1-27 Squad Evaluations

		1st Battalion Squad Evaluations
		Feb/97. A long thin line of sodden figures struggled -- twisting and writhing like a snake down a narrow path, surrounded by lush green vegetation. Silently they labored under heavy loads, slipping and sliding in the deep slick red mud. Determined, despite the heavy rain that fell on them from the gray skies above, they moved onward and began the difficult, steep climb out of the deep Kahuku Gulch, still vigilant for any signs of their elusive enemy. At the top awaited only another descent and another climb as they wound their way towards their objective and the attack. 1st Battalion Wolfhounds took to the field Jan 21 - Feb 1, conducting squad evaluations and live fires at Area X and in the Kahuku Training Area. Braving heavy rains, mud and the rough Kahuku terrain, squads battled through a 72 hour squad lane designed to push everyone to their limits. Squads and platoons faced challenges and opposing forces positioned to test their mettle at Battle Drill Execution, Troop Leading Procedures and Command and Control. "We hit the field fast and furious after support cycles, the holidays and an extended deployment to Guam for Operation Pacific Haven, these Wolfhounds conducted hard, demanding training designed to shake the cobwebs loose and help prepare for their upcoming deployment to Thailand for Exercise Cobra Gold'97," said Lt. Col. Bernard S. Champoux, 1st Battalion Commander. As companies rotated through the squad lane, other squads conducted live fire exercises at Area X's point man and ambush courses, while the Battalion 81mm mortar section conducted day and night mortar live fires.		In addition to Infantry skills training, the battalion deployed with all of its internal assets, thus allowing the Wolfhound support elements to train and practice their field missions. The Battalion mess section also deployed. Their hot (A) rations replenished many a sodden Wolfhound's motivation. "Well, I prayed for rain, but last night when I was standing there soaked to the bone, I started thinking 'what a thing to pray for'" said Champoux during and After Action Review at the knock-out-a-bunker phase of the squad lane. "The rain was hard and constant for about two days," said Private Anthony Washington, Company B. "It took a lot of self motivation [to carry on]." The rains weren't the only challenges faced by the soldiers of 1st Battalion, well prepared and positioned OPFOR from the Battalion scout, antitank and mortar platoons placed pressure on squads and platoons as they pushed through the evaluation lane. But, keeping true to the Wolfhound spirit, "No Fear on Earth," the soldiers of the Battalion once again proved their mettle as they drove on the final objective.