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3rd ID fires Bradley Linebackers in Kuwait

Spc. Natalie A. Schlotman

CAMP DOHA, Kuwait (Army News Service, Jan. 15, 2003) -- Air Defense Artillery "Bulldogs" and other elements of the 3rd Infantry Division proved how lethal they can be Jan. 2 through 13 during a live-fire training exercise in Kuwait.

Broken down into three separate evaluation tables, the exercise was a semi-annual Bradley Linebacker crew qualification that tested each crew's ability to communicate and fire the 25mm Bushmaster cannon and the 7.62 mm, M240C machine gun in a variety of tactical conditions. Soldiers with B Battery, 1st Battalion, 3rd ADA participated in the exercise along with elements of the 3rd Battalion, 15th Infantry.

Linebacker crews are made up of a driver, gunner and a Bradley commander.

The first stage of the exercise was Table VI, where crews fired from a stationary position, said Capt. Jeff Zanelotti, commander, B Battery, 1-3 ADA.

After successfully completing Table VI, crews advanced to Table VII, where they conducted offensive and defensive fires, Zanelotti said.

For the defensive firing, the Bradleys settled into battle position.

"It simulates being dug in," said Sgt. Alberto Garcia, a gunner with C Co. 3-15 Inf.

Tables VI and VII were designed to prepare crews for Table VIII, Zanelotti said. "The targets on the preparation tables are down-sized to half scale and placed at maximum range; approximately 1,400 meters," he said.

Firing at smaller targets to start off helps make the main event seem easier, according to many of the soldiers.

"Theymake it hard to get hits on VI and VII, and that makes table VIII seem like a breeze," said Garcia, whose crew hit 10 out of 10 on table VII.

During Table VIII, crews had to hit seven out of 10 total targets. Master Gunners -- experienced senior noncommissioned officers -- evaluated crews on how much time it took to hit each target. Also, soldiers were evaluated on their ability to use fire commands and the five-part alert system.

The battery continues its annual training schedule while deployed because it's an opportunity to test its abilities in a real world environment, said B Battery, 1-3 ADA 1st Sgt. David Nelson, from Price, Utah.

"These guys have gone thorugh Spartan Focus, Marne Focus, (National Training Center, Fort Irwin, Calif.) and now here," he said, adding that in between field exercises the battery completed four gunnerys.

"These guys have been training hard for 14 months. Their total focus has been train, train, train."

Zanelotti said the battery's soldiers have maintained their focus and high standards while being deployed in a time of uncertainty.

"I'm sure in the back of their minds, they're wondering what the future holds. I think these guys are very well trained, motivated and very serious about doing their job. I'm proud of the way they have stepped up to the challenge," Zanelotti said.

(Editor's note: Spc. Natalie A. Schlotman is a member of the 50th PAD)