Instructors at the 515th Regiment (Regional Training Institute) Conduct Driver’s Training for Staff

SANTA FE, N.M. – Instructors at the 515th Regiment (Regional Training Institute) are taking advantage of a break between courses to conduct driver’s training for assigned personnel.

Driver’s training began with classroom instruction on Tuesday. Under the watchful eyes of the instructors, students maneuvered through an assortment of traffic cones and barriers on Wednesday. Today is the road test with tomorrow as a make-up day.

Sgt. 1st Class Gabrialle Brunwasser from the regiment’s Operations (S-3) section and Sgt. 1st Class John Crespin, Course Manager for the Motor Transport Operator Course (MTOC), are overseeing the instruction. Both are certified Master Drivers.

“Our regiment is conducting driver’s training to ensure the safety and preparedness of our Soldiers and the community. By providing comprehensive instruction and hands-on experience, we equip our personnel with the skills needed to operate military vehicles responsibly and effectively,” Brunwasser said.

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“This training not only reduces the risk of accidents and equipment damage but also enhances our operational readiness, allowing us to respond quickly and efficiently to any mission or training,” she said. “Ultimately, driver’s training reflects our commitment to professionalism, safety, and excellence in service to our nation.”

Service to our nation includes being prepared for missions here at home as well as forward locations around the globe.

“Regimental drivers training is essential to ensure that all military vehicle operators possess the necessary skills, knowledge, and discipline to operate vehicles safely and effectively in both peacetime and operational environments,” Brunwasser said.

When students are present and classes are in session, RTI personnel focus on training them to standard in a positive, yet demanding atmosphere. During rare breaks between classes, they turn their attention to their own training, administrative requirements and, of course, safety.

“This training reduces the risk of accidents, enhances operational readiness, and ensures compliance with military standards and regulations,” Brunwasser said. “By standardizing driving practices across the regiment, we promote safety, protect personnel and equipment and maintain the regiment’s ability to rapidly sustain operations in any situation.”

Staff Sergeants Julian Lopez, Teresa Sauceda, Thomas Hammer and Fernando Heras are the lead instructors.

Lopez and Sauceda are instructors for the Basic Leader Course. Hammer and Heras are MTOC instructors.

Students are as follows.

• Master Sgt. Andrew Flores
• Sgt. 1st Class Antonio Bieniek
• Staff Sgt. Andy Almaraz-Trujillo
• Staff Sgt. Tylure Bazzy
• Staff Sgt. Jacob Kirksey
• Staff Sgt. Cheyenne Murphy