Guard Unit will train with Saudis
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
About 180 soldiers with the Kansas Army National Guard, including about 50 from the Emporia area, will leave soon for a three-week training mission in Saudi Arabia.
The soldiers, from the 2nd Battalion, 137th Infantry, will be providing armor and infantry platoons to help the Saudi forces in the desert training exercise, according to Sharon Watson, director of public affairs for the Adjutant General’s Department.
“It’s an opportunity for these soldiers to train in an environment that they don’t typically get to train in,” Watson said.
Matt Slater, a native Emporian and sergeant in the Guard who has served in Bosnia and Kosovo, will be going with the group.
“It should be a pretty straightforward mission,” Slater said. “We’re going to be cross-training with the Saudi Arabian Land Defense Force. Basically we’ll be doing some force-on-force maneuver drills with tanks.”
Watson said the exercise will be useful because so many forces are being deployed to desert environments for combat missions.
“It’s a unique mission in that respect,” Watson said, “and a great opportunity for the United States and for the Kansas National Guard.”
“It should be pretty cool,” Slater said. “I’m looking forward to it.”
josiesbar (anonymous) says...
"Basically we’ll be doing some force-on-force maneuver drills with tanks.”
Hey crack... Have fun playing Warcraft!
Peace out everyone!
February 17, 2009 at 1:47 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
oh4theluvof (anonymous) says...
Matt,
I have to say I'm a little jealous that you are going to a nice, warm climate. I know, I know, some think I'm exaggerating and don't know how hot it is over there, but I do and am still a bit jealous. Have fun driving your tank and don't forget to check in and let us know how it's going (if you have internet access). Talk to you later....
February 17, 2009 at 2:42 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Weltha (anonymous) says...
Have fun and be safe. A
February 17, 2009 at 3:40 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
Be safe, Matt. Please e-mail us. Call me and I'll give you my e-mail. I'll be glad to post it on the forum so we can see how you're doing. Hey, they say the dessert over there is every color depending on the time of day. Check on that. That's your assignment. Prayers.
February 17, 2009 at 4:05 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
seriouslyfolks (anonymous) says...
Have fun, be safe( I know it's hard to do both ;)) and thank you for your service.
PS
Be gentle with the wheeled vehicles, they're not as sturdy as tanks.
February 17, 2009 at 5:33 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )