Five New York Guardsmen train for South African competition

Story courtesy of the New York National Guard

Sgt. 1st Class Angel Ocasio of the New York Army National Guard's 1427th Transportation Company assists Pvt. 1st Class Michael Ellsworth, a member of Co. C, 2nd Battalion, 108th Infantry from Hudson Falls, develop a firm firing stance from a kneeling position, during weapons training at the Guilderland Weekend Training Site in Guilderland, N.Y., Oct 15, 2010. Ellsworth is preparing for a South African Military Skills Competition in Potchefstroom, South Africa, Nov. 8-14, 2010. (Photo by Master Sgt. Corine Lombardo, New York National Guard)
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GUILDERLAND, N.Y., (10/13/10) -- Five New York Army National Guard Soldiers who will represent the United States Army at a military skills competition in South Africa next month conducted a one-day training session at the rifle range here on Oct. 15.

Five Soldiers from Company C, Second Battalion 108th Infantry, based at the Gloversville Armory (and two alternates) will compete, including: Sgt 1st Class Troy Mechanic; Sgt. 1st Class Miguel Orabona; Staff Sgt. Jeffrey Dorvee; Specialist David Hanson; Pvt 1st Class Michael Ellsworth; Sgt Justin Vonderhyde; and Sgt. Thomas Myers.

The Soldiers conducted familiarization fire on weapons similar to those they will use at the South African Military Skills Competition at the New York National Guard Guilderland Weekend Training Site.

It was the Soldiers only opportunity to train prior to the competition, which will be held Nov. 8-14 in Potchefstroom, South Africa.

The New York National Guard routinely conducts bilateral training opportunities and service member exchanges with the South African National Defense Force as part of the National Guard's State Partnership Program which pairs a United States National Guard with a developing nation's military. New York has been partnered with South Africa since 2005.

The South African Military Skills Competition brings members of the reserve forces of South Africa, as well as those of other nations together, in a friendly competition that also serves as a training venue.

Participating along with the New York Army National Guard team that will represent the United States will be five-member teams from the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Italy, France, Canada and Tanzania. The teams will consist of four competitors and a coach.

The competitors will be judged on their ability with the South African R4 rifle, and the Star pistol; negotiating a land obstacle course and a water obstacle; grenade throwing; and an eight kilometer cross country run.

The Soldiers will wear swim trunks for the water obstacle task and running clothes for the eight kilometer race. All other events will be conducted in combat gear.

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