Washington Guardsmen conduct live fire exercise

Courtesy Photo | A Washington Guardsmen prepares to fire as the unit followed up earlier dismounted patrol training with a live fire exercise at the explosive ordnance disposal range, Dec. 30, 2008.  

01.09.2009

Courtesy Story

16th Sustainment Brigade

By the 16th Sustainment Brigade

CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE Q-West, Iraq – Washington Guardsmen followed up earlier dismounted patrol training with a live fire exercise at the explosive ordnance disposal range here Dec. 30.

"One of the biggest dangers Soldiers face during a mobilization to Iraq is complacency," said Lt. Col. Kenneth Garrison, commander, 81st Brigade Special Troops Battalion. "After months of patrolling the same roads and villages, it is difficult to maintain the focus that is required of combat."

The Everett, Wash., based Soldiers of the 81st BSTB, 16th Sustainment Brigade, assumed base defense responsibilities from Task Force 113, Indiana Army National Guard, on Nov. 16, 2008. The battalion's force protection company, the "Crushers," regularly conduct base defense operations, counter improvised explosive device patrols, counter-indirect fire patrols, non-lethal engagements, and quick reaction force operations in support of base defense operations at COB Q-West.

"The Soldiers conduct regular training in order to sharpen their skills and keep their fighting edge," said Garrison.

Guardsmen rehearsed several combat tasks during the exercise.

The squads reacted to a detonated IED, employed a smoke screen for dismounted movement, utilized grenades to capture fighting positions, reacted to a mobile, vehicle-bourne IED utilizing escalation of force guidelines and destroyed a vehicle using an AT-4, said Capt. Forrest Horan, commander, Force Protection.

• Date Taken: 01.09.2009
• Date Posted: 01.09.2009 05:20
• Story ID: 28637