MEB-Afghanistan drivers boost confidence through CVOT course

Photo By Cpl. Michael Curvin | A Mine Resistant Ambush Protected - All Terrain Vehicle, drives over an obstacle here at the Combat Vehicle Operator Training course. Drivers with Marine Expeditionary Brigade-Afghanistan must navigate more than two miles of terrain closely simulating various obstacles that may be encountered throughout Afghanistan.  

CAMP BASTION, AFGHANISTAN

12.18.2009

Story by Cpl. Michael Curvin 

2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade

CAMP BASTION, Helmand province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan — For many, driving is a skill that is taken for granted. But for tactical vehicle drivers in the military, there is an emphasis on safety and skill. The Combat Vehicle Operator's Training course here gives drivers realistic off road conditions in which to hone their driving abilities.

The CVOT course helps vehicle operators with Marine Expeditionary Brigade-Afghanistan by showing them how to handle their vehicle's capabilities and limitations on various obstacles and situations.

"The course allows units to get a feel for the terrain they might encounter while they're driving around different places in Afghanistan," said Gunnery Sgt. Michael Bandy, the motor transportation operations chief with MEB-Afghanistan.

Travelling along the course, drivers can expect rough terrain such as ditches, hills, side slopes and inclines. For more than two miles, operators are tested as they push their vehicles to their limits.

"I believe it's a huge confidence boost," said Sgt. Michael Crispin, a motor transportation noncommissioned officer with MEB-Afghanistan, about the course. "It shows that what you think can't be done, can be."

The CVOT course not only builds confidence, but it teaches better vehicle handling to Marines, said Crispin. Going over the course's inclines requires total faith in the vehicle being driven. For some vehicles, the course is especially challenging, but the lesson to be gained by Marines is they can maneuver through many difficult obstacles because of their vehicle's design.

"The course is built so the truck can handle it," Crispin said. "It makes the Marine more comfortable with their vehicle."

The course is divided into three phases. During the first phase, Marines receive classroom instruction covering different types of terrain they can expect to encounter in Afghanistan. They also learn their vehicle's limitations and capabilities, such as the vehicle's center of gravity, types of inclines it is designed to handle and the different side slopes they will be capable of driving on.

The last two phases involve driving the course. While conducting phase two, drivers navigate their vehicle through the course independent from other vehicles. Phase three focuses on drivers being in three to five vehicle convoys, simulating the unique challenges with that type of driving.

The course is open for all vehicles in MEB-Afghanistan's motor pool. The Mine Resistant Ambush Protected series of vehicles can be seen throughout the day rolling through the obstacles. Even the logistics vehicle system, hauling large containers, can navigate the course's obstacles.

Although CVOT is not required training, drivers are encouraged to attend the course.

"It's up to commands if they want their Marines to go through CVOT," Bandy said. "We highly recommend it."

• Date Taken: 12.18.2009
• Date Posted: 12.18.2009 01:27
• Story ID: 42900
• Location: CAMP BASTION, AF