A 23-year-old Fort Hood Army trooper died after a training event at the National Training Center in California.
Spc. The soldier who died while training in Fort Irwin, California, has been identified as Joseph M. Meitl Jr, 23.
The event is currently being investigated by Fort Hood officials.
Meitl was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st CAV Div. after joining the Army in May 2020. following the completion of initial training.
Lt. Col. Christopher Carpenter characterized the young trooper as a key member who was a great trooper and comrade.
Meitl has been attending the brigade’s collective training at NTC for the past week, according to the Fort Hood Press Center.
Fort Hood has received a lot of criticism in recent years, especially after the tragic death of Vanessa Guillén. On April 22, 2020, a 20-year-old US Army soldier died in a Fort Hood, Texas, armory.
Following Meitl’s death, unit leadership will provide support and aid to his family.
According to Fort Hood, Meitl enlisted in the Army in May of 2020. They stated he was a member of an armored cannon crew who had previously received an Army Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and Army Service Ribbon.
The Texas Army installation has come under fire in recent years, particularly following the death of Spc. Vanessa Guillén was killed by another soldier in 2021, prompting command adjustments and inquiries on Fort Hood leadership.
At least 25 troops stationed to Fort Hood died by suicide, homicide, or accident in 2020, according to military sources.
