Courtesy Photo | Members of 501st Military Police Company, 1st Armored Division, prepare to conduct a...... read more read more
By Sgt. Samantha Beuterbaugh
BAGHDAD — The Soldiers of 501st Military Police Company, 1st Armored Division participated in a live fire training exercise, Jan. 2, at the Besmaya Range complex near Contingency Operating Station Hammer.
The MPs began arriving in Iraq, Dec. 30, and the convoy live fire is part of their initial mandatory training for their unique mission requirements. The purpose of the range is to familiarize Soldiers with the positions they will occupy in their trucks while on actual convoy missions.
The exercise consisted of six convoy teams comprising four trucks each.
Although the day was long — starting around 2:30 a.m., with a return to post around 7:30 p.m. — Soldiers found the training valuable.
"It was probably the best [range] we've ever been to," said Sgt. Josh Locke, a truck commander assigned to 501st and a native of Indianapolis.
Previous ranges Locke participated in required each truck to stop during the convoy to load weapon systems. Then, one at a time, the vehicles would drive through, shoot off their rounds, and drive around to clear their weapons, Locke said.
This range ran much smoother and more efficiently, Locke added. MPs loaded their weapons at the same time, went through five different lanes, and fired simultaneously at a continuous rate.
"It just gives you a really good idea of what your gunners can do when they're out there knocking down targets," said Locke.
The convoy live fire was a culmination of much of the training conducted prior to this deployment, said Spc. Robert Brubaker, a native of Thermont, Md., also a gunner assigned to 501st. He said the range proved practical, giving team leaders a chance to work together with the gunners and the drivers to ensure mission success.
In addition to the live-fire training, 501st has also started the relief in place of D Troop, Divisional Special Troops Battalion, 1st Cavalry Division. The transition will include observing and working with D Troop until 501st can operate alone.
Once training is complete, the unit will conduct its transfer of authority. Most of the leaders assigned to 501st have previously deployed with the unit, so many enlisted Soldiers said they feel confident the personal security detail will run smoothly.
Sgt. Troy Clement, a truck commander assigned to the 501st and native of Concord, N.C., said the unit is well prepared and well trained for a variety of missions.
"With the leadership we have and the adaptability we have," said Clement, "we're ready for the handoff."
| Date Taken: | 01.02.2010 |
| Date Posted: | 01.05.2010 05:11 |
| Story ID: | 43448 |
| Location: | BAGHDAD, IQ |
| Web Views: | 421 |
| Downloads: | 392 |
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