FORT INDIANTOWN GAP, Pa. –
Soldiers with the 104th Maintenance Company, D.C. National Guard, conducted squad movement drills here as part of their Annual Training.
Though not typically a part of their maintenance duties, the training is no less critical.
"Squad movement drills are a basic aspect of being a soldier," said Sgt. 1st Class Derek Carter, a maintenance supervisor with the unit. "This training allows soldiers to refresh themselves on their fundamental skills."
Sgt. 1st Class Dominick Brown elaborated further, emphasizing the broader value of the training.
"Squad movement drills are not specifically relevant to maintenance, but whatever unit we're attached to will do this," Brown said, "So it's important for us to learn this as well."
Both senior noncommissioned officers bring years of experience to their unit and are committed to guiding the next generation of Soldiers.
"I enjoy developing Soldiers," Carter said. "At this point in my career, I'm focused on helping them carry on the mission of the Guard."
Brown, formerly with the Metropolitan Police Department, is also deeply invested developing the careers of Soldiers.
"I volunteered for an assignment right after basic training and got attached to the 101st Airborne Division, and around that time, I found out my father was with the 101st, and that influenced me to stay in a little longer." Brown said, "Then, I got promoted to E-5, which I didn't think would ever happen, and I started to take care of troops. Taking care of troops is why I'm still in now."
For Brown, the mission of the Guard is inextricably linked to the city itself.
"We're defenders of the capital, and we should be as such," he said.