Photo By Sgt. Rebekah Lampman | Pvt. Kawena Caldwell (left), manning an M240 machine gun, and Pvt. William Ennis...... read more read more
Sgt. 1st Class Brian Sipp
4th Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs
"We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, therefore, is not an act, but a habit." -- Aristotle
FORT BLISS, Texas - Soldiers from the 2nd Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment varied their standard training regimen of assault drills and house clearing to include a variable factor on the battlefield: the media.
Troopers from the "Thunderhorse" Battalion received an "in your face" demonstration of how the media can influence operations during their SASO, or Stability and Support Operations training at Biggs Army Airfield Jan. 30.
Utilizing the 4th Brigade Combat Team public affairs assets as "embedded" media, as well as Gilbert Telles, a Department of the Army civilian, who works at the Fort Bliss public affairs office; the assault team was forced to handle a distraction that they will undoubtedly face in the months ahead when they deploy to Iraq.
"We try to make the training as realistic as possible," explained Capt. Benjamin Barlow, commander of 2-12's Headquarters Company. "Our Soldiers initiated the standard patrolling operations, as well as room clearing tactics; and then we exposed them to the media. It's extremely important to give them training in dealing with the media, as well as keeping them focused on protecting their Soldiers while doing so."
During the scenario, Soldiers from the 2-12 Cavalry also took up the roles as the OPFOR, or opposing forces, against their fellow battalion members. Dressed in civilian clothes, and often sporting Arabic garb and mannerisms, they challenged the conventional forces on every aspect of interaction.
"I am the 'sheikh" or holy man of the town," said Spc. Jermaine Sewell, Company D, 2-12 Cavalry. "My role is to be very friendly to the Americans; but the village doesn't like me much because of that. I question them on why they are patrolling, and what they are doing here. I find that I tend to get "killed" quite often in these scenarios, usually by the insurgents in the village, which leads to an escalation of tensions."
As squad after squad of troopers rolled through the scenario, every action was critiqued by Sgt. 1st Class Jeffery B. Mullins, from the battalion headquarters, who conducted an extensive after action review of each group. On hand as well, was the cultural awareness team made up of Arabic- speaking trainers who were able to lend insight into proper etiquette and customs in dealing with people of the Islamic background.
"We are dealing with the second phase of Operation Iraqi Freedom," Barlow said. "It's not just about blitzing forward and combat anymore. We need to reach out to try and win the "hearts and minds" now. It's vitally important to train our troops to react to civilians on the battlefield while being mindful as to their first priority; taking care of their Soldiers."
"I am very happy to be able to help train Soldiers as much as I possibly can," agreed Sewell, as he adjusted his headdress and prepared for the next rotation.
| Date Taken: | 02.10.2006 |
| Date Posted: | 02.10.2006 15:07 |
| Story ID: | 5371 |
| Location: | FORT BLISS, US |
| Web Views: | 259 |
| Downloads: | 42 |
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