Photo By Capt. Carlos Agosto | Staff Sgt. Ashley Hopper, 411th Engineer Company, Iowa City, Iowa, interacts with a...... read more read more
By Spc. Charlotte Martinez
JOLON, Calif. - Soldiers of the 961st Transportation Detachment, Movement Control Team, out of Staten Island, N.Y., and the 411th Engineer Company, from Wilton, Iowa, teamed up during the Combat Support Training Exercise at Fort Hunter Liggett, June 16-24.
One of their many missions included the operation of an Entry Control Point and forward operating base defense during training exercises meant to prepare them for future deployments overseas.
Soldiers tasked with securing the front gate of the ECP, performed traffic stops and identification checks, as well as searches when appropriate, according to Pfc. Irekefe Osah, a Queens, N.Y., native, and transportation management coordinator with the 961st MCT. The troops faced simulated mortar attacks, local national protests, small-arms fire, snipers and vehicle-borne explosive devices. Vehicle and personnel searches were conducted and they reacted to small-arms fire. Casualty evacuation drills were also done.
Exercises were structured to simulate real-world scenarios that Soldiers might encounter while in theater; specifically to simulate bases in Afghanistan because the terrain and the FOB set ups closely mirror that theater.
“This type of training is especially beneficial to the unit because most transportation units are not exposed to some of these scenarios,” said Sgt. 1st Class John Temple, a Baltimore, Md., native, and the Non-Commissioned Officer In Charge with the 961st Det. team.
“Any time you get your hands on tasks and you are doing it in a training environment, it is extremely beneficial,” said Sgt. Megan Long, a native of Williamsburg, Iowa, and a member of the 411th EN Co. based in Iowa City, Iowa. “I think the Army is making a strong effort to re-enact overseas situations.”
According to Long, her unit typically focuses on Military Occupational Specialty training during their Army Reserve weekends, but coming out to the CSTX for their annual training allowed them to focus on becoming more familiar with Soldier skills, tactics, techniques and procedures.
The exercise provided a learning experience as Soldiers got to familiarize themselves with their MOS training, which may be lost during battle assembly, and to improve on any deficiencies in equipment and personnel.
During the After Action Review, Soldiers evaluated their performance via video footage captured during the training, so they could get a first-hand account of what happened on the training lane. Soldiers rated their strengths and weaknesses through the AARs, which showed them how they could improve and what they did well.
“This sets us up to train as we fight and fight as we train,” said Temple. “The Soldiers had great motivation, they learned about themselves, know what they’ve done and know what they need to fix. It gives them the opportunity to react to real-world scenarios.”
Staff Sgt. Jeff Trzebiatowski, a member of the 377th Maintenance Company and opposing force platoon sergeant, saw this as the safest form of training prior to deploying.
“It gives them the most realistic training possible without actually going overseas,” he said.
After the exercise, Osah agreed the training was positive. “I am confident about going overseas and providing support,” he said.
| Date Taken: | 06.23.2010 |
| Date Posted: | 06.23.2010 22:02 |
| Story ID: | 51865 |
| Location: | FORT HUNTER LIGGETT, CALIFORNIA, US |
| Web Views: | 414 |
| Downloads: | 174 |
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