Photo By Staff Sgt. Joshua Ford | Pfc. Jay Stearn and Spc. Brian Gunkelman, forward observers, Troop C, 5 Squadron, 73rd...... read more read more
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by Spc. Joshua R. Ford
3rd BCT, 82nd Airborne Division (AA) Public Affairs
CAMP BUEHRING, Kuwait--Kuwait has been the staging area for most American and coalition military units ordered to conduct major operations in Iraq since the beginning of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Coalition camps in Kuwait have provided deploying units with the best possible training according to conditions and tactics that are constantly changing in theater.
Conditions hindered pre-deployment training in Kuwait at the beginning of OIF. Over the course of operations in Iraq, the conditions became much better and standards were set to allow more and better training. American camps across Kuwait now provide multiple ranges and classes to prepare servicemembers for the hostilities they might encounter.
When Sgt. Patrick Kelly, team leader, Troop B, 5th Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, arrived in Kuwait in 2003, the training he received was not nearly as intense as it has become.
"Training focused more on a chemical or biological attack, and Soldiers were constantly told by their superiors to take their malaria pills," said Kelly.
"It wasn't the fact that leaders were putting training in Kuwait to the side. Training conditions were established as best as they could be in 2003," Kelly added. "But the little training that my unit did receive was extremely important because little training is better than no training."
Units were getting pushed into Iraq so fast that they didn't get a chance to confirm a zero on their weapons until arriving into theatre, said Staff Sgt. Cody Burke, mortar section non-commissioned officer in charge, Troop C, 5th Squadron, 73rd Cav. Reg., 3rd BCT.
During the beginning of Operation Iraqi Freedom, servicemembers had little time in Kuwait to train and acclimate. Now Soldiers are given two to three weeks to prepare for what they are about to face, said Sgt. Stephen D. Hayes, team leader, Troop C, 5th Squadron, 73rd Cav. Reg., 3rd BCT.
"The amount of training received in Kuwait now is a Godsend," said Kelly. "Last time I was in Kuwait, my unit received one Rules of Engagement Class. This time around we have a rules of engagement class everyday."
With a conflict that is forcing American and Coalition forces to change their strategy often, it also changes the training deploying units receive before going to war according to each modification made to the Coalition's tactics.
A lot of what units train on in Kuwait now wasn't applicable during the initial invasion. For instance, improvised-explosive devices were not a threat back in 2003, so units didn't have classes on IED awareness, said Cpt. Michael R. Funches, commander, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3rd BCT.
To move forward to Iraq from Kuwait, units must complete the Coalition/Combined Forces Land Component Command list of training events to include rules of engagement and escalation of force classes, a test fire and zero range, electronic warfare classes, a live-fire exercise and IED classes, Funches added.
Junior enlisted Soldiers now compared to three years ago are of a different caliber. The Soldiers adapt better because of training received now, said Kelly.
"If you took one of my Soldiers and put him against me when I was at his level, I would get stomped," he continued.
"The benefits coming from the latest training and all the latest up-to-date briefings coming out of the country will be very beneficial for all Soldiers," Funches added.
| Date Taken: | 08.17.2006 |
| Date Posted: | 08.17.2006 10:44 |
| Story ID: | 7462 |
| Location: | CAMP BUEHRING, KW |
| Web Views: | 320 |
| Downloads: | 57 |
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