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June 2009
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ANNUAL TRAINING

2GHG Troopers and horses travel by convoy to the National Guard Training facility at Camp Rell in Niantic, Connecticut for one week in August every year to attend mandatory Annual Training (AT).  AT is an important part of the 2GHG experience and serves as a strong reminder that we are part of the Connecticut National Guard. The Troop practices drill and ceremony, daily mounted Cavalry drill on the parade field and the week ends with a squad competition. The barracks are inspected, the tack is cleaned and polished and checked, and each squad is judged at dismounted and mounted drill.

2GHG Troopers practice a wedge formation during mounted squad completion, L-R:  SGT Lauren Chirgwin
on My Boy, SGT Melanie Viets on Andy, PFC Stacy Walker on Tabasco, PFC Ival Stratford Kovner on Dallas and
PFC Kim Abate on Zeus, Annual Training, Camp Rell, 2008

A row of clean saddles await inspection during squad
competition, Annual Training, Camp Rell, 2008

Every year since 1981, the Troop has taken a day to visit Camp Harkness, a State recreational facility for people with disabilities There is an exhibition drill, and then campers are treated to rides on the horses. Troopers and campers alike enjoy this very special day.

1SG Frank Tyska helps a rider mount Patton, as PFC Brian Hayes (far left) and 1LT
Karen Farrar (far right) assist, at Camp Harkness, August 2007

Since there is no barn at Camp Rell, horses live outdoors and are groomed and tacked on a picket line. Troopers use a picket line back at HQ in Newtown to prepare. The horses adjust to the close contact and feed bags, and don't seem to miss their stalls at all.

AT photos taken in 1933 and 2005. The Troopers keep a close eyes on the horses as they rest on the picket line.

The Troop also visits the Leadership Recreation Course at Stone’s Ranch Military Reservation and uses the Firearms and Artillery Training Simulation Facility (F.A.T.S.). Troopers look forward to training at Camp Rell, and work hard to make the most of these unique opportunities.

Troopers must use team work to complete their mission at Stone's Ranch

Troopers stay in barracks and report for duty from 0600 to 0500. The evenings are open, and one very special tradition is to ride the horses bareback down to the Niantic River and go for a swim!

PVT Charlie Zarbo goes for a swim, 1955