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Spartans prepare for deployment

Jul 29, 2009

By Pfc. Crystal M. O'Neal, 2HBCT Public Affairs

FORT STEWART, Ga. When duty calls in the combat zone, U.S. Soldiers must be prepared to pack up, ship out, and carry out the mission.

Here at 3rd Infantry Division, Soldiers train throughout the year in garrison so that they will be fully prepared when it is time to go to the fight.

Second Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd ID Soldiers, have been training diligently year-round, and now that they are scheduled to go to the National Training Center in Fort Irwin, Calif. to train for their upcoming deployment. Spartan Soldiers throughout their area of operation have been very busy all week.

Second HBCT Soldiers have been getting it done, from packing and loading their gear and equipment to getting immunizations and medical screenings.

All Soldiers received a packing list from their noncommissioned officers instructing them exactly what they would need while training at NTC.

All the battalions in the brigade packed their bags and prepared to load them, but not before they were inspected by NCOs, July 23.

Staff Sergeant Jose Benavidez, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd HBCT, 3rd ID, said that having the Soldiers use their list to pack the bags served as excellent training.

"The list that the Soldiers are using tell them exactly what equipment to load in their ruck sacks and duffle bags. This is the same list (we will) use when we deploy to Iraq. Now, that they've done it once already, it won't be such a challenge when it is actually time to leave for Iraq," he said. "They'll be used to it."

At the Mower Processing Center, July 23, Spartan Soldiers received various immunizations needed for deployment, along with dental, optometry, and hearing screenings.

They also handled all legal and financial concerns that needed to be tended before deployment.
Specialist Paul Fry, Troop B, 3rd Squadron, 7th Cavalry, 2nd HBCT, 3rd ID, said this part of the preparation definitely makes the whole deployment easier.

"Making sure you are healthy and your body is combat-ready is important before heading to NTC and Iraq," said Spc. Fry.

The specialist said this tour will be his second deployment to Iraq.

"I've been to Iraq before so I know how much the training and preparation we've done within the brigade will come in handy while we're down range. Knowing everything is squared away, and the fact that we've been trained well gives Soldiers peace of mind," he said.

Exercises at NTC are scheduled to last approximately one month for the Spartan Soldiers.