Program teaches teens how to take apart military rifle
A teen-age interest in things military, and the experience of local soldiers in the Tennessee National Guard, have converged with the creation of military studies Explorer Post 209.
The explorer program is a part of the Boy Scouts of America. Its purpose is to provide career education for young men and women ages 14 through 20. Each Explorer post, or group, is geared toward one specific career or interest and provides its members practical knowledge of that interest.
Ric Stubblefield, executive director of the Black Fox Boy Scout District, said every fall he distributes an interests survey to students at high schools in his district (which comprises the counties of Warren, White, Van Buren and DeKalb). From the results of these surveys, which he shares with school guidance counselors, he is able to see what students are most interested in learning and what types of Explorer posts might be formed.
As several students have voiced an interest in the military, Stubblefield got with the local National Guard unit, Iron Troop, 3/278th Armored Cavalry Regiment, and arranged for the creation of a military studies post.
Iron Troop 1st Sgt. Willie Bowers, who assists Sgt. 1st Class Dennis Carter in leading the post, said the unit is pleased to be able to help area students pursue their interests.
“It’s a great way for us to be active in the community and be a positive influence in the lives of young people,” Bowers said.
Bowers said the post “drills,” or meets the first Monday of every month at the National Guard Armory. During these drills, post members learn the highlights of different aspects of military life, practices and protocol. In a recent drill they were taught what they requested – how to disassemble an M-16 rifle.
Other plans are to include the post members in as many unit activities as possible, including training activities in the field and in combat simulators.
While National Guard members are more than happy to give teens an in-depth look at the inner workings of military, they also hope a number of them will eventually join the local unit.
“Not all Explorers will become Guardsmen but the chances are good that young people who participate in the program will become bonded to the unit and join as soon as they are old enough,” said Bowers.
Any person between the ages of 14 and 20 who is interested in learning more about the military is invited to attend the post’s next drill to be held at 6:30 p.m. Monday, May 6 at the armory.