Soldiers from 2nd BCT, 4th Inf. Div. practiced their gunnery skills using the Advanced Gunnery Training System between live fire training exercises at Pinon Canyon Maneuver Site. The virtual system allows crews to simulate engaging enemy targets safely without using live ammunition or fuel. It prepares them for certification and saves the Army resources. Soldiers can repeat scenarios until they meet standards. The training also builds teamwork between tank commanders and gunners.

1. Serving the Soldiers, Civilians and Families of 2nd BCT, 4th Inf. Div. Issue 122 March 8, 2013
Staff Sgt.
Joseph
Marshall, armor
crewman,
Company C,
2nd Bn, 8th Inf.
Reg., 2nd BCT,
communicates
with his
crewmember
during a
training
scenario using
the Advanced
Gunnery
Training
System.
Soldiers are
able to simulate
engaging
enemy forces
with the trainer
without using
fuel, ammo and
other resources
needed to
train in an
actual training
environment.
‘Talon’ utilizes simulated trainer to up the ante
Story and photo by Staff Sgt. Andrew Porch
2nd BCT PAO, 4th Inf. Div.
P
INON CANYON MANEUVER SITE, Colo. – Gunners Soldiers are scored on scale from 0-1000 and can continue to
communicating with their tank commanders as rounds repeat the training if they don’t meet the standard.
are fired downrange to engage enemy targets is happening “You do things over and over and over again,” said Osman. “It is
safely from a computer simulated trainer for Soldiers of Company going to be ingrained in you and be second nature.”
C, 2nd Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment, 2nd BCT at Pinon Canyon The system allows crews to work together and become reliant on
Maneuver Site, March 5. each other.
Between conducting live training at PCMS, Soldiers are honing “It’s a real team building exercise,” said Nearing. “ It gets the
their skills for future gunnery certifications by using the Advanced gunners and tank commanders on the same wave length. They get
Gunnery Training System. to know each other without having to use a real tank which is real
“This system is essential to Soldiers because it prepares them for expensive.”
live fires, said Sgt. Justin Nearing, armor crewman, Company C. “If The AGTS allows units to save funds that would normally be
we actually sent Soldiers down range prior to doing the training, used during training.
there would probably be accidents and people could get hurt. This “It is a lot cheaper to use this facility then take a tank down range
mitigates those safety issues and prepares them for live rounds.” and use fuel, ammo and other resources,” said Nearing.
The intent of the training is that Soldiers improve their fire The AGTS played a role in ensuring Soldiers are ready for
command skills. gunnery and future missions.
“The most important thing Soldiers should take away from this Removing the AGTS from training would leave Soldiers without
are the basics, said 1st Lt. Haidar Osman, platoon leader, Company a critical training resource, said Osman. Because of the training,
C. “What is the target, what is the direction, when should the driver everything they have learned will be second nature when they get to
move up and out of the defelade position; basic fundamentals like gunnery.
that are key to every single engagement.”

2. Page 2 Warhorse Pride Issue 122 March 8, 2013
Religious services drive on
Story and photos by Staff Sgt. Andrew Porch they can provide, and they know what the
chaplain can provide. It sends a message
P
2nd BCT PAO, 4th Inf. Div.
INON CANYON MANEUVER that we are concerned about more than just
SITE, Colo. – The sounds of accomplishing the mission; we want to take
laughter, song and prayer filled a care of them and their Soldiers.”
tent from Troop D, 1st Sqdn., 10th Cav. Reg., Soldiers, even though out of their normal
2nd BCT during a religious service at a Pinon surroundings, used the service to come
Canyon Maneuver Site, Feb. 26. together.
Major Douglas Ball, brigade chaplain, 2nd The feeling of being away from home is
BCT, and Capt. Rodney Gilliam, chaplain, put aside and the feeling of coming together
2nd STB, 2nd BCT, took the opportunity as one and knowing the chaplain is here for
to visit multiple training sites and hold everyone helps, said Thomas.
a religious service at the “Darkhorse” Ball, along with the chaplains from
maintenance area. the battalions, plan to visit the training
The chaplains wanted Soldiers to show sites often and engage Soldiers as much as
Soldiers they care about them and are there if possible.
they need to talk. “We are working to push all chaplains
“For many of them, I provide a different out to other battalions to make sure Soldiers
avenue,” said Ball. “One of the advantages Capt. Rodney Gilliam (left), chaplain, 2nd STB, 2nd BCT,, and battalions without chaplains get an
of the chaplains is our confidentiality. The and Maj. Douglas Ball, brigade chaplain, 2nd BCT, held a opportunity to see someone.”
religious service at, Pinon Canyon Maneuver Site, Feb. 26.
Soldier can talk to me about an issue and it
necessarily wont go back to the command. Soldiers as more than just a job. “it reminds
It doesn’t get reported up, so it gives them a me why I joined the Army and what I’m
safe person to talk to who is outside of their really in for,” said Ball. “I am always amazed
normal realm.” at getting to know new Soldiers and finding
Soldiers appreciated the chaplain coming out their life stories, why they joined the
out to visit them. Army and what their goals and dreams are.
“It is a really good feeling to have the It reminds me that there are a lot of faces
chaplain conduct a service for us,” said Staff behind what we do.”
Sgt. Devon Thomas, track vehicle repair, Ball also engaged the leadership. Sgt. Jefferson Burden (left), wheeled vehicle mechanic,
Troop D. “It’s a morale booster to have him “I think they are pleased,’ said Ball. “I and Staff Sgt. Devon Thomas, track vehicle repair, both
come out here; a real pleasure.” think they want avenues for their Soldiers of Troop D, 1st Sqdn., 10th Cav. Reg., 2nd BCT attend a
Ball thinks of visiting and counseling to talk to somebody. They know what religious service at Pinon Canyon Maneuver Site, Feb. 27
Around the battlefield with ‘Death Dealer’
Photos by Staff Sgt. Andrew Porch Soldiers of
2nd BCT PAO, 4th Inf. Div. Headquarters
and
Headquarters
compnay,
1st Bn., 67th
Armor Reg.,
2nd BCT pose
for a photo
during a
month-long
training
exercise at
Pinon Canyon
Maneuver
Site, Colo.
March 3.

