http://news.soc.mil/releases/News Archive/2010/March/100328-01.html
FORT CAMPBELL, Ky. (USASOC News Service, March 28, 2010) – Boy Scouts in Troop 360 from Lebanon, Tenn., recently made a trip to Fort Campbell, Ky., to learn basic land navigation skills from the 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne) March 15-17.
Six out of 27 boys from the troop looking to earn their Eagle Scout rank took the opportunity during their Spring break to complete the training.
"We learned how to use a map and compass correctly," said Wyatt Bennett, one of the Boy Scouts."The class was very hard for me because at the time I did not know how to use either one of those items."
"I thought this was a great opportunity to use the Special Forces Soldiers," said William Bennett, Wyatt’s father. "In order for the scouts to earn their Eagle Scout rank, they have to navigate their way through the woods and who knows better than an actual Soldier."
Monday afternoon, the scouts received the classroom portion of training, consisting of determining grid coordinates, identifying terrain features, how to get a pace count, how to talk on a radio correctly, measure distance and locate a point. Toward the end of the week, they moved to the post's Warrior Leader's Course Land Navigation Area where the scouts had to put their newly acquired skills into practice. They had to find four different points within a 1,500-meter radius.
"It was tiring because we had to cross a lot of gorges and creeks to get to our destination," said Wyatt." Always come prepared and bring a backpack with plenty of water."
"I thought the training was really good because we actually got to interact with the Soldiers," said Alexander Roberts, 2nd Class Boy Scout."We got to find the points on the map and use the compass ourselves. My group was the first team done so we had to go help another group that was having trouble. It was pretty easy but sometimes it can be challenging."
The training for the basic land navigation course was led by Soldiers from 3rd Battalion. One Soldier taught the classroom portion while the other three worked with the Scouts. During this portion, two Boy Scouts were paired with an instructor, who was there to help them get through the course without making mistakes.
"Each boy had a good understanding on how everything works and they were great listeners," said Sgt. Derrick Bonvillain, information system specialist, 3rd Bn., 5th SFG." I think it is important for them to learn how to navigate through the woods. I really enjoyed working with them, and I think we all had fun."
"It was really cool and fun that we got to work with Soldiers," said Alexander. "Wear boots, have water and get ready to tough it out. It's not an everyday opportunity that you get to work with Green Berets."
With this training exercise being so successful, Mr. Bennett already has plans to bring the rest of Troop 360 back to Fort Campbell this summer.
"I love coming back here," said Bennett. "Everyone has been great to work with."
FORT CAMPBELL, Ky. (USASOC News Service, March 28, 2010) – Boy Scouts in Troop 360 from Lebanon, Tenn., recently made a trip to Fort Campbell, Ky., to learn basic land navigation skills from the 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne) March 15-17.
Six out of 27 boys from the troop looking to earn their Eagle Scout rank took the opportunity during their Spring break to complete the training.
"We learned how to use a map and compass correctly," said Wyatt Bennett, one of the Boy Scouts."The class was very hard for me because at the time I did not know how to use either one of those items."
"I thought this was a great opportunity to use the Special Forces Soldiers," said William Bennett, Wyatt’s father. "In order for the scouts to earn their Eagle Scout rank, they have to navigate their way through the woods and who knows better than an actual Soldier."
Monday afternoon, the scouts received the classroom portion of training, consisting of determining grid coordinates, identifying terrain features, how to get a pace count, how to talk on a radio correctly, measure distance and locate a point. Toward the end of the week, they moved to the post's Warrior Leader's Course Land Navigation Area where the scouts had to put their newly acquired skills into practice. They had to find four different points within a 1,500-meter radius.
"It was tiring because we had to cross a lot of gorges and creeks to get to our destination," said Wyatt." Always come prepared and bring a backpack with plenty of water."
"I thought the training was really good because we actually got to interact with the Soldiers," said Alexander Roberts, 2nd Class Boy Scout."We got to find the points on the map and use the compass ourselves. My group was the first team done so we had to go help another group that was having trouble. It was pretty easy but sometimes it can be challenging."
The training for the basic land navigation course was led by Soldiers from 3rd Battalion. One Soldier taught the classroom portion while the other three worked with the Scouts. During this portion, two Boy Scouts were paired with an instructor, who was there to help them get through the course without making mistakes.
"Each boy had a good understanding on how everything works and they were great listeners," said Sgt. Derrick Bonvillain, information system specialist, 3rd Bn., 5th SFG." I think it is important for them to learn how to navigate through the woods. I really enjoyed working with them, and I think we all had fun."
"It was really cool and fun that we got to work with Soldiers," said Alexander. "Wear boots, have water and get ready to tough it out. It's not an everyday opportunity that you get to work with Green Berets."
With this training exercise being so successful, Mr. Bennett already has plans to bring the rest of Troop 360 back to Fort Campbell this summer.
"I love coming back here," said Bennett. "Everyone has been great to work with."
