FORT SILL, Okla_Fort Sill Air Defense
Artillery soldiers took a trip back in time Monday. They did a side-by-side
comparison of a 21st century Avenger, used to shoot down aircraft,
and a 1940's M-16 half-track that was used back in World War II. The troops are
in a 10 week course where they are learning all about air defense artillery and
gained a better perspective of how the Avenger they are using now are not too
different than the ones soldiers used back in the 40's.
Soldiers in the
Avenger Advanced Training Class studied two generations of air defense
artillery. Fort Sill purchased the M-16 used back in World
War II two weeks ago and say they plan on using the M-16 in future courses so
soldiers can appreciate where they came from.
A lot has
changed since the 1940's and Fort Sill soldiers learned that first hand by
stepping back into time and checking out what air defense artillery soldiers
used in combat during World War II.
"They're gaining
an appreciation for their history and heritage and learning about how 70 years
of time between two systems actually really isn't all that different and we're
still using a lot of the same procedures and equipment we used in World War II,"
Director of the Air Defense Artillery Museum Jonathan Bernstein said.
While the two
may be pretty similar, there are a few differences between the two. The Avenger
of the 1940s has four .50 caliber machine guns, using 8 Stinger missiles, while
the 21st century Avenger only has one. But, today's Avenger is fully equipped
with several seating areas, air conditioning and a state-of-the-art computer
system that can track aircraft by using an optical system to detect their targets
from far away, something soldiers say they are fortunate to have.
"They
definitely didn't have it as comfortable as we do. They were sitting on pads,
we're sitting on legitimate seats, with A/C. It's pretty exciting know we will
be treated well in the Humvee compared to how they were treated," Pfc. Tod
Attino said.
Staff Sergeant Larry
Goodman is the course trainer. He said having his students learning the history
of their job and where they come from is crucial when it comes to fighting in
combat.
"It has
come a long way it's amazing how you look at this vehicle right here compared
to this one and you see all the upgrades that makes the viability a whole lot
better on the battle field."
Soldiers
couldn't agree more, they say knowing the history of the M-16 will only help
further their careers.
"I think
it's important to know the history just to see how far this has come, it gives
you a sense of pride just to know they are working hard just to better the MOS,"
Attino said.
The men and women will be in class for seven more weeks. From there they
will go back to their unit where they were originally stationed. They said they
can't wait to put to use what they have learned over the 10 week course.