3. Page 3 Warhorse Pride Issue 122 March 8, 2013
‘Warhorse’ enjoys a night out
Story and photo by Sgt. Matt Waymire Kim Schultz,
2nd BCT PAO, 4th Inf. Div. consultant for
T
Mt. Carmel
RINIDAD, Colo. – The aroma of Health,
fresh pasta, meatballs and baked Wellness and
rolls tingled the senses of Soldiers Community
of 2nd BCT, as they entered the Mt. Carmel Center, serves
Health, Wellness and Community Center, dinner to
Trinidad, Colo., Feb. 28. Specialist
Andy
The “Warhorse” Brigade transported 50
Carmona,
Soldiers from Pinon Canyon Maneuver Site
fire direction
to Mt. Carmel for an evening away from their specialist,
normal routine and a home-cooked meal. Battery B,
“We welcomed the soldiers to come in 3rd Bn, 16th
and get a relief, a break from their usual FA Reg. 2nd
environment out there on the prairies,” BCT, during a
said Leo Bonfadini, Wellness Program meal that the
Coordinator, Mt. Carmel. Mt. Carmel
Mt. Carmel’s idea of wellness is similar to in Trinidad,
the Army’s idea of resiliency, said Bonfadini. Colo., hosted,
Feb. 28.
The center helps people, and in this case,
soldiers, to strengthen their minds, bodies,
and spirits. thing for them. A lot of times there’s a stigma is very big on trying to support a healthy
The staff, some prior service, main intent against it and I think in this environment it community.”
for the night was the importance of taking shows them it’s actually good for them.” To the people who work at Mt.
care of Soldiers. Soldiers appreciated the meal and Carmel, taking care of wellness starts
“I hope my soldiers realize that when you knew it would have their body ready to go and ends with taking care of the nation’s
leave the military there’s something you can when training started back up. defenders.
do to continue serving and helping people,” “I like the fact that it’s a family “The Army here is so important for
said 1st. Sgt. Tonio Childress, senior enlisted wellness center so we know the food is us,” said Bonfadini. “This is a wonderful
leader, Headquarters and Headquarters healthy and they’re supporting healthy community that has a history of war service.
Battery, 3rd Bn, 16th FA Reg., 2nd BCT. soldiers,” said Pvt. Candee Wheat, To me, as a retired Lieutenant Colonel, it’s
“And also, we have behavioral health on post Headquarters and Headquarters Company, like seeing family again. I just forgot how
and the soldiers can’t think that it’s a bad 2nd STB, 2nd BCT. “It shows that Trinidad young you all were.”
‘Bison’ mechanics keep the troop running
Photos by Staff Sgt. Andrew Porch
2nd BCT PAO, 4th Inf. Div.
Soldiers of
“Havoc”
Troop, 1st
Sqdn., 10th
Cav. Reg., 2nd
BCT, work on
equipment as
they are just
about a week
through a
month-long
field training
exercise at
Pinon Canyon
Manuever
Site, Colo.,
Feb. 26.

4. Page 4 Warhorse Pride Issue 122 March 8, 2013
‘Talon’ comes knocking
Photos by Staff Sgt. Andrew Porch
‘Hunter’ chows down
Photos by Staff Sgt. Andrew Porch
2nd BCT PAO, 4th Inf. Div. 2nd BCT PAO, 4th Inf. Div.
Soldiers of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd STB, 2nd BCT, are served
dinner by 1st Sgt. Michael Oliver (above), senior enlisted leader, and Capt. John Rigsbee,
commander, both of HHT, at Pinon Canyon Maneuver Site, Colo., Feb. 25. The “Head
Hunters” along with the rest of the brigade are participating in a month-long field
training exercise. The training is preparing “Warhorse” Soldiers for a rotation to the
National Training Center, Fort Irwin, Calif., later this summer.
Solidiers of 2nd Bn., 8th Inf. Reg., 2nd BCT, conduct Military Operation in Urbar Terrian
training in a mock village at Pinon Canyon Maneuver Site, Colo., March 1. ‘Talon’
Leadership is keeping thier Soldiers highly trained during the month-long field training
exercise by conducting manuever training, MOUT training and basic common task. The
exstensive training all leads up to a rotation to the National Training Center at Fort Irwin,
Calfi., later this summer.

