CAMP CASEY, Republic of Korea – Combat arms Soldiers work daily to master ground combat techniques, but for five weeks, select maneuver troops focused on aerial defense training.
The 2nd Infantry Division/ROK-U.S. Combined Division hosted a mobile training team from U.S. Army Air Defense Artillery School to teach a Maneuver Stinger Course to train and certify designated teams on proper employment of the FIM-92 Stinger, a man-portable air defense system from Feb. 11 – March 15.
The training, open to combat arms and air defense Soldiers, came in response to an initiative from the Chief of Staff of the Army to fill a gap and provide all units the ability to eliminate ground and air threats.
“This training enables Soldiers to gain confidence in their abilities, their weapons systems, and their ability to work together as a team to successfully maximize the division’s readiness,” said Capt. Sean F. Ryan, air and missile defense operations officer, Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion, 2ID/RUCD.
The course consisted of classroom instruction and a field training exercise to give participants hands-on experience with the FIM-92 Stinger air defense missile.
“I feel great about this training,” said Pfc. Sean Wallace Masters, 2nd Squadron, 13th Cavalry Regiment. “I’m always super motivated and ready to learn a new weapon system.”
Throughout the course, students learned about the capabilities of and how to operate the Stinger missile, visual aircraft recognition and radio communications.
“The Soldiers worked in two-man teams to provide surface to air fires, provide freedom of maneuver to friendly forces and protect critical assets,” said Ryan.
The newly-trained Soldiers gained a specialized skill that makes them even more valuable to their organization.
“I think it’s great to add diversity and technical knowledge for all our Soldiers,” said Masters. “What better way to become an asset (to my unit) and provide defense on the ground and air.”