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    Peaceful Protest in Dara Lam

    Peaceful Protest in Dara Lam

    Photo By Sgt. L'Erin Wynn | Paratroopers assigned to Company B, 1st Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment,...... read more read more

    FORT POLK, LA, UNITED STATES

    08.25.2016

    Story by Spc. L'Erin Wynn 

    49th Public Affairs Detachment   

    During the scenario-based JRTC, trained actors portraying angry civilians held a protest to gain the attention of leaders at the consulate. The civilians gathered to express their complaints with the American presence in their country and create a situation of ethnic tension.

    As a counteraction, the Paratroopers are made to respond as if they were in a combat environment dealing with local nationals.

    "I think having that kind of pressure put on you is healthy and the role players do a great job of asking legitimate questions,” said Sgt. Ross Leonard, fire team leader and Southern Pines, N.C. native assigned to Co. B, 1-505 PIR. "This is a real test of professionalism that helps us realize what a big impression we make."

    The goal of JRTC is to prepare soldiers for real-world situations that they will encounter while deployed. Theses situations even include a local media outlet, the 'Al-Mediyah Times', to which the soldiers need to answer for an added detail.

    Because the primary purpose of the infantrymen was to provide security, a psychological operations unit was called in to help quiet the riot and relieve the tension. Once individual questions and concerns were addressed, the locals, having been heard, left.

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    NEWS INFO

    Date Taken: 08.25.2016
    Date Posted: 08.26.2016 19:03
    Story ID: 208356
    Location: FORT POLK, LA, US

    Web Views: 793
    Downloads: 0

    PUBLIC DOMAIN