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Stryker troops train in Korea

By Spc. Timothy Dinneen
April 11, 2006

RODRIGUEZ RANGE, Korea (Army News Service, April 11, 2006) – Stryker Brigade Soldiers from Fort Lewis, Wash., recently deployed to Korea for a weeklong Reception, Staging, Onward Movement and Integration exercise.

The relatively new unit used the exercise to get more familiar with themselves and their new vehicles.

“This is a new unit so we’re developing the vehicles to work well with the infantry units. I get to develop a new crew that hasn’t been together and with the new lifecycle I’ll see the team’s improvement over a three-year period,” said Sgt. 1st Class William Linaris.

The training included platoon day fires, and day and night fires for squads. The Soldiers also practiced suppressing the enemy, clearing buildings, and search and rescue operations.

“The best part of the training is getting muddy. I like the wheeled vehicle. It’s not a tank; it’s meant for us,” said Pfc. Stephen Horn.

“The purpose of the mission is to show that we can deploy a highly lethal, agile, combat and quick-strike force to support the alliance between the Republic of Korea and the United States,” said Maj. Mike Katona, unit operations officer.

“This kind of training is important at all kinds of levels. At our level, we’re standing up Stryker Brigade team number four. We formed about a year ago, and we’ve gone through new equipment training and fielding. We’ve gone from individual level, squad level and now we’re at platoon and company level,” Katona said.

Soldiers like Stryker’s maneuverability

The Stryker vehicle allows infantry units to move with stealth and speed. It provides maximum maneuverability with the protection of a tank, saddled with a .50 caliber machine-gun and Mark 19. Able to hold 11 Soldiers, the Stryker offers a clear, large-screen view of the battlefield.

“The vehicle itself is unique because they developed it to bridge the gap between the actual light and heavy concept,” said Linaris. “A lot more maneuverable than most tracked vehicles, the Stryker can go places the Bradley or other tracked vehicles can’t get to.”

On June 1, the unit will reflag as the 4th Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division.

Until then “we’ll continue with company level training to battalion level training and then brigade. We’re in a glide path to success,” said Katona.

“We have true professionals, these guys want to be here and do the right things. They are working extremely hard to make sure everything comes together,” he added.

(Editor's note: Spc. Timothy Dinneen writes for the 2nd Infantry Division Public Affairs Office.)