During the Surge in Iraq, 10th was DA authorized over strength. We typically fielded teams of 13-15 guys for both PMT and the entire downrange tour. Did that for two rotations. Eventually, that over strength was reallocated to form our new 4th Bn.
I had a twelve man team for an entire year back in '96 out at Carson. Two teams from the battalion were selected for participation in an SF Battle Lab Program. Both teams were required to be fully manned (with continuity of personnel) for the entire 12 months of sequential fly-away exercises, Force Mod equipment evaluation, and various types of mandatory Ft Bragg experimentation with simulators, MDMP, etc. . We did mirror image training (both teams either training together or supporting one another). Myself and the other Team Sergeant got to actually draw up our "dream" annual training calendar... and then execute it (without ever having to give any one up for external bullshit). Everything we planned, we did, and without the distraction of support details or not having someone present for training (outside of personal emergencies). Shoot, Move, and Communicate. Jump, Drop Bombs, Ski, Infil as ODAs into 3 or 4 major exercises (both conventional and SOF). 160th Support. CAS support. All of our requested away training deployments funded. It was... better than sex. Well... maybe not... but still pretty damn good.
The day that gig ended, so did my perfect twelve man team. They cut a hunk of flesh off my team with a vengeance. Gimme two guys for Group and Bn Staff. Give me a guy for the B-Team. Somebody for SWC. QPs know the drill...
Last edited by Astronomy; 03-12-2014 at 20:27.
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