Thunder Squadron Soldiers stay battle focused with pre-mission training

Courtesy Photo | Soldiers of Lightning Troop, 3rd Thunder Squadron, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment, conduct pre-mission training at Contingency Operating Site Kalsu, Iraq. During their training, the troops simulated reacting to an imaginary blast from an IED, resulting in casualties requiring first aid.  

CONTINGENCY OPERATING SITE ECHO, IRAQ

12.24.2010

Courtesy Story

3d Cavalry Regiment Public Affairs Office

By Spc. Gregory Argentieri
10th Press Camp Headquarters

CONTINGENCY OPERATING SITE ECHO, Iraq - With their Humvees aligned, soldiers of the 3rd Squadron, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment, rehearse for the unexpected. They know they will be conducting an escort mission. They have the plan and are ready to get the job done. Before they head out, however, they take the time to train on one part of the mission they can’t predict, possible enemy attacks.

Cpl. Ryan Shank, native of Tyler, Texas, and member of Lightning Troop, 3rd Thunder Squadron, 3rd ACR, facilitates pre-mission training with his team, ensuring they rehearse reactionary measures and tactics to adapt to any situation.

“We train for the worst and hope for the best,” said Shank.

During their training, the soldiers simulate reacting to an imaginary blast from an improvised explosive device that results in casualties.

“The worst thing that could happen is when a soldier goes down,” said Shank. “We have to know how to react to when something like that happens.”

As the simulation continues, the soldiers complete their first aid then prepare the damaged vehicle for towing. While performing each task, all the team members know their roles, some attaching tow straps, others pulling security. The benefits of training are seen when the squadron set out on their missions.

The Lightning Troop’s primary mission is escorting Stability Transition Teams and Human Terrain Teams to various locations around Contingency Operating Site Echo.

While out on mission, Shank said it is important the soldiers stay focused to prevent any type of insurgent attack; however, if it should happen, he said they are prepared.

“The troop has practiced their formation over and over again, and they know each person’s role throughout,” said Shank.

One of the challenges for the soldiers is providing security while the STTs and HTTs mingle with the area residents.

“We sometimes have high-ranking officers on our escort teams and it’s our responsibility to maintain their safety,” said Spc. Jorge Luis Oliver, cavalry scout, Lightning Troop, 3rd Sqdn., 3rd ACR, and native of Mexico City, Mexico. “It’s really important to us that we ensure that the people we are escorting, as well as the civilians around us, are safe.”

As the pre-mission training concludes, the leaders do one final check to ensure the soldiers have the proper gear and then they mount up and roll out with the confidence that they are prepared to accomplish the mission.

• Date Taken: 12.24.2010
• Date Posted: 12.24.2010 01:07
• Story ID: 62559
• Location: CONTINGENCY OPERATING SITE ECHO, IQ