NewYork Army National Guard Soldiers Train for South African Competition

By Master Sgt. Corine Lombardo, New York Army National Guard

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New York Army National Guard Soldiers from the 2nd Battalion, 108th Infantry, conduct weapons training at the Guilderland Weekend Training Center, Oct 15.

GUILDERLAND, NY (10/18/2010)(readMedia)-- Five New York Army National Guard Soldiers tapped to represent the United States at a military skills competition in South Africa next month honed their skills Friday, Oct. 15 at the state's Guilderland Weekend Training Site here.

The competition, scheduled for Potchefstroom, South Africa, Nov. 8-14, is a means to share military tactics and techniques with Soldiers from that nation, as well as the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Italy, France, Canada and Tanzania.

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 experience is going to help the younger Soldiers on our team. Today's one-on-one training is focused on firing fundamentals and improving individual shot groups, which should help them do their best during the competition," explained Sgt. 1st Class Troy Mechanick.

The Soldiers, all from Company C, Second Battalion 108th Infantry, were Mechanick, from Hudson Falls; Sgt. 1st Class Miguel Orabona from Ballston Lake; Staff Sgt. Jeffrey Dorvee from Queensbury; Pvt. 1st Class Michael Ellsworth from Hudson Falls and two alternates Sgt Justin Vonderhyde from Chester and Sgt. Thomas Myers from Rochester.

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

"I'm a little nervous since we'll be using different weapons systems we won't get to see until a couple of days before the competition," Ellsworth said.

"I'm excited that I was picked to represent New York and the U.S. I look forward to experiencing a different culture, meeting Soldiers from other armies and hopefully make friends." Ellsworth added.

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. The teams will consist of four competitors and a coach.

"This is the first time we have participated in this competition, the Soldiers are going in not really knowing what to expect, said New York Army National Guard Command Sgt. Major Robert Van Pelt.

"Most of these soldiers are veterans, and they'll appreciate this. Whether they win or lose, as long as they compete well, they'll be happy and remember this for the rest of their lives," Van Pelt added.

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GUILDERLAND, NY --New York Army National Guard Soldiers from the 2nd Battalion, 108th Infantry, conduct weapons training at the Guilderland Weekend Training Site, Oct 15. The team is preparing for a South African Military Skills Competition in Potchefstroom, South Africa, Nov. 8-14. (Photo by Master Sgt. Corine Lombardo, New York Army National Guard)

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GUILDERLAND, NY --Pvt. 1st Class Michael Ellsworth, a Co. C, 2nd Battalion, 108th Infantry, New York Army National Guard Soldier from Hudson Falls,NY, verifies his shot group during weapons training at the Guilderland Weekend Training Site, Oct 15. Ellsworth is preparing for a South African Military Skills Competition in Potchefstroom, South Africa, Nov. 8-14. (Photo by Master Sgt. Corine Lombardo, New York Army National Guard)

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GUILDERLAND, NY --New York Army National Guard Sgt. 1st Class Angel Ocasio, 1427th Transportation Co., a Glens Fall, NY resident; 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, Oct 15. Ellsworth is preparing for a South African Military Skills Competition in Potchefstroom, South Africa, Nov. 8-14. (Photo by Master Sgt. Corine Lombardo, New York Army National Guard)