WIESBADEN, Germany - When someone thinks of a Soldier's training, numerous sights and sounds immediately come to mind: mud; field rations; sweat; gunfire.
But what one doesn't imagine very often, though, is the presence of family members.
However, 54 spouses of deployed Wiesbaden troops recently took to training areas here to participate in an Iron Combat Spouses Badge challenge. By doing so, the spouses served as Soldiers for a day with Task Force Iron Sentinel and the Special Troops Battalion at Wiesbaden Army Airfield.
"I will tell you when to leave the training area. I will tell you when to use the bathroom," boomed Command Sgt. Maj. Victor Blade as a few late stragglers made their way onto Minue Field. "If you signed that paper, you are in the Army for a day ... You are now a Soldier."
To begin the day, TFIS and STB staff members inprocessed the "trainees," giving them an orientation briefing that emphasized fun and safety.
"We really wanted these guys to have a good time, allowing them to take their minds off of their spouses being downrange," said Col. James McGinnis, TFIS commander. "We also give them a taste of what it's like to wear this gear for 15 months by letting them wear it for a couple of hours."
The spouses were issued body armor, helmets, M-16 replicas and Meals, Ready-to-Eat before being divided into three groups and marched off to conquer different tasks prepared by Iron staffers.
Read the rest - very nice story - sounds like an adventure!
06-02-2008, 06:40 PM
Spouses Serve as Soldiers for a Day
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