4ID holds Rifle Squad Challenge tilt

Friday, February 10, 2012

THE 4th Infantry “Diamond” Division (4ID) of the Philippine Army is holding the Rifle Squad Challenge Competition at Camp Osito Bahian in Malaybalay City, which started Friday and runs until today, February 11.

The Rifle Squad Challenge, participated in by different subordinate units of the 4ID, aims to test the squads’ individual and collective competence, promote teamwork, healthy competition, leadership and cohesion within the squad.

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It also hopes to stress the importance of strengthening the rifle squad organization.

The two-day activity is divided into three phases -- Individual Readiness Phase, Formation and Movement Techniques Phase and Battle Drill Phase.

In the Individual Readiness Phase, the squads will undergo Physical Fitness Test, Endurance Firing, Weapons Proficiency, Combat Lifesaving and Communications while in the Formation and Movement Techniques Phase, participant-squads will perform movement techniques, squad formations and patrol base operations.

Meanwhile, the Squads will perform battle drills on React-to-Contact, Squad Attack, React to Ambush and Knocking-out Bunkers scenarios during the Battle Drill Phase.

All the events incorporated in the competition will simulate real life scenarios. These are situations inherent in the performance of tasks and orders being a combatant unit.

Competence in these activities will enhance survival of the individual soldiers during unexpected events.

The winner of the competition will represent the 4ID in the 2nd PA Wide Squad Challenge Competition at Camp O’ Donnell in Capas, Tarlac, which is tentatively scheduled on March 13 to 18.

Major General Victor A. Felix AFP, Commander of the 4ID, said, it has always been his intention to make the soldiers always ready and competent in the performance of their duty as defender of the people and protector of the territory.

“May participants enjoy this competition while striving for excellence and realize that winning is second only to the learning they may acquire in this activity,” Felix said.

Major Eugenio Julio C Osias IV, Commanding Office of the 4th Civil-Military Operations Battalion, said strengthening of squads is the best way of preserving the life of the individual soldiers and the organization.

“This kind of competition encourages your soldiers to excel and be competitive whether mock scenarios or real combat situations,” Osias said. (PR)