Truck rodeo tests military driver skills

Photo By Spc. Nicole Harvieux | Sgt. Roger Rose of Company A, 139th Brigade Support Battalion of Miller, S.D., changes a tire before the truck rodeo begins, June 10, at the Golden Coyote training exercise in the Black Hills of S.D.  

RAPID CITY, SD, UNITED STATES

06.13.2009

Courtesy Story

South Dakota National Guard Public Affairs   

RAPID CITY, S.D. — The 615th Transportation Battalion of Springer, N.M., is hosting the truck rodeo from June 9-16 at the alert pad on Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D.

Soldiers test their skills on vehicle maintenance and driving in an obstacle course competition in which the participants drive heavy military vehicles through constricted areas.

"The training is performed to ensure Soldiers, civilians and equipment stay safe during operations," said Sgt. 1st Class Joe Sanchez, 615th Transportation Battalion, Springer, N.M.

Throughout the next week, these Soldiers will be training different National Guard units from all over the United States.

The course tests drivers on basic driving skills, and maneuvering through constricted areas, which shows the Soldiers how to get around possibly disabled or wrecked vehicles that are partially blocking the highway or moving through heavy traffic.

"The experienced driver is paired with a Soldier of less experience. These trucks do not maneuver or stop that easily and the wet conditions may be good training for them," said Sanchez. "Soldiers are scored at the end of the day for each event. If a Soldier does not pass, they will do remedial training until they do."

Driver Pfc. Michael Connelly, 553rd Transportation Company, Reno, Nev., is a truck driver in his civilian job and understands the importance of driver's training.

"I thought the training was great and exactly what a newer driver needs to learn," said Connelly. "It is about safety when you're on the road."

Safety tips and warnings for drivers near military vehicles

• Military vehicles have many blind spots, give plenty of room; especially when the vehicle is changing lanes
• Be patient; military vehicles are slow-moving and cannot accelerate quickly
• Military vehicles are usually wider than the average truck; leave plenty of space when passing
• Large military vehicles need more time and distance when stopping; be careful when passing or stopping ahead of them
• Military vehicles have limited maneuverability; especially in poor weather conditions
• A military convoy can consist of three trucks or more, stretching more than a mile; avoid becoming part of a convoy by executing safe and proper passing maneuvers

• Date Taken: 06.13.2009
• Date Posted: 06.14.2009 16:56
• Story ID: 35044
• Location: RAPID CITY, SD, US