After Squad leaders texted the name of a visual signal, Soldiers executed the visual signal techniques using his cell phone to document the achievement for review, credit or correction. It looks like the assisting photographer decided to add some extra credit doodles!
For many of us, Soldier Virtual Battle Assembly (SVBA) is a new concept that has temporarily become the new normal in order to stay safe during the Covid-19 pandemic. A concept that seemed foreign to the Army Reserve is now the way we conduct training.
“That’s why the philosophers warn us not to be satisfied with mere learning, but to add practice and then training.”-— Epictetus, Discourses, 2.9
The 3-414th (CST) has completed two SVBAs where Soldiers have been responsive, resilient to the technology learning curve, understanding of events while continuing to drive forward with the mission, focusing on readiness, leader development and training. SVBA has challenged the way we normally learn, practice, and train for a mission. But our ability to adapt during these times remind us that change is the only constant in life, we must continue to stay flexible, grow and adapt.
SVBA has given us the opportunity to continue to improve our individual readiness, complete online training requirements and challenge our creative side while staying safe.
Soldiers across the unit conducted reconnaissance during VBA and shared their findings with their teams.
Alpha Company’s approach to SVBA starts with Soldiers asking themselves the following questions in order to remain ready:
- Am I mentally ready (Motivated, Enthusiastic, GAT…)?
- Am I trained and ready (MOSQ, NCOES, OES…)?
- Am I administratively ready (NCOER, OER, Promotion Packet…)?
- Am I physically ready (Passing APFT & Height/Weight)?
SVBA has allowed our families the opportunity to learn and understand what our Soldiers do for the unit. Our Soldiers have taken this opportunity to incorporate their family members in training while teaching them something new and creating special memories they can look back at to remember the year 2020.
Maj. Zayas conducted a bike ride for his PRT during VBA.
During May’s SVBA Bravo Company conducted a virtual award and promotion ceremony for Master Sgt. Patricia Kolz who was promoted to Sgt. Maj. Kolz. She was pinned by her son while sharing this moment virtually with her company and family.
Battalion conducted a virtual staff ride about the history of the 104th Division (LT), as well as a Military Decision-Making Process to prepare for future missions while mitigating the risks of Covid-19.
1st Sgt. Rees PRT of choice was a ruck march during VBA.
Battle buddies might not be physically close by, but our Soldiers have found ways to stay connected with each other by doing virtual scavenger hunts, tactical movement techniques, virtual classrooms and keeping each other motivated while conducting a YouTube HIIT workout for PRT.
| Congratulations on your promotion, Sgt. Maj. Patricia Kolz. | After Squad leaders texted the name of a visual signal, Soldiers executed the visual signal techniques using his cell phone to document the achievement for review, credit or correction. It looks like the assisting photographer decided to add some extra credit doodles! |
SVBA has taught us a new way to continue learning, practicing, training and adapting to stay ready even if an event only happens once in a century.