CAMP GRAYLING, Mich. (June 22nd, 2018) –Sgt. Tyler Adams, far side team leader for Company C, 1-148th Infantry Regiment out of Tiffin, Ohio, lays in the prone position, perched atop a hill, awaiting the arrival of the convoy participating in Tactical Convoy Operations.
The mission for the 1-148th is to provide opposing forces (OPFOR) support to transportation units during annual training at the Camp Grayling Joint Maneuver Training Center in Grayling, Mich.
OPFOR represents an enemy, usually for war scenarios. This helps units realistically perform procedures that would happen during real-world combat situations. These scenarios differ from unit to unit, depending on the objectives. Blank ammunition, smoke grenades, and multiple integrated laser engagement system (MILES) gear provide simulated fire.
“Our task is to provide realistic, tough scenarios for these annual training units in order to meet their mission-essential tasks,” said Capt. Adam Fitzsimmons, the company commander for Company C.
The 1-148th is tasked to target friendly forces in their area of operation. The unit ambushes tactical convoys, as they attempt to bring supplies from one point to another.
The unit uses improvised explosive devices (IEDs), rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs) and other weapons enemies would use to simulate complex ambushes they would see overseas. The 1-148th plays an important role, as it ensures that units have adequate training to deploy to an austere environment.
The convoy consisted of the 1487th Transportation Company out of Piqua, Ohio, the 1483rd Transportation Company out of Walbridge, Ohio, and the 211th Maintenance Company out of Newark, Ohio. These units are evaluated on how they react to scenarios, as they bring food and supplies from one point to another.
“They have something to react to instead of just saying, ‘Hey we have oppositions to the right’ and not hearing bang, bang,” said Staff Sgt. Timothy Douglass, the observer controller trainer for the 1487th.
"As these units train and receive evaluation, the 1-148th gains experience of those troop leading procedures and the understanding of battle drills that we use on the light infantry side,” Fitzsimmons said.
Most would assume that being out in the field for long periods of time would get exhausting, and it would affect morale. That is not the case with the 1-148th. They prefer to be out in the field and find enjoyment in their field operations.
“Us being out here all day really doesn’t affect us so much because we are having a good time," Adams said." We do attack convoys; it’s great for us. We can pop off some rounds, ultimately being the best job, I would say in Grayling right now."