Story and photos by U.S. Army Maj. Stacy M. Hopwood, 3rd BCT Public Affairs
FORT CAMPBELL, Ky. – Two 3rd Brigade Combat Team “Rakkasan”, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) units were presented Air Assault Streamers of Excellence October 29, 2013.
Gen. Daniel B. Allyn, Commanding General, United States Army Forces Command, awarded the streamer to Company B “Battlehard”, 3rd Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment and Company D “Dragon”, 1st Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment for achieving 80% of their units being air assault qualified.
“It’s an honor to come out here and join you today,” said Allyn. “It’s great to recognize excellence and extraordinary leadership doing the right things every day.”
Earning this achievement took forethought and commitment.
“When Battlehard redeployed from Afghanistan, we immediately began leaning to prepare Soldiers for Air Assault School,” explains Capt. Jeff Works, Commander of Company B, 3-187. “The Non-commissioned officers took the initiative with the Soldier preparation ensuring all candidates executed the necessary prerequisites including numerous equipment layouts. Then they mentored the Soldiers throughout the course ensuring they would accomplish the mission of graduating with air assault wings.”
Accomplishing this feat here at Fort Campbell is especially important as the Army’s only Air Assault Division.
“We take pride in being experts in all things air assault,” said Capt. Ben Oschwald, Commander of Company D, 1-187. “Everything from climbing ropes, inspecting loads, conducting air movements, and air assaulting an objective in training or combat.”
“We have worked hard for this 80% qualified milestone and are proud to bear it on our unit colors,” said Oschwald.
Soldiers were equally excited and proud to have earned the honor.
“It feels awesome to be one of only two companies in the brigade to earn this streamer,” said Spc. Christopher Smith, an Infantryman assigned to Company B, 3-187. “This gives us bragging rights as one of the top companies.”
Following the brief ceremony, Gen. Allyn participated in physical training with 2nd Platoon, 3-187.
“We did a strength and mobility program of exercises in accordance with FM 7-22,” said Sgt. 1st Class Vicente Mesa, platoon sergeant of 2nd Platoon. “We also did a little battle focused competition to break the monotony of the regimented program and to promote esprit de corps.”
Having a General Officer join you for PT is not an event that happens often and it can be especially intimidating when he knows your band of excellence.
“Before the session started everyone was nervous,” explains Smith. “Once the PT started we became more comfortable. Everyone’s motivation was high and we had a good time.”
Once the PT session was over it was back to work.
As their fellow Companies race to catch them, these units will now be aiming for the next streamer they can earn; the gold Air Assault stream which recognized units for having 90% Air Assault qualified.
