US Army’s 1st Infantry Division has welcomed 152 new soldiers who reported to Fort Riley, Kansas, US, following the completion of one-station-unit training at Fort Benning in Georgia, US.
Soldiers were placed under a temporary restriction of movement upon their arrival in order to prevent the possible spread of Covid-19 on Fort Riley, as well as the surrounding region.
Army 1st Sergeant Christian Burt said that they will now report to their assigned unit at Fort Riley after completing their temporary restriction of movement.
Burt said: “We know it’s hard, especially for a group of new soldiers dealing with the Covid-19 pandemic. They’re just coming in, and this is their first introduction to the army.”
Fort Riley, along with the surrounding community, is taking measures for a smooth transition. They are also taking precautions to prevent worsening the spread of the virus in the region.
Mayor of the restriction of movement site Thomas Vierra said that soldiers are practising social distancing at all times.
Vierra further added: “There’s at least 6ft of space and wall lockers between each bunk. We disinfect the barracks and laundry facilities regularly, and the gym equipment is disinfected after each use.”
The 1st Infantry Division’s restriction of movement site strategy is aimed at protecting Soldiers and containing the spread of the virus.
Burt added: “The community, the USO, everyone supports us. We truly do appreciate it. We basically want the community to know that we’re trying our best to keep the virus contained [and] we’re trying to stop the spread of Covid-19.”
