigade, had the opportunity to lead the way during their unit’s July 21 Leadership Reaction Course.
During their annual training, the battalion went through a half-day course designed to encourage Soldiers to think, react and work as a team and solve problems under a time restraint.
“It was fun,” said Pvt. Krystal Miller.
Miller said her team started with little confidence in her as a private, but as she displayed her ability to make good, sound decisions to help the team accomplish the mission, the confidence level rose and the team was successful.
The course’s obstacles presented a challenging learning environment for the unit.
The unit split into teams to complete 13 stations with different scenarios. One team had to get all of its equipment and Soldiers across a river without dropping anything. Any items or Soldiers that fell into the water could no longer be used in the mission. Some Soldiers stayed dry, others were not so lucky.
To make the mission more challenging, the teams could not use any red-painted areas to complete their tasks. But Soldiers successfully used teamwork and built confidence while working with each other.
“It was a great experience,” said Sgt. Carmen Gurrero. “It gave me the opportunity to lead and facilitate some suggestions from the rest of the team. The team gave good ideas, but I had the opportunity to make the final decision.”
“As a Reservist, back in the rear we don’t get to use the skills that we are using out here,” Gurrero said. “Sometimes I feel that the annual training should be a little longer so we can get more hands-on and learn more. But it was good training overall.”
First Lt. Israel Sanchez said this type of training gives unit leadership an opportunity to see how their junior leaders would make decisions when in charge.
“It gives you different perspectives on how Soldiers complete tasks,” Sanchez said.
The Leadership Reaction Course finalized the AT for the Houston unit.
