Heavier Metal

Photo By Michael Armstrong | Soldiers assigned to Company C, 2nd Brigade, 1st Armored Division, Special Troops Battalion, get familiar with the Husky Mounted Detection System, a vehicle with ground penetrating radar capable of detecting buried improvised explosive devices and antitank land mines. The 2-1 STB will use the Husky as part of their route clearing missions while deployed in combat. These missions will allow freedom of movement for allied forces as well as local civilians.  

WHITE SANDS, NM, UNITED STATES

06.09.2011

Story by Sgt. Michael Armstrong 

24th Theater Public Affairs Support Element

WHITE SANDS, N.M. -- Two vehicles used by multiple units in the military assist in clearing routes and mark improvised explosive devices have finally made their way to Fort Bliss’ 2nd Brigade, 1st Armored Division, Special Troops Battalion. They are being used during the six-week Network Integration Evaluation at White Sands Missile Range, N.M.

The Husky Mounted Detection System, a vehicle with ground penetrating radar capable of detecting buried IED and antitank land mines, and the Buffalo Armored Vehicle, a mine resistant ambush protected vehicle, are designed to safely clear routes in dangerous combat zones.

With all new pieces of equipment or vehicles being introduced into a unit there are usually some growing pains but the STB has soldiers familiar with both vehicles.

“We have experienced senior [non-commissioned officers] and soldiers who have the fundamentals of the vehicles prior to them coming to our unit,” said 2nd Lt. David McDonald, 1st Platoon Leader, Company C, 2-1 STB.

McDonald, a San Diego, Calif., native, also explained the importance of having these vehicles in the company.

“Our Command really pushed for equipment to be available for our unit,” he said. “The addition of the Huskies and Buffaloes, as well as the (mine) rollers, completes the company’s capability to conduct its mission.”

Company C is the only company in the brigade to have these vehicles in its inventory. The combat engineers of Company C will use these vehicles as part of their route clearing missions while deployed in combat. These missions will allow freedom of movement for allied forces as well as local civilians.

The soldiers of Company C, to better operate in such a situation, need realistic training. NIE at WSMR provides that training.

“Today my team did a deliberate clearance (of a route),” said Spc. Nicholas Wyant, a team leader assigned to 1st platoon, Company C.

“We used the Buffalo to interrogate and investigate suspected IEDs,” Wyant said. “My soldiers told me (after the training), the Buffalo is a great vehicle and they felt safe inside.”

Wyant, an Omaha, Neb., native, also stated that the training at WSMR is as close to real life experience he and his Soldiers can get short of actually deploying.

The unit, now in the initial stage of this exercise, knows how important it is to be able to get as much hands on training here at WSMR.

“We took advantage of (NIE) to be able to get this extra training,” McDonald said. “It’s hard to get 6 weeks cleared in garrison to be able to do what we do.”

McDonald also explained how by the end of the NIE he expects for Company C to be technically proficient, have the added confidence to deploy immediately and know the ins and outs of its route clearing procedures.

“This training is highly important,” he added. “Here we can implement out TTP’s, (tactics, techniques, and procedures), we’ll be able to help soldiers and save lives.”

• Date Taken: 06.09.2011
• Date Posted: 06.14.2011 13:05
• Story ID: 72067
• Location: WHITE SANDS, NM, US