2-25th Soldier praises training and armor after landmine attack

Courtesy Photo | Sgt. Aaron Richardson, Company E, 2nd Battalion, 25th ID Combat Aviation Brigade leans on an up-armored humvee. While out on a roving patrol, Richardson was in the gunners turret of a similar humvee when his vehicle was struck by an anti-tank mine near Contingency Operating Base Speicher, September 9.  

TIKRIT, IRAQ

09.13.2006

Courtesy Story

25th Combat Aviation Brigade

Pfc. Durwood Blackmon
25th Combat Aviation Brigade Public Affairs

TIKRIT, IRAQ - Soldiers are issued cumbersome protective gear that they have to lug, carry and drag everywhere they go. With heavy steel doors and blast shields, vehicles in the Army are no exception either. For one Soldier of the 25th Infantry Division Combat Aviation Brigade however, both of these security defenses helped to save his life and the life of his fellow comrades when their humvee was hit by an anti-tank mine.

Sgt. Aaron Richardson, a petroleum supply Non-commissioned officer, Company E, 2nd Battalion, 25th ID CAB, was the gunner in a turret when his vehicle was struck by a buried explosive while on a roving patrol outside of COB Speicher, September 6.

"We were hit by an anti-tank mine. I remember seeing a flash and hearing a loud noise. Basically I couldn't hear anything after the noise, and the blast threw me back into the turret," said Richardson.

Richardson received injuries from the blast impact but without the proper safety equipment he acknowledges the situation could have been far worse.

"There are blast shields around the turret and the armor stood up to the blast. The front of the vehicle was gone but there were really no dings or anything in the armor.

Richardson continued, "I think the equipment they issue us, the up armor and personal equipment, should be worn at all times when you're going outside the wire. It may be an irritating task putting it on and lugging it around but the equipment will save your life and stop objects and projectiles from damaging your body."

Members inside the humvee were also slightly injured however, there were no fatalities despite the damaging effects the blast had on the vehicle.

Army training also played a key role in the aftermath of the attack. Although Sgt. Richardson couldn't hear, and was at times incoherent, he pushed through the setbacks and reverted to his training and direction of others around him in aiding in securing the area.

"After the blast went off, we did buddy checks to see if everybody was alright and make sure we had no injuries. The mission still has to go on, so after that I climbed out of the vehicle, we dismounted the 50 caliber, cordoned off the area and extracted the vehicle for sensitive items. After the area was secure we waited for a recovery team and medical personnel to show up," Richardson stated.

Despite the devastating effects from such a blast, the defensive shields used to protect Soldiers not only worked, it saved lives.

The equipment and training Soldiers receive is not just for checking a box. Once in a combat zone, missions and job titles can change in a seconds notice. Everything a Soldier does must come together in unison for the benefit of the Soldier and the mission.

Although Richardson is still recovering from his wounds, his experiences have only intensified his adamancy towards proper safety and training.

"I was over here last year and we got hit twice. I wasn't in the turret so it's a whole different scenario, but I think everybody needs round robin training. You never know what your job will be when you get to Iraq," said Richardson.

• Date Taken: 09.13.2006
• Date Posted: 09.25.2006 16:45
• Story ID: 7819
• Location: TIKRIT, IQ