Task Force Black Scorpion trains on the MRAP vehicles

Photo By Lance Cpl. Kris Daberkoe | Master Sgt. Richard Avila, right, Delta Team noncommissioned officer in charge, 2nd Battalion, 363rd Armored Regiment, Task Force Black Scorpion, 5th Armored Brigade, performs preventive maintenance checks and services on a Mine-Resistant Ambush-Protected vehicle at McGregor Range, N.M., Feb. 8. (Courtesy photo)  

MCGREGOR RANGE, NM, UNITED STATES

03.13.2013

Courtesy Story

First Army Division West

By Staff Sgt Gina Nieto, 2nd Battalion, 363rd Armored Regiment, Task Force Black Scorpion, 5th Armored Brigade

MCGREGOR RANGE, N.M. – In their quest to assume responsibility of the Mine-Resistant Ambush-Protected vehicle drivers training lane, soldiers from the 2nd Battalion, 363rd Armored Regiment, Task Force Black Scorpion, 5th Armored Brigade, received extensive training on the vehicle.

“It was a great introduction to a vehicle I have never driven,” said Staff Sgt. Justin Lindley, Task Force Black Scorpion, Delta Team trainer/mentor.

The MRAP vehicle is designed to withstand attacks and ambushes from improvised explosive devices.

The training was spread over four days totaling 40 hours of instruction on the MRAP, the MRAP Egress Trainer, preventive maintenance checks and services, day driving, and night driving with night vision goggles.

Each soldier drove a total of 120 miles to and from Fort Bliss, Texas.

“We conducted simulated vehicle rollover drills as part of the training event,” said Staff Sgt. Leighton Colebank, 5th Armored Brigade trainer/mentor. “This put into perspective the importance of driver’s safety training.”

The MRAP Egress Trainer will help troops on vehicle rollover issues and proper egress techniques. Vehicle egress training provides a primary means for units to frequently train crews in rollover emergency egress drills.

“The safety upgrades applied to the MRAPs are a huge improvement and will serve the joint warfighters well in theater,” said Sgt. David Bishop, Task Force Black Scorpion trainer/mentor.

Task Force Black Scorpion will be taking over the driver’s training lane for a year.

• Date Taken: 03.13.2013
• Date Posted: 03.13.2013 18:32
• Story ID: 103420
• Location: MCGREGOR RANGE, NM, US