A Little Time Offers a Lot of Development

DIYALA, Iraq — Two Stryker vehicles roll along a sandy road, leaving billowing clouds of dust behind them. Each one has a Soldier inside scanning the horizon through the remote weapon system inside.

These Stryker vehicles are not barreling through the streets of Iraq, nor moving towards a mission objective. They are being driven by the remaining members of 2nd Battalion, 3rd Infantry Regiment, 3rd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, during a training class on Contingency Operating Base Speicher, Iraq.

The majority of 2/3 Inf., departed Iraq for Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., in May, after handing over their station at Forward Operating Base Normandy to the Iraqi army. Forty-one Soldiers volunteered to stay behind, in order to prepare their vehicles to transfer to the incoming unit that will replace them.

“We have been doing a lot of work on the vehicles since we have been here, with cleaning and maintenance, to make sure they are in top shape for the new unit,” said Spc. Brandon Blomeley, a Portland, Ore., native and driver for Alpha Company, 2/3 Inf. “There has been a lot more time here for us since we aren’t doing missions, and that gives us a chance to take a closer look at the problems that need fixed to make sure it gets done right.”

In addition to general maintenance needs, their vehicles have been receiving upgrades, including rear camera systems and new side protection armor. The Stryker vehicles will be transferred to the incoming unit, which in turn will transfer theirs to 2/3 Inf. in the United States. The process is designed to ease the transition for units both exiting and entering Iraq.

Although the main focus has been on vehicles, the Patriot Soldiers have also found some extra time for personal development during their days at COB Speicher. Individual Soldiers have planned and taught several internal classes on the topics that fall under their areas of expertise.

“We’ve got Soldiers here in all different skill levels, branches and fields that are each subject matter experts in what they do,” said Sgt. James Pelletier, a Fort Worth, Texas, native and NCO for Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2/3 Inf. “Each one has prepared and given classes on topics like Ranger school preparation, demolitions, breaching and infantry specific topics as well.”

The Soldiers have found the classes enjoyable, but they remember to balance their developmental process with the primary mission of preparing equipment for the upcoming hand off.

“As the supply sergeant and NCOIC for our company’s representatives here, I have been focused on trying to make sure the transition will go smooth and giving the guys an opportunity to further their education,” said Staff Sgt. Troy Shoaf, a Terre Haute, Ind., native and non-commissioned officer in charge of Charlie Company Soldiers at COB Speicher. “We have done some internal classes with the people we have here, and there are Soldiers that got a chance to go through a CROWS [Common Remotely Operated Weapon Station] class that not many people get to attend.”

CROWS is an upgraded version of the Patriots current weapons systems that allows for a wider selection of weapons to be remotely operated. It also provides software upgrades to the computer systems that run the weapon mounts.

The Soldiers that volunteered to be here are not restricted to simply working on vehicles during this short assignment. They have also had a better chance to connect with friends and family back home and have taken advantage of the opening for relaxation after a fast-paced deployment.

“It’s a good combination of work and relaxation, with more time for our guys to spend talking to their family,” said Pelletier. “For the most part, this has been an opportunity for professional development, both with physical training and tactical proficiency. This slower pace will hopefully make an easier transition for these guys to head back into the garrison environment.”

Though the remaining Patriots may not be as busy as they were at FOB Normandy, they are working hard to prepare for future endeavors. The incoming unit and their own companies at home will see a stronger, more knowledgeable force after the time spent at COB Speicher.