The gunnery range gave Bradley crews an opportunity to improve technical proficiency, strengthen unit cohesion and maintain combat readiness. During the qualification, soldiers engaged multiple targets with the Bradley platform while conducting weapon zeroing and qualification tables.
“This gunnery helps us build proficiency with our weapon systems and helps the team build cohesion,” said U.S. Army Cpl. Roddy F. Rodriguez, a Bradley gunner assigned to 6th Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, 1st Armored Division. “If anything were to happen, we can work together under stress without stepping on each other’s toes.”
Rodriguez said the range also helped crews identify equipment issues before they could develop into larger operational problems. “The benefit of being out here on this range is improving readiness and finding issues with the weapon system or the vehicle itself,” Rodriguez said. “It helps us identify problems and fix them so there isn’t a future situation.”
As the platoon sergeant’s gunner, Rodriguez is responsible for maintaining proficiency on the Bradley’s weapon systems, assisting with vehicle maintenance and supporting communication within the crew. “I assist my driver with maintenance, I also conduct maintenance on the weapon system to make sure it’s operational at all times,” Rodriguez said. “When the platoon sergeant is out, I have to step up and communicate with my driver and maintain control of the vehicle if needed.”
For noncommissioned officers, the qualification range also provides a setting to develop and mentor soldiers as they work through challenges. “Everything you go through in your career can help someone else, “ said U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Mickeal Smith, a cavalry scout and Bradley commander assigned to 6th Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, 1st Armored Division.
“My experiences also allow me to mentor younger Soldiers and help them overcome challenges that I’ve already faced,” Smith said. “We must be ready and capable to overcome challenges by taking everything as a learning experience,” Smith added.”That allows Soldiers to adapt, overcome, and get back into the fight.”
As a Bradley commander, Smith’s main responsibility is ensuring that his crew understands its duties and the mission objectives needed for success. “My job is to make sure my crew understands what they need to do and that they have clear guidance on the mission and the desired end state,” Smith said. “That way, we can accomplish the mission effectively.”
The Drawsko Training Area provides extensive maneuver space and realistic training conditions for armored units conducting complex live-fire exercises and weapons qualifications. Training in Poland also allows soldiers to operate in unfamiliar environments while strengthening interoperability with NATO allies and partners across Europe.
“We’re out here honing our craft and focusing on our platforms,” Smith illustrated. “As an experienced noncommissioned officer, I’m passionate about training the Army’s next generation of warfighters.”
The 1st Armored Division continues to train across the eastern flank in support of NATO allies and partners. The activity demonstrates V Corps’ commitment to readiness, deterrence and collective defense throughout the region.
