Photo By Spc. Yolanda Moreno Leon | Sgt. 1st Class Daniel Nelson, better known as "Smokes" by the soldiers of the 1st...... read more read more
MOSUL, IRAQ (30 May 2006) --Being prepared for a mission is the responsibility of every single Soldier who leaves the wire on a mission.
On Forward Operating Base Marez, Mosul, Iraq, one battalion goes out of their way to teach junior enlisted how to lead convoy missions.
Whether it is a colonel or a private, you need to know what to do should things go wrong, in case you need to make a split second decision.
For the Soldiers of the 142nd Corps Support Battalion, performing "rock drills" is one way to ensure the troops know exactly what do to do, before they leave the wire.
"Our missions are long and hard so we constantly have to be aware of our surroundings," said Sgt. Jason Harris, 142nd CSB, and native of Washington, N.C. "We drive for about eight to twelve hours a day, so performing these rock drills are very important."
The rock drill is run by lower enlisted Soldiers in the battalion to give them the opportunity to show their individual leadership style.
According to Green, rock drills are when Soldiers get together and they practice every possible angle that could happen while out on a mission, whether it is good or bad.
"Every Soldier will get the opportunity to run a rock drill," said Lt. Col. Ronald Green, 142nd CSB, 101st Sustainment Brigade, and native of Fairfield, Ohio. "If I say to a Soldier, it is your responsibility to brief the battle drill they will say okay and do it. If you hold them back, they will not rise to the occasion, and we will never know what they can accomplish."
According to Sgt. 1st Class Daniel Nelson, platoon sergeant, 1st plt., and native of Ashtabula, Ohio, the leaders are here to train the lower enlisted to take the initiative, to be the leaders of the mission.
"They need to know everything there is to be known before going out side the wire," said Nelson. They need to know what to do in case of a roll over, and to know what the rules of engagement are, and how to call in a medical evacuation if need be.
"If you expect them to be at the highest and be their best, and give them the resources to do that, and you don't beat them down , they become part of the process and will excel," said Green. "It is a normal thing for a Soldier to want to be the best."
| Date Taken: | 06.02.2006 |
| Date Posted: | 06.02.2006 11:02 |
| Story ID: | 6639 |
| Location: | MOSUL, IQ |
| Web Views: | 88 |
| Downloads: | 18 |
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