Company provides real-world security for training exercise

Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Erica Jaros | Humvees roll through the Entry Control Point on their way out to the training lanes early in the morning during Friendship Two, a two week joint exercise with the Royal Saudi Land Forces.  

FORWARD OPERATING BASE SUMTER, SAUDI ARABIA

03.04.2011

Story by Sgt. Erica Jaros 

108th Public Affairs Detachment

FORWARD OPERATING BASE SUMTER, Saudi Arabia – While most of the 1-118th Infantry Regiment Combined Arms Battalion was training with the Royal Saudi Land Forces during Exercise Friendship Two, one company was conducting a real-life mission – forward operating base and training lane security.

“The Saudis are providing a majority of the security,” said Staff Sgt. John LeBlanc Jr. HHC, 1-118th. “We’re there in case there is a disconnect in communication.”

There were three observation points on the mountains surrounding the FOB.

“Our mission is to make sure the FOB is protected,” said Sgt. Thomas Feuerborn, Headquarters and Headquarters Company 1-118th. “It allows the other units to conduct training securely. We have a 24/7 operation.”

“We provide 360 degree visual and audio surveillance to make sure no enemy insurgents cross the perimeter,” said Feuerborn.

If there is suspicious activity or an attack, it is relayed from the OPs to the Sergeant of the Guard who dispatches the Quick Reaction Force.

There were multiple parts to QRF, explained Sgt. 1st Class Bobby Terry, Scout Platoon leader, HHC 1-118th.

“During the day we have four trucks with three soldiers each,” said Terry. “Two trucks remain at the FOB to respond to suspicious activity around the perimeter. The other two trucks go out to the overlook and watch for suspicious activity on the training lanes.”

The soldiers observing the lanes had long days. They arrived at the overlook before the units got out on the lanes and didn’t leave until the last humvee headed back to the FOB.

The QRF team also provided two soldiers at the Entry Control Point. The ECP was manned by Saudi and 1-118th Soldiers 24 hours a day.

“This is real world for us, we are not here to train,” said Terry. “They take it pretty seriously and their morale has been extremely high.”

• Date Taken: 03.04.2011
• Date Posted: 03.15.2011 09:47
• Story ID: 67083
• Location: FORWARD OPERATING BASE SUMTER, SA