Sgt. Fred Minnick
QAYARRAH, Iraq -- If terrorists try to invade Forward Operating Base Regular in Qayarrah, Iraq, they will be met by Soldiers who have been preparing for their arrival.
To ensure Soldiers are always ready for an enemy attack, the leadership of FOB Regular randomly announces that enemy personnel have entered the compound. At the end of a detailed situation report, the leaders let Soldiers know that the alert is only a drill.
The call can come at any time of the day or night, when Soldiers are talking on the phone, emailing friends and families on the computers and or even sleeping. When the call comes, the Soldiers drop what they're doing and prepare to defend the compound.
"We need to be ready at all times to defend this FOB," said Lt. Col. Steve Sliwa, commander of the 5th Battalion, 20th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team). "Each time we conduct this drill, we get into position faster and faster.
"When the units are alerted, the commanders immediately take accountability, report their strength status and move their men into defensive fighting positions. The FOB's civilian workers are also accounted for and moved into a safe area.
The fortified fighting positions surround the FOB. Each Soldier manning a position has a sector of fire and communicates to his leadership during the exercise.
"It all comes down to stopping people from entering my area," said Spc. Elliott Woods, a rifleman with Company C, 276th Engineer Battalion. "If I'm not paying attention in a real situation, somebody could get killed. That's why we take this drill very seriously.
"If enemies do breach the compound, the FOB Regular Soldiers are ready for that, too. Secondary fighting positions are strategically placed throughout the post."In combat, you have to be ready to call an audible and every Soldier must know what to do for any given situation," Sliwa said.
Soldiers have executed the drill several times in the recent months, giving them more confidence in their ability to defend FOB Regular.
"If we are ever faced with this situation, my fellow Soldiers and I will be ready," Woods said.
| Date Taken: |
06.15.2004 |
| Date Posted: |
06.15.2004 15:37 |
| Story ID: |
8 |
| Location: |
QAYYARAH, IQ |
| Web Views: |
488 |
| Downloads: |
400 |
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