FORT KNOX Ky. — Advanced Camp’s 8th Regiment underwent Buddy Team Live Fire (BTLF) training on July 13th. The training consists of battle buddies alternately bounding toward a simulated enemy while providing cover along the way.
Training with a purpose
Cadet bonds toward the next cover during BTLF training. 8th Regiment, Advanced Camp underwent Buddy Team Live Fire training on July 13th. The training consists of battle buddies alternately bounding toward an enemy while providing covering fire along the way, Fort Knox Ky. | Photo by Luke Heibert, CST Public Affairs Office
“The purpose of this training is to build trust in one another,” Cadet Patton Weak of the University of Montana said. “So, when we’re down range, we can efficiently and effectively move ourselves and our troops, and be able to have that knowledge of not only what we should be doing, but what the people we are in charge of should be doing.”
Movement is one thing cadets learned at BTLF, but not the only thing. Another aspect of this training is communication, a valuable skill for any soldier.
“The cornerstone of being a good leader is to be able to communicate with your soldiers,” Cadet Reilly Andresen of South Dakota State University, said. “In this lane, you have to be able to communicate with your battle buddy for when you’re moving, when he’s moving and making sure you have each other covered throughout the entire process.”
Denny Drummey of the Massachusetts Maritime University throws grenade during BTLF training. 8th Regiment, Advanced Camp underwent Buddy Team Live Fire training on July 13th. The training consists of battle buddies alternately bounding toward an enemy while providing covering fire along the way, Fort Knox Ky. | Photo by Luke Heibert, CST Public Affairs Office
During this training, Cadets used short commands and responses like “cover me while I move,” and “I’ve got you covered,” while navigating the course. Quick communication can be applied well beyond this training.
“Clear, concise communication,” Cadet Nathanial Schaus of Florida Southern College said. “You want to get the point across to whoever you’re working with – whether that’s in the military world, or even in the civilian world… say it as clearly and as simply as possible”
Infantry first
Communication isn’t the only benefit of the BTLF; other necessary soldiering skills can be found within the training, as well.
“We need to not overlook [BTLF] because the Army always says we’re infantrymen first,” Andresen said. “We’ve got to be able to hone in on these skills before we can do our actual jobs.”
