Published: November 16, 2009 11:52 am      

Dieter completes Ranger Training school

Dustin Michael Dieter completed and graduated from Army Ranger Training on August 28, 2009 at Fort Benning, GA. The Ranger Course develops the combat arms related functional skills of officers who are eligible for assignment to units whose primary mission is to engage in the close combat direct fire battle. Practical experience is gained in the application of the tactics and techniques of Ranger operations in rolling, wooded, mountainous, and jungle/swamp environments. Emphasis is placed on the development of individual leadership abilities through the application of the principles of leadership, while further developing military skills hi planning and conducting of dismounted infantry, airborne, airmobile, amphibious and independent squad and platoon-sized operations. The Ranger Course is 61 days in length with an average of 19 hours of training each day, seven days a week.

It is divided into 3 phases: the Benning Phase, conducted at Camp Rogers and Camp Darby, Fort Benning, Georgia; the Mountain Phase, conducted at Camp Frank D. Merrill near Dahlonega, Georgia; and the Florida Phase, conducted at Camp James E. Rudder, Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. The emphasis during the course on practical, realistic and strenuous field work is based on current doctrine. Fatigue, hunger, the necessity for quick, sound decisions, and the requirement for demonstrating calm, forceful leadership under conditions of mental and emotional stress are all contained in the Ranger Course. The instruction is conducted with units varying hi size from an infantry rifle squad to a rifle platoon. The qualified Ranger leader is trained as a small-unit leader in a series of field training exercises conducted primarily at night, under any prevailing weather condition.

Dustin's parents, Jeff and Melinda Dieter and grandmother, Joan Bezner of Lindsay attended his graduation, along with his fiancée, Christin Bayer and daughter, Alexis of Piano. Christin's parents, Chris and Janet Bayer of Valley View attended as well. Dustin is a 2nd Lieutenant in the 82nd Airborne Division of the U.S. Army stationed at Fort Bragg, NC.