Soldiers from the 188th Brigade Support Battalion, 18th Fires Brigade (Airborne), loaded into six up-armored HUMVEEs with mounted weapons and rolled down a muddy road conducting convoy live fire exercises February 28 through March 3, on Fort Bragg, NC.

The training allowed the unit’s more experienced soldiers to share their knowledge of convoy operations with their fellow troops and prepare them for what they may face in a deployed environment. The operations consisted of a live fire event, casualty evacuation and vehicle recovery.

2nd Lt. Matthew Gambino, 54th Forward Support Company, 188th BSB, said this was the first time many of the Soldiers had the chance to conduct this type of training.

“We are trying to get these guys used to convoy operations,” Gambino said. “It’s the first time a lot of them have been on the equipment.”

Gambino said the soldiers were great and had performed exceptionally well for being new to the equipment and procedures.

“The training teaches me how to be a gunner and the importance of being a gunner,” said Pfc. James C. Locke, 54th FSC, 188th BSB.

The training exercise allowed the soldiers to practice warrior skills they will use in combat, such as casualty evacuation and vehicle recovery.

“The training gets us using the equipment and teaches the soldiers how to operate the weapons in the vehicle,” said Sgt. Kenneth Ferguson, 54th FSC, 188th BSB.

Practicing their skills and becoming acquainted with the tools they will use played an important role in the 188th BSB soldiers’ motivation.

“The motivation is great,” Gambino said. “They are really excited to get to the live fire.”

After the last round was fired the soldiers with 188th BSB returned from their training exercise safe and more prepared to face the challenges that come during a deployment.