2CR implements Stryker Leaders Course Pre-Pilot I

U.S. Army 2d Cavalry Regiment (2CR) infantryman soldiers participated in the Stryker Leaders Course Pre-Pilot I to instill familiarization with the Stryker family of vehicles and driver's training in Vilseck, Germany, in January 2019.

Col. Thomas Hough, commander, 2CR, spearheaded the idea ofthe pre-pilot course, which will serve as a method for training soldiers on theStryker Infantry Carrier Vehicle-Dragoon and gathering feedback to prepare thefull course.

While all non-commissioned officers and officers are invitedfor the full course, the course is geared towards infantrymen, indirect fireinfantrymen, cavalry scouts, Stryker systems maintainers, chemical, biological,radiological and nuclear specialists and soldiers in field artillery under the 13series military occupational specialties.

Totaling three phases, the January Pre-Pilot I coursecovered the characteristics and components of the Stryker ICV-D, including eachvehicles’ capabilities and limitations, and allowed participants the chance tooperate and drive the vehicle.

"It's a chance for NCOs and officers that didn't getthe opportunity to go to the Stryker Leaders Course at Fort Benning to let themcome in and get a course under their belt so that they know what they're doingwhen they get to their unit," said Sgt. 1st Class Brandon M. Sullivan,infantryman, Regimental Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, Regimental SupportSquadron, 2CR.

Sullivan, who is also the senior instructor for the StrykerLeaders Course Pre-Pilot I, partnered with another NCO, Sgt. 1st Class Jason M.Matthews of 2CR, along with the 7th Army Training Command and theirorganization, the Combined Arms Training Center, to create the three-phasecourse.

The course ensures that the program of instruction utilizesthe best method of instruction and answers questions such as, "Is it toosophisticated, or is it not sophisticated enough? How many instructors do weneed per student," explained Sullivan.

"[Soldiers] learn things to get the job done. It mightnot be the right method; [they] might not have that technical and tacticalexperience and knowledge," said Sullivan. "Coming to the full course,hopefully, we can open their eyes to a little bit more and teach them some newthings, some better methods just overall [to] get everyone on the sameoperating picture throughout the regiment."

On the first day, the soldiers took a quick survey followedby a pre-test that included 41 questions to help determine their level ofknowledge on the Stryker variants. Sullivan covered the Stryker vehiclecapabilities such as driving over cross country terrain, all weather conditionsand low silhouette along with vehicle components such as tire assembly,mounting and dismounting brackets, the driver's hatch, stowage brackets forbasic issue items, the trailer electrical connector and ramp door assembly forentry and exit of vehicles.

The second day took a hands-on approach of instruction withthe Stryker vehicles and included covering preventive maintenance checks andservices, testing the height management system and central tire inflationsystem, fuel checks and tire checks such as switching the tires between 8-by-4and 8-by-8, which functions much like the rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drivefor privately-owned vehicles.

The course participants also practiced ground guide armsignals and maneuver driving techniques on the road, tank trail and off terrainto instill proper techniques. Watching out for each other's safety and ensuringsuccess, each soldier would shout warnings such as, "put on your safetylever," as they each took turns operating and driving the vehicle.

With the next two pre-pilot courses scheduled for Februaryand March, the Pre-Pilot II course will focus on how to employ weapon systemswhile the Pre-Pilot III course will focus on maintenance, simulations,communications and safety training, according to Sullivan.

Implementation of the full course is scheduled for April2019.