Platoon secures convoys from Victory to IZ

Courtesy Photo | Spc. Varela is the gunner of the convoy platoon, STB, MNC-I, ready to depart for the IZ, Al Faw Palace, 19 Feb.  

BAGHDAD, IRAQ

03.01.2007

Courtesy Story

28th Public Affairs Detachment

By Spc. Beatrice Florescu-Vila Verde
MNC-I PAO

BAGHDAD, Iraq -- Soldiers assigned to Multi-National Corps-Iraq's Convoy Platoon provide security and transportation to personnel traveling from Victory Base Complex to the International Zone each day.

Preparing for this duty requires self-discipline, weapon and vehicle maintenance, and strong communication and coordination. Soldiers wake up early to get ready for a pre-dawn meeting at the Special Troops Battalion Task Force-Phantom Motor Pool.

They perform maintenance checks on vehicles, communication systems and weapons.
The convoy commander briefs everyone after the preparation is complete. The convoy forms and moves to its assembly area.

Passengers and their luggage are loaded onto armored buses known as Rhinos, and the journey begins, said Staff Sgt. Darrin Boughton, squad leader, STB, TF-Phantom.

The convoy exits Camp Victory, drives through Baghdad to the IZ, and drops off passengers. Every overhead ramp, vehicle and individual can pose a threat.

Communication is very important and helps Soldiers maintain vigilance.

"I am not really scared," said Pvt. Stephen Kast, truck driver, STB, TF-Phantom. "I have to watch my back and make sure that IEDs don't catch us by surprise. As long as we do what we are trained to do, we'll be alright."

Passengers are picked up from the IZ and brought to VBC. The Soldiers maintain their focus on safety and security.

After every trip, the platoon's Soldiers check the vehicles to ensure everything is functional.

When they return for the second trip, weapon maintenance takes priority. Every weapon is thoroughly cleaned and inspected.

In the afternoon, the convoy goes through its routine for a return trip to the IZ. Once it returns from its second round trip, the platoon gathers for a briefing before being released.

Two groups of Soldiers from Headquarters and Headquarters Company, III Corps and the 329th Chemical Company, handle convoy duty.

Each group runs the convoys for a week before taking a week off.

• Date Taken: 03.01.2007
• Date Posted: 03.01.2007 07:52
• Story ID: 9287
• Location: BAGHDAD, IQ