Team North Dakota placed second overall in the recent U.S. Army Small Arms Championships competition and are depicted in the photo above. Left to right: Sgt. Tyler Goldade, Staff Sgt. Gavin Rook, Staff Sgt. Tyrel Hoppe and Staff Sgt. Daniel Wieland stand near the AMU equipment trailer.
Always preparing, always REady
Like so many other agencies and businesses, the N.D. National Guard is also affected by the COVID 19 situation. We began the week by educating the full-time force with facts on the current situation before moving to planning meetings which helped us prepare for state active duty if ordered by the Governor. Currently, we have Guard members serving in planning and liaison roles with the N.D. Department of Health, Department of Public Instruction and in the State Emergency Operations Center.
It's imperative that the N.D. National Guard maintains a healthy force so that we are able to effectively mobilize forces if needed. Based on federal, DoD, and state directives, we have implemented various measures to protect our force. As the week progressed more guidance was issued regarding social distancing and many full-time members began to work from home. Although our immediate focus is on the COVID-19 virus, we continue to monitor the potential for flooding on the eastern side of the state. We are prepared to respond simultaneously to both emergencies if necessary. Follow us on Facebook to stay informed on latest developments.
N.D. Guard Marksmen Continue to excel
The U.S. Army Small Arms Championships commonly referred to as 'All Army', was held at Fort Benning, Ga., from March 9-14. This annual competition is hosted by the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit (AMU) in conjunction with the Maneuver Center of Excellence with the goal of advancing marksmanship, a critical military skill. More than 220 participants from across all U.S. Army components competed. National Guard Airmen are eligible to compete with National Guard Soldiers.
The team placed first as rifle champions, second place in the Multi-Gun team and Match Team Pistol, and third overall in both the U.S. Army Service Pistol Team and Infantry Team matches.
Competitors fired both rifles and pistols during the event with the courses of fire varying each day. Some matches required combat equipment while others were fired "slick," or no combat equipment.
Left: N.D. National Guard rifle team engages targets en route to a first place finish in rifle competition.
Goldade placed first in the overall service rifle as well as taking first place in the Rifle Match 8 event and third place in the Director's Match Rifle National Match and Rifle Excellence in Competition Match. Rook placed first in the Rifle Excellence in Competition match and ranked fifth overall in the U.S. Army Small Arms Individual Champion. Wieland placed first in the non-distinguished category of the Rifle Excellence in Competition enabling him to upgrade his U.S. Army excellence in competition badge from bronze to silver.
Right: Wieland prepares to engage targets during the rifle match of the U.S. Army Small Arms Championships competition.
Military Funeral Honors
Camp Grafton Training Center hosted a level one Military Funeral Honors (MFH) course this week. Two instructors led nine students through a week's worth of instruction and evaluation intended to enhance and test their skills. The level one course is conducted for Soldiers who have completed the initial three-day course and have served as MFH members. The N.D. MFH have offices in Bismarck, Grand Forks, Fargo and Minot. From these locations they serve the entire state averaging over 700 funerals a year. They primarily support U.S. Army funerals, but have supported other branches when requested. Last October, a N.D. National Guard MFH supported the U.S. Navy during the funeral of Radioman 2nd Class Floyd A. Wells. Wells, a World War II-era Sailor originally from Cavalier, N.D., was interred at the N.D. Veterans Cemetery with full military honors.
Military Funeral Honors students stand inspection by instructor Sgt. Mark Kubat (far right). From left are Staff Sgt. Adam Greff, Cpl. Mia Brunelle, Sgt. Kathryn McLaughlin, Sgt. Ashley King and Sgt. Anthony Rhoden.
Military Police Training
Soldiers of Detachment 1, 191st Military Police Company conducted tough effective training at the Grand Forks armory March 14 & 15.
Ghanaian Troops learn about Preventive MAINTENANCE Checks and Services (PMCS)
The second week of the N.D. National Guard engineer engagement in Ghana began with instructions on the importance of regular vehicle maintenance. Guard instructors emphasized the many aspects of a construction project including individual equipment proficiency, project management, safety and equipment maintenance. Operators were introduced to daily PMCS (Preventive Maintenance Checks and Services) during the training.
First Aid Training in Ghana
Road construction wasn't the only training in Ghana the past two weeks. N.D. National Guard medic Staff Sgt. Jesse Zyskowsky was present to ensure the health and wellbeing of all training participants. While keeping an eye out for medical emergencies during equipment training, Zyskowsky conducted medical first aid training for the Ghanaian soldiers.
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