TxBowhunter Update

TxBowhunter · Post by **TxBowhunter** » August 22nd, 2006, 8:46 am

Completed OCS and commissioned on 19 Aug.

Branched IN and headed to a RSTA Squadron. The unit is currently still Armor and will be shifting FY 07.

Current plan of action is Air Assault at the end of Sept. I still haven't received hard dates but they told us at commissioning we could go if we wanted and I figure it's as good a time as any to get it out of the way.

I was also told I could schedule BAC prior to BOLC II/ IN BOLC III( IOBC) and will do that.

BOLC II/ IN BOLC III (IOBC), Pre-Ranger, and Ranger course will follow at a date to be determined, the sooner the better in my opinion.

In the mean time I will meet my platoon and begin training with them and doing as much PT as I can fit in.

SmileyTFJ · Post by **SmileyTFJ** » August 22nd, 2006, 8:55 am

Congratulations! I know it was a long 18 months. Good Luck to you and all of class 49.

Myth · Post by **Myth** » August 22nd, 2006, 10:09 pm

I am new here also and would like to say thanks for your service and welcome

Earthpig · Post by **Earthpig** » August 23rd, 2006, 5:24 am

Kudos, Sir! Lead the Way!
RLTW
EP

Silverback · Post by **Silverback** » August 23rd, 2006, 5:27 am

Seems as though you forgot to plan the Scout Leader course while you are certifying to be a big boy. Here's your challenge from me, try to figure out what it is that a RSTA Squadron actually does. RSTA is currently serving as a very understrength and undergunned Motorized Infantry (Company plus)

Ranger Ron · Post by **Ranger Ron** » August 23rd, 2006, 7:05 am

Congratulations Sir! Best of luck.

TxBowhunter · Post by **TxBowhunter** » August 23rd, 2006, 8:06 am

Ranger Scuba Wino,
I have learned that lesson and would not have finished OCS with out the help of more than one NCO. I realize I have a lot to learn to master my profession and look forward to being a sponge.

Ranger Silverback,
I was told that as an infantry officer SLC was not an option since my MTOE position doesn't have the SLC designator and when I inquired with a few armor officers who have recently finished SLC they said they hadnâ€™t seen any infantry types while they were there. If I can make SLC work I definitely will and while itâ€™s a long way off armor CCC is probably where I will be headed eventually.

I am very excited about being in a RSTA squadron and the reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition mission is one I think I will enjoy. As far as the real mission in Iraq from what I have been reading many different units are acting as infantry companies so that's not limited to RSTA troops.

The dismount scout platoon is light with nothing heavier than a 240B on the MTOE and only 28 troops total including the PL and PSG. From what I have read, an article in Armor Magazine, usually they operate as a 4 gun truck element with at least an M2 and Mk-19, that must have been donated from company HQ. Route recon and stay behind ops with the sniper section seem to be the primary roles for the scout plt.

If Iâ€™m off base on this let me know. I know you are at a RSTA squadron now and Iâ€™m curious If the MTOE you have includes more vehicles for the DRT scout platoons than the 1 HMMWV and 1 LMTV. That seems to me to be something that would change, if not in garrison at least in country. As always any knowledge and or sources of information I can get my hands on would be much appreciated.