Due to one set of circumstances or another, it has been nearly two weeks since my previous post. We have been extremely busy with our FTX tasks and, as of today, outprocessing and Phase 3 graduation, so forgive my tardiness! I'll do my best to summarize the past weeks as vividly and succinctly as possible.
Week 2 of our FTX promised to be, for me at least, the busiest and most stressful week. You see, as part of our training we had to participate in a simulated combat convoy...and I was given the job of convoy commander. So, while also completing the other tasks required of us this week (land navigation, warrior leader tasks, 9mm pistol qualification, etc.), I spent countless hours picking the brains of my dear friends and comrades as to what to expect on the convoy, how to organize our available personnel, and what nuggets of wisdom were necessary to a successful convoy operation. When the day of the convoy rolled around, we were informed that our team would roll out of the FOB at 1230hrs. In the morning, we would participate in HEAT and VCCT training. HEAT is, without embellishment, a mock-up of a HMMWV (that's a Hummer in regular-speak) placed on a large rotisserie. Four students strap into the seats, and are rolled over 4-6 times (depending upon how demonic the instructor is feeling at that particular time). The body ends up either upside down or on its side, and it is now your responsibility to escape from the "wreckage" as quickly and safely as possible. For me, being 75" tall and about as limber as an oak tree, this was a challenge. I somehow managed to get out of my seat belt and flip myself upright, but unfortunately got my helmet stuck between my seat and the radio stack!! With a few good pushes from my battle buddies, I dislodged myself and opened the door to emerge shortly thereafter. The moral of the story is this: for a man that no longer likes to go on upside-down roller coasters, this was not the best way to start such a stressful day...a mammoth headache ensued for the remainder of the week!
VCCT is the Virtual Combat Convoy Trainer, and it is exactly as it sounds: a computer-based convoy simulator complete with vehicles, weapons, and computerized enemies. Most of this training went very well, except for when I told my turret gunner to fire on four vehicles that came driving straight for our truck. He "lit up" all four, but we were promptly informed by the controller that these were harmless civilian vehicles and we could now expect fierce resistance for the remainder of the exercise. Oops...my bad. Lesson learned. However, I must give big props to our truck driver, whom we call "Matticus": when confronted by an insurgent on our 12 o'clock and no more ammo in the turret, Matticus took matters into his own hands and simply ran over our attacker (this action was confirmed to us when the truck simulator made a satisfying "bump-bump" as we drove over him!! Priceless!).
After our ride back to the FOB and a very hasty lunch, our team armed up and mounted the vehicles for our live-fire convoy. We experienced IEDs, mortar fire, ambushes, casualties, disabled vehicles, broken communications, and MEDEVAC and LZ tasks...all "simulated," of course. But the tangible and tactile nature of the exercise made it quite real to me in the commander's seat. I learned a big lesson in managing personnel, trusting your teammates, and following your gut instinct. While we did not emerge from the exercise unscathed (we had one disabled truck and 7 casualties), we were greatly complimented by the instructors on our communication and teamwork...the essence of the lesson to be learned. And, to my great satisfaction, I was considered to be an, "excellent convoy commander," by our lead instructor. What a terrifying, edifying, and electrifying experience...it will not be soon forgotten!
This particular edition of the Bugle has gone on long enough. I will take my leave for now, as there are a few homework assignments that need my attention. I will be back with you tomorrow to wrap up the story of FTX with a Week 3 edition. For now, I ask for your continued vigilance over my lovely ladies back at home. I truly miss them, and am counting the remaining 14 days before my return home. I love them dearly, as I do all of you. Take care, God bless, and, as always...
Peace.
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