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Blackanthem Military News
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Last Updated:
Feb 6, 2012 - 5:49:45 PM |
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Blackanthem Military News
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| Soldiers participating in the260th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion Pre-Warrior Leaders Course are put through the motions learning the proper techniques for close quarter combat. (Middle) Spc. Ashley Michiel, an Antigo, Wis. native, works for the Headquarters and Headquarters Co., 620th CSSB, 96th Sustainment Brigade, in the motor pool as a light wheel vehicle mechanic. Close quarter combat is just one of the many techniques learned at the course. |
CAMP LIBERTY, Iraq - When the words Warrior University are heard, one of first things that might come to mind is an intense combat basic training school. But around the 260th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion from Hunter Army Airfield, Ga., it means leadership, integrity and duty as Soldiers are preparing to be better leaders as they attend the William J. Bearsley Pre-Warrior Leaders Course.
The course was started by Command Sgt. Maj. Dwight H. Williams, a Baltimore, Md., native, who is the senior enlisted advisor for the 260th CSSB. Williams has been offering this course since his previous deployment in 2007. Williams named the course after Staff Sgt. William J. Bearsley, who lost his life during that same deployment. "This course was named after a great Soldier," said Williams. "He is the example that I want all of these young leaders to exemplify. If these young leaders turn out like Staff Sgt. Bearsley, I think the Army will be in good hands."
Each class has 15 to 20 students that come from different companies throughout the battalion. The course lasts for seven days, with the typical class day starting at 6 p.m. and ending at 6:30 a.m. Classes are taught by different noncommissioned officers in the battalion, with four cadre members that oversee the class. In addition to their full time jobs, the Pre-WLC cadre members are Staff Sgt. Brandon Carrington, a career counselor from Oklahoma City, Okla., Sgt. Bernard Villa, a personnel security detail squad leader from Oxnard, Calif., Sgt. Anthony Dimauro, from Cape Cod, Md. and a communications specialist and Sgt. Sarah Christenson, a member of the PSD, from Jefferson, S.D.
"I really love working with the Soldiers because they motivate me everyday to be a better NCO," said Villa.
There are 16 classes taught, with subjects ranging from sexual assault prevention to leadership principles, physical fitness to weapons, as well as emphasizing team work and taking care of Soldiers. "The course is very demanding because we are asked to come in at 6 p.m. and the class does not end till 7 a.m.," said Spc. Shaleene Phillips, an Austin, Texas native with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 260th CSSB.
"The tactical movement was the most difficult for me," said Spc. Cedric Jackson from Hattiesburg, Miss., and transportation specialist with the 296th Transportation Co., an Army Reserve unit from Brookhaven, Miss. "The scenarios did not play out as we planned, so we had to improvise a lot. But I think it was a good training exercise."
On the last day of class, a graduation was held, signifying that the Soldiers have not only completed the course, but that they are ready for the U.S. Army's Warrior Leader Course. More importantly, they have received the skills necessary to lead America's sons and daughters.
"We just want to give our troops a taste of the Warrior Leadership Course. The course gives them a head start on their peers," explained Williams. "Hopefully, the Soldiers will take the things they have learned back to their units and strive to be the best leaders they can be."
ADDITIONAL PHOTOS:
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| Soldiers enrolled in the 260th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion's Pre-Warrior Leaders Course lay exhausted as they just finished a tactical movement. |
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| The graduating class of the 260th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion's Pre-Warrior Leadership Course. The class graduated in late October. The course was started during a deployment in 2007 by Command Sgt. Maj. Dwight H. Williams, a Baltimore, Md., native, who is the senior enlisted advisor for the 260th CSSB. Williams named the course after Staff Sgt. William J. Bearsley, who lost his life during that same deployment. |
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