Cav Troops Learn to Make Split-Second Decisions During Training in Kuwait

Photo By Spc. Alexis Harrison | Hampshire County, W.V., native, Pfc. David Alger mans his M-240 machine gun atop his up-armored humvee during a training exercise near Camp Buehring, Kuwait Oct. 29. Soldiers from Troop B, 4th Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, spent the day learning to operate a traffic control point. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Alexis Harrison, 2nd Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs)  

CAMP BUEHRING, KUWAIT

11.06.2006

Courtesy Story

3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division

By Spc. Alexis Harrison,
2nd Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs
1st Cavalry Division

CAMP BUEHRING, Kuwait - Vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices are one of the many methods insurgents use to wound and kill troops in Iraq. In order to learn how to make the streets safer, for not only Soldiers but Iraqi civilians as well, some "First Team" troopers learned how to weed out the good from the bad from the ugly while out on the roads of Iraq.

Troops from Troop B, 4th Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, took to the barren desert on the outskirts of their temporary Kuwaiti base camp, to practice traffic control measures Oct. 29.

The troops from the "Dark Horse" Battalion began the day getting briefed on the training that would follow. They were brought up to speed on the rules of engagement and escalation of force they needed to know in order to properly carry out their mission.

When the mission began, they waited.

Soon, a small sedan appeared on the horizon. Immediately, the troops started waving and showing a large stop sign so the driver knew that there was a checkpoint ahead. As the car approached, it slowed to a halt and the driver got out.

The Soldiers kept their distance from the sedan while the driver opened the doors and the hood of the vehicle. Upon closer inspection, the man and his car were dubbed harmless and were allowed to pass though the checkpoint.

1st Lt. Dennis Williams, a platoon leader from San Diego, said while nothing happened during the iteration, his Soldiers were prepared for anything.

"It's about being able to be flexible to variable situations," he said. "It prepares you to abide by the principals of escalation of force."

Again, the Soldiers waited.

A small pickup truck began coming over the ridge in front of the Soldiers. Again, they waved and it crept to a halt. Instead of getting out of the vehicle calmly, three insurgents armed with rifles jumped out to attack the Soldiers manning the checkpoint. Knowing the escalation of force and the rules of engagement, vehicle gunner, Pfc. David Alger, from Hampshire County, W.V., opened up with his M-240 machinegun. The threat was negated.

Sgt. Michael Lashua, a squad leader from Baton Rouge, La., said not only do his Soldiers enjoy the training, they take it seriously.

"This was very good training," Lashua said. "It also helps with situational awareness. This was where we can work on all those little nuances we haven't hit before. It's about as realistic as we can get."

Throughout the day, the troops from 4-9 Cav. encountered a myriad of situations. Although they didn't have to engage an enemy every time, Lashua said it was always on their minds.

"There are times when we're going to have to shoot," Lashua said. "This is where we learn to make those split-second decisions."

• Date Taken: 11.06.2006
• Date Posted: 11.17.2006 12:08
• Story ID: 8303
• Location: CAMP BUEHRING, KW