5. Page 5 Warhorse Pride Issue 122 March 8, 2013
‘Roughrider’ continues to supply the force
Photos by Staff Sgt. Andrew Porch
2nd BCT PAO, 4th Inf. Div.
Soldiers of 204th BSB, 2nd BCT, continue to supply the brigade with fuel,
food and other required resources to complete the mission from the brigade
support area at Pinon Canyon Maneuver Site, Colo., March 3.
Tactical movement keeps ‘Thunder’ ready
Photos by Staff Sgt. Andrew Porch
2nd BCT PAO, 4th Inf. Div.
Soldiers of 3rd Bn., 16th FA Reg., 2nd BCT, conduct movement drills during a month- A Soldier of 3rd Bn., 16th FA Reg., 2nd BCT, conduct s a simulated call-for-fire during a
long field training exercise at Pinon Canyon Manuever Site, Colo., Mar 3. month-long field training exercise at Pinon Canyon Manuever Site, Colo., Mar 3.
Warhorse Pride The Warhorse Pride is produced in the interest of the
Soldiers of the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry
Division. The Warhorse Pide is an Army-funded news-
Affairs Office.
The Warhorse Pride welcomes articles, commentary
and photos from readers. The Warhorse Pride
letter authorized under provision of AR 360-1. reserves the right to edit submissions selected for the
Col. Omar Jones IV........................2nd BCT Commander Contents of the Warhorse Pride are not necessarily publication.
Command Sgt. Maj. Robert Lehtonen....2nd BCT CSM the view of, nor endorsed by the U.S. government, All issues of The Warhorse Pride can be viewed
Maj. Chris Maestas.................................................PAO OIC Department of Defense, Department of the Army online from your home computer at www.facebook.
Staff Sgt. Andrew Porch..................................PAO NCOIC or the 4th Infantry Division. All editorial content of com/2bct4id
Staff Sgt. Ruth Pagan.........................Layout and Design The Warhorse Pride is prepared, edited, provided and Submissions should be e-mailed to the editor:
Staff Sgt. Andrew Porch............................................Editor approved by the 2nd Brigade Combat Team Public ruth.a.pagan2.mil@mail.mil

6. Page 6 Family Readiness Group Issue 122 March 8, 2013
08 09 10 11 12 13 14
Discovery Tour @ Paws to Read @ Cheyenne Felt Crafts! @ Fountain
Cave of the Winds Mountain Library Library Branch
WWE Raw Road to Magic with Science Matters Shoestring Shoppe Crawl Food Tour @ Downtown
10:00 a.m. 3:30 p.m. 3:00 p.m.
Wrestlemania @ World Area @ Penrose Library @ Old Colorado City Manitou Springs
7:30 p.m. 3:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. 5:30 p.m.
St. Patrick’s Day Cooking Comedy Night @ Wyatt’s Wine Tasting Dinner @
Class @ Savory Spice Group Pub and Grill Monument Hill
6:30 p.m. 9:00 p.m. Country Club
6:30
Motorcycle Show and Swap
15 16 17 18 19 20 21
meet @ Freedom Financial
Homeschool Science Lab Services Expo Center Puss in Boots @ Penrose Blood Drive @ East Library Synergy Fine Wine Dinner @
for Homeschooled @ East 9:00 a.m. Library 10:00 a.m. Tapateria Snuggle-Up Storytime @
Library 2:00 p.m. 6:00 p.m. East Library
1:00 p.m. Colorado Springs St. Patrick’s 7:00 p.m.
Day Parade @ Downtown
Colorado Springs
12:00 p.m.
FRSA Information
3-16 FAR 2-8 IN
Dyanne Beckman.........................................................526-1635 Ursula Pittman...........................................................526-0727
dyanne.m.beckman.civ@mail.mil ursula.t.pittman.civ@mail.mil
2nd BCT 1-67 AR 2 STB
Valarie Adams............................................................524-4797 Valerie Mansapit...........................................................524-1476 Spc. Morgan Madrick..............................................503-2602
valarie.a.adams.civ@mail.mil valerie.j.mansapit.civ@mail.mil morgan.a.madrick.mil@mail.mil
1-10 CAV 204th BSB Find us on Facebook at:
Francy Avizu...............................................................526-1946 Barbara Young...............................................................526-4172 http://www.facebook.com/2bct4id
francy.avizu.civ@mail.mil barbara.a.young.civ@mail.mil

7. Page 7 Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers Issue 122 March 8, 2013