By Capt. John Hutka
Multi-National Division – Baghdad
CAMP LIBERTY, Iraq – Prior to any mission, the Soldiers descend on their vehicles like a pit crew. The engine is started and allowed to run for an extended period of time. All fluid levels are checked and re-checked. All hydraulic, electrical, communication and electronic countermeasure systems are checked and verified to be in working order.
Drivers and crew members crawl all over the gigantic Mine Resistant Ambush Protected security vehicles in an effort to identify any deficiencies before departure. Lives could depend on any one of these vehicles in an adverse situation. Tonight appears to be a routine convoy, but there is always the chance that attacks of any sort could occur.
The Soldiers of 1st Lt. Ryan Byrd's 1st Platoon, Company D, 949th Brigade Support Battalion, 56th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 36th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad, are doing everything they can to ensure they are completely prepared before and during their missions.
Sgt. Donald Thompson is the truck commander for an armored security vehicle that shares in the duties of convoy security. His mission with his vehicle is one of pure intimidation.
"We own battlespace when we go on the road," said Thompson, of Temple, Texas.
The term, battlespace, usually applies to a unit being in control of a piece of land. In this case, Thompson is correct. If the convoy breaks down, or has to halt for an emergency, the heavily armed and armored ASV will quickly establish a very intimidating presence to anything with intent on harming them.
Pfc. Arnold Cervera checked the headspace and timing on an M2 .50 caliber machine gun mounted alongside a 40 mm MK 19 grenade launcher atop the ASV.
"We provide our convoys with over watch, and are able to lend superior firepower" said Cervera, of San Antonio, Texas.
While Cervera has noticed a marked decrease in operational tempo compared to his previous deployment, he treats his preparation for these re-supply missions with no less a sense of importance. Cervera stated that his duties now are a "piece of cake compared to the 06-07 rotation".
Most of Byrd's Soldiers can cite comparisons with authority. Very few are on their first deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, or Operation Enduring Freedom.
Sgt. Guadalupe Banda is the TC for 'Gun One,' as he calls their MRAP. As the senior enlisted Soldier aboard the vehicle he takes particular care to ensure that everyone is attending to their own areas of pre-combat checks and inspections. Banda must check his own communications array, and ensure that the MRAP is fully mission-capable. A variety of communication equipment, very similar to the array in the ASV must also be fully functional before the MRAPs can depart for the missions. Banda, of Mineral Wells, Texas, even takes an active role in crawling under the vehicle to verify the severity of a slight leak of fluid. He is certainly willing to do any of the jobs his crew members must execute.
On a cool January evening the Soldiers of 1st Platoon gathered for a convoy brief that prepares them for the night's mission. The brief included weather reports, the latest intelligence updates and detailed plans for casualty evacuation points. The route is laid out, and all contingency plans are discussed in detail in preparation for any unforeseen circumstances. The security element of Texas National Guard Soldiers will travel in a convoy of commercial trucks that are taking supplies to a combat outpost. The presence of such vehicles as the MRAPs, up-armored Humvees and ASVs dissuade anti-coalition and anti-Iraqi forces from preying on the vulnerable commercial vehicles.
After a brief stop for a late supper, the convoy security element moved to the staging area. Byrd checked all the counter improvised explosive device equipment on the tactical vehicles. He then checked the protective gear of all his Soldiers.
Even Col. Lee Henry, the 56th IBCT commander, who rides along on this trip, is not exempt from having his personal protective equipment inspected by the convoy commander.
After a brief wait for clearance, the convoy moved toward the designated entry control point and onto to the desolate and empty stretch of road that leads to their destination. Spc. Jadon Groothuis, gunner for Gun One, and Dallas native, manned the heavy machine gun atop the MRAP. He scans an area from the right limit to the left limit of his sector of fire constantly. He must remain alert and vigilant for the whole trip. Due to being in the first truck of the convoy, his observation skills are much more critical.
The ride to the combat outpost has no significant events. All roadside objects and parked vehicles are called out and inspected as closely as possible from the moving security vehicles. A slower convoy in front of us causes a bit of frustration for Byrd. At a couple of points the convoy actually comes to a complete halt. Gone are the days of five years ago when American convoys charged down the Iraqi highway system at full throttle. Slower speeds are now maintained and most traffic laws are obeyed.
| Date Taken: |
01.19.2009 |
| Date Posted: |
01.19.2009 13:53 |
| Story ID: |
29022 |
| Location: |
BAGHDAD, IQ |
| Web Views: |
210 |
| Downloads: |
166 |
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