Cavalry troops conduct same scenario, use different tactics

Photo By Sgt. Quentin Johnson | Pfc. Michael Diaz, a Bronx, N.Y., native and a motor transport operator with A Troop, 6th Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, takes up a defensive position behind a HEMTT A4 M1120A4 Load Handling System to return fire at an enemy during a react to contact exercise at a motor pool at Fort Hood, Texas, Oct. 30. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Quentin Johnson, 3rd BCT PAO, 1st Cavalry Division)  

FORT HOOD, TX, UNITED STATES

11.07.2014

Story by Sgt. Quentin Johnson 

3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division

FORT HOOD, Texas – Two troops with the 6th Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, conducted split multifunctional convoy training here Oct. 30.
Soldiers took part in the convoy training to prepare them for their upcoming rotation through gunnery and a trip to the National Training Center, California.

While Soldiers assigned to D Troop focused on reacting and extracting from enemy contact while operating a convoy in a combat area, Soldiers in B Troop focused on the “what if” scenarios that could take place during convoy operations such as vehicle rollovers, equipment fires and evacuating casualties.

For D Troop, the training took place on a variety of heavy wheeled vehicles, but for B Troop, the training revolved around the M3A3 Bradley Fighting Vehicle.

Although both events were different, they were centered on one concept – getting back to the basics, explained Staff Sgt. Dwight Ousley, a B Troop cavalry scout. Ousley, a Des Moines, Iowa, native, added that it is important to treat the training as a real world scenario.

“If your vehicle rolls or you have an internal fire with broken doors or hatches disabled, you may have to extract a fellow unconscious Soldier from the position where they lie,” he said.

Staff Sgt. Eric Wackt, a section sergeant with D Troop said taking on multiple roles during a fire fight or convoy emergency means being able to communicate with the crew while working quickly.

“Communication is key during an attack on a convoy because you have to react quickly with limited maneuverability,” added Wackt, a Puyallup, Washington, native.

Ousley agreed, saying a lot of his Soldiers are new to the Army, with little experience working together as a crew.

“With proper communication, crews will build their confidence in themselves and each other,” he said, adding that as training progresses towards gunnery, the junior Soldiers continue to build confidence.

Spc. Justin Hayslip, a truck driver with D Troop, said getting through a successful convoy is all about two things — leadership and teamwork.

“Being in the truck commander position, I have an opportunity to increase my leadership skills, but I am only as good as the team I am with,” said Hayslip from Highland, Ohio.

Regardless of who is leading, when a convoy is attacked or an emergency takes place, Soldiers need to be able to react from memory, said Hayslip. This is where practicing the basic skills comes into play.

“Practice, practice, practice is what it comes down to,” said Ousley. “Knowing as much information on emergency practices during convoy operations will save your life - and your buddy’s too.”

• Date Taken: 11.07.2014
• Date Posted: 11.07.2014 16:03
• Story ID: 147394
• Location: FORT HOOD, TX, US
• Hometown: DES MOINES, IA, US
• Hometown: HIGHLAND, OH, US
• Hometown: PUYALLUP, WA, US