Warrior course trains veterans Army way
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Story by Spc. Alfredo Jimenez/Army and Air Force Hometown News Service FORT KNOX, Ky. (TRADOC News Service, Nov. 10, 2004) – All Tyrone Givens wanted was a chance to restart a career in the military. He got that chance Nov. 4 as he and 101 other former military men and women graduated from the second class of the Warrior Transition Course, which allows former airmen, sailors and Marines to bring their valued skills into the Army. Givens served in the Navy for many years before deciding to separate and search for another job. He said everything was going according to his plan until the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, and the nation beginning its war against terrorism. Instinctively, Givens wanted back in the military to do his part and help others in the fight, so he said he was elated when the Army announced it was beginning the Warrior Transition Course. “I chose to participate in the course and become a second-time volunteer because my country is at war,” said the native of Cincinnati, Ohio. “I couldn’t stand idly by and watch others share the burden.” While not exactly basic training, the course did offer up challenges aplenty to the Soldiers-in-training, said Pfc. Richard Batts, a classmate of Givens. “I am a former Marine, therefore I’m already accustomed to the ways of military infantry,” said the native of Lafayette, La. “I do expect, however, to refresh my skills as an infantryman and adapt to the ways of the Army. Believe it or not, the two branches are completely different, and it will be difficult to overcome some aspects of my old training.” For 28 days, the new Soldiers learned everything essential in the Army, from standing at parade rest when talking to a drill instructor to learning the different rank structure. They also spent long periods of time in the field firing heavy machineguns, learning urban-warfare tactics, and pulling convoy and checkpoint security details, Givens said. “In the Navy, I never had to sleep in the middle of the woods or meet a time requirement for assembling my weapon,” he said. “The customs and courtesies are also different.” Warrior Transition Course officials intend to train 3,200 Soldiers with prior military service in the next year. Army commanders laud the program because it gives them the opportunity to develop leaders who are already seasoned as veterans in their respective former branches of service, said Capt. Tom Oakley, commander of Company C, 1st Battalion, 46th Infantry Division, one of the units conducting the training. “The folks we get here are just what the Army is looking for because they are second-time volunteers, and that says a lot about them,” Oakley said. “These individuals are motivated, brave and very patriotic. They will serve the Army well by meshing right in with our younger troops.” The captain added that this is important because more than half of the Soldiers who come through the course will deploy to combat areas within 30 days of completing their advanced individual training. But that thought does nothing to deter these new Soldiers with their determined and patriotic will to excel in the program and beyond, said Pfc. William Smith, a graduate of the second course. “This course is preparing me for success, and I hope to use this opportunity to get promoted quicker,” said Smith, a native of Greenville, S.C. “I also want to go to Warrant Officer (Candidate) School before I am deployed overseas.” No matter what their motivations are for signing up in the Army after a hitch with a different service, all the new Soldiers realize this is just the beginning of bigger and better things, Batts said. “I honestly
believe that all military training better prepares you for anything,”
he said. “The military isn’t meant for everyone. It takes
a special breed to do what we do. I came back because I love the military
and everything it offers, and I want to protect and defend my country
from all enemies, no matter where they are.” |
Prior U.S. Air Force and Navy servicemembers participate in field training during the Warrior Transition Course at Fort Knox, Ky., Oct. 26. The WTC, also known as the Blue-to-Green Program, is a four-week course that turns prior airmen and sailors into Soldiers by teaching them Army rank structure, customs and courtesies, and combat skills. Under this program, the prior servicemembers can maintain their former job specialty and rank. View and/or save high-resolution photo
A drill sergeant briefs the proper Army techniques and regulations to prior U.S. Air Force and Navy servicemembers participating in field training during the Warrior Transition Course at Fort Knox, Ky., Oct. 25. |
