Marines prepare for Afghanistan in simulator

Photo By Matthew Manning | Sgt. Pancho A. Valladolid Jr. prepares to call in a 9-line casualty evacuation message for a simulated improvised explosive device threat during convoy operations April 5 inside the Combat Convoy Simulator on Camp Hansen. One of the key focuses during the training was ensuring the Marines were able to maintain proper lines of communication during the convoy. Valladolid is a heavy equipment mechanic with 9th Engineer Support Battalion, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force.  

CAMP HANSEN, OKINAWA, JAPAN

04.05.2013

Story by Cpl. Matthew Manning 

III Marine Expeditionary Force   

CAMP HANSEN, Okinawa - Marines with 9th Engineer Support Battalion obtained valuable experience for their upcoming deployment to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in the safe environment of the combat convoy simulator April 5 on Camp Hansen.

Experience and knowledge is invaluable when conducting a convoy in a combat environment, according to Staff Sgt. Joseph K. Freeman, a platoon sergeant with 9th ESB, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force.

“The goal of this training is to help the Marines understand the initial reaction drills and ensure they are using the proper tactics, techniques and procedures,” said Freeman. “There is no replacement for reality, but here on Okinawa, with all the jungle, it is very hard to recreate the terrain in Afghanistan.”

During the training, Freeman used the simulator to create scenarios and threats his Marines may encounter during a convoy in Afghanistan. The simulator can also present Marines with actual roads and convoy routes from Afghanistan they may encounter while on their deployment.

“We can literally do anything with this system,” said Freeman. “Anything you can encounter in a real-world scenario, we can duplicate in this simulator. We can hide roadside explosives, create complex blocked ambushes, and have noncombatants, such as a goat farmer with his herd of goats, in the middle of the road. Our imagination is the only limitation when creating these scenarios.”
The simulator is a vital tool for getting Marines in a combat mindset as their deployment nears, according to Cpl. Derrek D. Solarz, a combat engineer and team leader with the battalion.

“We are going over improvised explosive device immediate action drills to help increase the confidence levels of the Marines prior to getting in country,” said Solarz. “I have used this (simulator) prior to a previous deployment, and the scenarios it can put you in are similar to the real situations we will be facing when we go to Afghanistan.”

For many of the Marines, this simulator provided their first chance to experience a combat convoy, according to Lance Cpl. Craig D. Sisler, a bulk fuel specialist with the battalion.

“The graphics are similar to that of an older video game, but apart from that, I was surprised at how realistic it was,” said Sisler. “The ability to actually sit inside a full-sized Humvee, drive around the terrain, feel the vehicle bounce while driving, and engage simulated enemies gave me a lot of insight of how actual convoys in Afghanistan might go.”

At the end of each convoy, the Marines discussed what was done correctly and could be improved upon.

“As we keep creating scenarios in the simulator for them, we can see they are absorbing the knowledge and getting better in conducting convoy operations,” said Freeman. “As we continue to train and prepare for this deployment, I have no doubt that these Marines will be ready for whatever is thrown their way.”

• Date Taken: 04.05.2013
• Date Posted: 04.12.2013 01:33
• Story ID: 105070
• Location: CAMP HANSEN, OKINAWA, JP