Convoy Preparations

Today we prepared for our big Convoy operation which takes place tomorrow. It's a sort of final exam which brings together all the training we've received during our time here at Fort Jackson. We will run a convoy operation of ten vehicles from our training area to a fake town on base. The town has buildings and will be populated with role players playing Iraqis. Along the way, we'll have to deal with potential threats to include Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and insurgents (who will be role played by our own drill sergeants).

We took turns by platoon learning HUMVEE operation (yes, we got drive), practiced getting in and out of HUMVEEs with IBA on (harder than it looks), practiced room entry and clearing in groups of four, learned how to man an Entry Control Point (ECP) and otherwise learned about our over all mission during the exercise.

Based on the gleeful anticipation exhibited by the Drill Seargeants, we don't expect to live long during the exercise. Nevertheless, it should be great experience.