Fort Stewart soldiers from the 3rd Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division trained with timed combat live fire and reflexive fire on Aug. 20.

According to a report from DVIDS, soldiers engaged targets from barricades during three different shooting positions in combat live fire drills. Reflexive firing allowed soldiers to practice engaging targets while walking sideways and in a zigzag. Sun and rain showers allowed soldiers to train in varying conditions and new soldiers gained experience zeroing their weapon systems.

Second Lt Mike J. Gabbard, platoon leader for 2nd Platoon, Company B, 3rd BN, 7th Inf. Regt, was the leader in charge of training and led troops in safety and firing instruction. In the report on DVIDS, Gabbard stated that shooting while moving laterally was a new concept for soldiers, some who are new to Company B.

Sgt. 1st Class David M. Roberts, the platoon sergeant for 3rd Platoon, Company B., 3rd Bn., 7th Inf. Regt, says that mastering the fundamentals can be the most challenging part of training and it is better to make mistakes in training instead of when you are deployed. "Practice, practice, practice, that’s how you get better. Anytime you get trigger time, it makes you better," Sgt. 1st Class Roberts stated.

Each firer was provided with a safety and coach. PFC. Wallace R. Santos, an infantry with 1st Platoon, Company B, 3rd BN, 7th Inf. Regt, stated to DVIDS, "One safety per person makes you feel confident. There's a connection to the people you train with."

In addition to the training soldiers also received media engagement training from brigade public affairs representatives.