Article

This is an article that I wrote for the Fort Bragg newspaper a while back. Names and specifics have been changed to protect the vigilant.

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By LT Taylor

An FMTV rolled up from behind the disabled HMMWV, providing left flank security with its big M-2 .50 cal. machine gun. The gunner behind the ‘Ma Deuce’ scanned the horizon along the halted convoy’s most vulnerable side. Two crewmen from other vehicles rushed out to attach recovery equipment from the disabled humvee to the vehicle directly to its front.

“Incoming fire, eleven o’clock, 500 meters!” One of the drivers yelled into his radio. Others listening on the convoy’s internal radio net echoed the phrase. The gunners on both the FMTV and the lead vehicle immediately initiated fire with their crew-served weapons, suppressing the simulated enemy fire. The crewmembers quickly returned to their vehicles as expended casings fell into the dirt around them. With the equipment firmly attached to the designated recovery vehicle, the convoy moved out, the disabled vehicle safely in tow.

In July, Bravo *****, ************* ******************* conducted live fire convoy operations at Range ** as part of their pre-deployment training. “We’ve visited Range ** ****** times in the past six months, as it is one of the largest driving ranges on Fort Bragg,” noted Bravo Sergeant Tyler. “[Range] ** affords our soldiers the opportunity to face scenarios similar to what we will see in Iraq.”

The unit will not be firing their ************* when they deploy in the fall. The *********** will trade their howitzers for armored trucks and serve as convoy security elements. Vehicle recovery at Range ** was one drill that included actions on enemy contact and reacting to blocked ambushes. Bravo Battery soldiers also rehearsed reacting to improvised explosive devices (IEDs), driving with night vision goggles, and changing tires. “We went through pretty realistic training out on the range. Even little things like riding with the [vehicle] windows up can make a noticeable difference,” said Specialist Wilson. To make training as realistic as possible, vehicles were loaded late in the evening and continued to operate in convoys through the night. Soldiers experienced the difficulty of remaining tactically alert after many hours of driving. Despite the challenges they will face in the coming months and during their deployment, the Bravo ******* ‘Bulldogs’ will continue the proud tradition of the Airborne in Iraq.

Rules

Through the grapevine I came upon a set of 'rules' that some grunts had put together. In light of my own pending departure to the sandbox I'm posting the rules that I feel especially relevent. If you or someone you know is the original author please let me know so the credit can go to the right place.

5. If it can go wrong, it will.

10. Always have a backup plan. Have a back up plan for that.

11. There is no such thing as 'friendly' fire.

12. Mortars do whistle, you just have to be close enough to hear them. They make a distinct sound when they land.

14. The friendships forged here are to the death.

15. You can't get along with anyone for a year, especially when you live in the same room with people.

18. Fool-proof plans aren't.

19. Even if you plan for everything, 'they' will come up with at least one new trick.

21. The 'kindler-gentler' Army is a crock of shit.

22. If you count on someone, they will more than likely let you down.

26. If doesn't matter if you are a nice guy or not, you will be taken advantage of.

28. The greatest invention was the laptop computer. The second greatest was headphones.

29. You can do everything right and still die.

30. Don't trust anyone except yourself, and be wary of him.

35. You will hear every story that a buddy has to tell, twice.

42. Sometimes shooting first and asking questions later isn't a bad idea.

53. 'Jody' calls aren't just a part of running. You will learn that a buddy's wife or girlfriend left him. You will listen to his pain, you will sample the rage, and you will feel the hate.

54. Soldiers will always bitch about everything.

55. It doesn't matter how bad 'their' aim is, they will get lucky eventually.

Images

Beats a suit and tie.

Images

The bus, waiting on the curb. Who needs an airfield?

Number Nine

Wednesday, October 5th.

Today we had the last jump we're going to experience for a long time. The wind was high, and the Air Force was about as decisive as Rosie O'Donnell at an all-you-can-eat buffett. Paratrooper injuries go up proportionally with wind speed. Despite some precautions we had eight or nine guys end up in the Field Ambulance (Medic's humvee) after every group had jumped. A Lieutenant I work with ended up with a concussion. I think luck was on my side today, as I had a great exit from the aging C-130H, and also a fairly soft landing on the DZ. After impacting (not landing) back onto the earth, it takes a second to make sure everything is working and is still in the right spot. The Field Ambulances roam the DZ after each chalk (group of paratroopers) lands to make sure everyone is ok. The injury for me was my ID card, which had a corner broken off. I'm not sure how that happened, as it was in my left breast pocket during the jump. I left after jumping, as there were still some things to be accomplished back at the office. I had been on the main post for about five minutes before the clouds started dumping rain. I felt lucky at the time, but unlucky four days later when the rain had not stopped.

Nice

Wednesday, September 28th, 2005.

The humid blast furnace that is the Carolina Summer has finally been turned off. Today is one of the prettiest and most comfortable days I've experienced since I left Colorado. There are few things more satisfying than driving around (albeit still getting things done) with the windows down and the sunroof open. I'm ecstatic that I finally get to do this here.

More of the Same

Yeah, I've been lax on posting lately. Can't be helped.

The good news- all the things we need that are not being personally carried by individual paratroopers are no longer any of our concern. As a unit we accomplished a tremendous amount of work in a very short amount of time. One of our sister units took twice as long to complete the same task. Go us.
Despite nearing our departure for other parts of the world, we continue to jump. This week there are several jumps that I hope I make it in on. Jumps nine and ten are right around the corner.

I've been a bit of an insomniac lately, which is why I am writing this and not sleeping. Scattered thoughts seem to come with that. I've got a lot of random things I will post soon. Goodnight all.