Photo By Kimberly Hackbarth | Pvt. Andrew Gault, a native of Spartanburg, S.C., now a machine gunner with Company B,...... read more read more
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FORT POLK, La. - Soldiers with Company B, 4th Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment participated in an urban attack simulated training exercise lane June 18 at the Joint Readiness Training Center here.
The objective of the training was to gain control of a simulated city and turn it over to the Iraqi security forces.
"The mission was a kinetic operation in the town of Suliyah to remove insurgent forces from this village," said Capt. Jason Smith, a native of Davis, Calif., now the company's executive officer.
To meet their objective, Soldiers spent the afternoon searching buildings for insurgents and reacting to incoming fire.
The firefight began as soon as the Strykers rolled into town.
Smoke bombs exploded in plumes of white and purple, concealing the movement of the Soldiers entering and searching a building.
Soldiers were 'wounded' by enemy fire while moving from building to building. Over deafening shots, Soldiers yelled for medics who administered first aid, loaded the injured onto a Stryker, and evacuated them.
After moving through the town and capturing all of the insurgents, the exercise was over and Soldiers left the lane with a better idea of what they might encounter in Iraq.
"The guys are getting a feel for the types of conditions they're going to experience downrange," said Smith.
Smith sees the experience as beneficial in more than just the combat training. He sees it as an opportunity for each of his Soldiers to reevaluate his physical capabilities and understand that preparing for missions requires things such as eating good meals, getting good rest and drinking plenty of water.
He believes that training like this gives Soldiers the keys to a successful deployment.
Staying motivated and focused and listening to leaders is essential in potential life and death situations. That way every Soldier knows what the vision is and understands his specific tasks and purpose on the battlefield.
Smith often relays these tips to his Soldiers, but for all Soldiers, they may be vital to a Soldier's success at JRTC or deployed anywhere in the world.
| Date Taken: | 06.24.2009 |
| Date Posted: | 06.24.2009 01:59 |
| Story ID: | 35549 |
| Location: | FORT POLK, US |
| Web Views: | 707 |
| Downloads: | 644 |
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