Hidden hazards create realistic training for troops

Photo By Staff Sgt. David Nunn | Soldiers of the 300th Chemical Company, of West Virginia, react to a possible Improved Explosive Device during a training course held during Pacific Warrior 2008, taught by instructors of the 363rd Training Regiment, of Los Angeles, Calif.  

UNITED STATES

06.20.2008

Story by Sgt. David Nunn 

203rd Public Affairs Detachment

By Sgt. David J. Nunn
203rd Public Affairs Detachment

FORT HUNTER LIGGETT, Calif. – Soldiers of the 3rd Battalion of the 363rd Training Regiment, 402nd Field Artillery Brigade, are here to teach lessons in survival.
The Army Reserve unit, which is based in Los Angeles, is instructing the approximately 3,600 Pacific Warrior Soldiers in advanced Improvised Explosive Device defeat and counter sniper training.

"Our war-time mission is to go to these training platforms, and make sure the Army personnel there receive every opportunity to prepare for a deployment," said Capt. Jerry Regis, an observer controller trainer. "Here at (Pacific Warrior) we are trying to provide some theater immersion training for these Soldiers to become aware of the threat that IEDs present in theater."

The 363rd Training Regiment has designed the course to be a "crawl, walk, run" environment.

Soldiers report initially to a classroom setting, where they are introduced to survival skills through a presentation laced with photos and videos of attacks in theater.
The instruction continues with the cadre walking the Soldiers through several practical exercises.

These exercises include running security checks around vehicles for hidden explosives, safe evacuation of casualties from a vehicle, and handling of several types of explosive devices.

The Soldiers next move to a full-fledged scenario in a mock village, where they react to IEDs and engage enemy forces.

"I think there now is a more hands-on training environment in preparation for possible deployments compared to what Soldiers experienced in years past," said Sgt. 1st Class Terrace Collins, an observer controller trainer.

"They have the opportunity now to have this kind of training in several areas, taught by Soldiers with real world experience."

After completing their mission at Pacific Warrior, the Soldiers of the 363rd Training Regiment will return to their standard reserve obligations with their focus being validating units for mobilization at Fort Bliss, Texas, and providing training to individual units.

• Date Taken: 06.20.2008
• Date Posted: 06.20.2008 19:49
• Story ID: 20700
• Location: US