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.
