A few weeks ago, the Connecticut Governor’s Guards (State Defense Force), encompassing the First Company Horse Guards, Second Company Horse Guards, First Company Foot Guard, and Second Company Foot Guard, assembled at Camp Nett in Niantic, CT, for their annual weeklong training. This gathering marked a significant event in the calendar of these storied units, reflecting both their rich history and their continued commitment to readiness and service.
The weeklong training event was a comprehensive and rigorous experience, designed to ensure that all members of the Governor’s Guards maintained the highest standards of proficiency and preparedness. The training covered a wide array of disciplines, from modern military techniques to the preservation of historical traditions. Members engaged in land navigation exercises, honed their skills in drill and ceremony, and participated in firearms training and qualification. One of the highlights was the use of the FATS (Firearm Training System) Simulator, a sophisticated virtual training system also employed by the National Guard, which allowed the Guardsmen to practice marksmanship in a controlled environment before heading to the range for live-fire qualifications.
Training on the range was particularly intense this year, with Guardsmen enduring the challenges of hot, humid weather, followed by a torrential downpour that tested their resilience. Despite the conditions, the dedication to training remained unwavering. In addition to modern firearms, the Guards also practiced with the historic Brown Bess and Charleville Musket, both of which were weapons used by American soldiers during the American Revolution, making them not only symbols of their heritage but also integral parts of their participation in parades, veteran funerals, and other special events.
The Horse Guards focused on their equestrian skills, crucial for their ceremonial duties in parades and other public appearances. The troopers and their mounts spent the week in rigorous training, enhancing their riding skills and preparing for the demanding schedule of events that lay ahead. Their dedication to maintaining both the traditions and the operational readiness of the unit was evident as they returned to their home base in Avon, CT, after a successful week at Camp Nett.
For the Foot Guards, the training week was equally demanding. The First Company Foot Guard, known for its precision and historical reenactments, began the week with firearms safety classes and hands-on experience with both modern weapons and the venerable Charleville Musket. This musket, a prized piece of the unit’s history, was the focus of several training sessions where Grenadiers learned to make cartridges and mastered the manual of arms. The training culminated in a Command Parade around the base, showcasing their drill and ceremony precision.
The training week also saw the First Company Foot Guard Field Music and Color Guard preparing for their participation in the 2024 National Muster at historic Fort Adams in Newport, Rhode Island. This event, hosted by the Kentish Guards and Pawtuxet Rangers, celebrated the 250th anniversaries of these historic units and provided the Governor’s Guards with an opportunity to display their skills on a national stage. The preparations for the Muster were meticulous, involving final rehearsals for the Field Music and Color Guard, ensuring that they represented Connecticut with pride and excellence.
As the week drew to a close, there was a sense of accomplishment and camaraderie among the units. The First Company Foot Guard also took a moment to honor Captain Lawrence Botting, their Quartermaster, who was participating in his last annual training after 40 years of dedicated service. This moment of reflection highlighted the deep sense of tradition and continuity that defines the Connecticut Governor’s Guards.
The Governor’s Guards, with their unique blend of historical significance and modern readiness, continue to serve as a vital component of Connecticut’s state military forces. Their annual training at Camp Nett not only reinforces their operational capabilities but also reaffirms their commitment to preserving the proud legacy of service that has defined these units for centuries.
This week, the First Company Governor’s Foot Guard, along with its 3 sister units, will take part in their Annual Training at Camp Nett at Niantic.
The week of Annual Training commenced with a ‘Firearms Safety’ class with LT McInerney and hands-on experience in the FATS (Firearm Training System) Simulator with CPT Cyr and SFC King. The FATS Simulator is used for training and practice of marksmanship with a variety of virtual weapons and is a precursor to our Range Day where we put all of that to the test for weapons qualifications.
The Unit also took part in learning the history and the ins and outs of one of our most prized firearms, the Charleville Musket.
Coupling classroom time with hands on training gives our Grenadiers the knowledge and experience needed to become proficient in both modern and historical weapons.
Tuesday brought along one of the most valued days that AT brings for the Foot Guard, Range Day.
Grenadiers qualified on pistols and rifles during the hot and humid day.
The day ended with a torrential downpour, which has never stopped the Unit from training in or out of the field.
On Wednesday, the First Company Governor’s Foot Guard put the information learned from our firearms class earlier in the week into action.
Grenadiers spent the morning learning how to make cartridges that are used to prime and load our Charleville muskets.
They then took those cartridges to the field and mastered Manual of Arms and firing of the Charleville muskets, while our drum line rehearsed for the upcoming Muster season and the recruiting team got their new setup up and running.
The First Company Governor’s Foot Guard Field Music and Color Guard is headed to historic Fort Adams in Newport, RI to attend the 2024 National Muster hosted by the Kentish Guards and Pawtuxet Rangers on Saturday, August 10th. Both hosting companies will be celebrating their 250th anniversaries!
Find our beautiful new tent set up amongst our friends in the Field Music Community and say hello!
The parade begins at 11:00 AM, followed by opening ceremonies and muster at 12:00 PM.
This event is free and open to the public and we hope you’ll join us for our first muster performance in 2024.
Thursday’s cooler temperatures brought some relief for the First Company Governor’s Foot Guard.
We continued our musket firing as our Specialty Platoon concentrated on precision with Drill and Ceremony and Color Guard routines.
The afternoon brought an opportunity for our company to come together and partake in a Command Parade around the perimeter of the base.
Friday brought along some R&R and more time in the FATS simulator, as our Field Music and Color Guard completed their final preparations for today’s National Muster in Newport, Rhode Island.
The First Company would like to give a huge shout out to SGT Brites, our Mess Sergeant. He’s kept our entire Company and sister units fed all week with some amazing food!
We would also like to extend our respect and appreciation for Captain Lawrence Botting, our Quartermaster, who took part in his last AT, after 40 years of service with the First Company.
As the First Company Governor’s Foot Guard packed up after an active week of training at Camp Nett, our Field Music and Color Guard carried onwards and participated in the National Muster in Newport, Rhode Island.
As the Muster season kicks off, we are still actively recruiting for musicians that are skilled in fife and/or drum.
For more information or to schedule an interview, please reach out via social media or via email at 1GFG.FieldMusic@gmail.com
This week marks the time when the men and women of the 2nd Company Governor’s Footguard joins with their fellow companies at Camp Net in Niantic for their annual training. Maintaining mission critical readiness for the 21st Century means continued instruction and practice on their manual of arms, drill and ceremony and firearms qualifications. The 2nd Company stands ready to serve the residents of The State of Connecticut!
Day 5- Welcome Home boys!
From Niantic to Avon- It was a great week of riding and training for troopers and mounts alike! “To the Horses!”
Sources: First Company Foot Guard – Second Company Foot Guard – Horse Guard
