Weeks 8-10
Training is finally winding down, we are in the final hours of our ARTEP (Army’s term for final exercise to put to test what has been taught). The ARTEP has so far lasted 5 days of 24 hour operations. Our team has been tested with planning and executing multiple missions, establishing an overnight patrol base on two occasions, and responding to mortar and direct/indirect fire on the FOB. Leading up to the ARTEP, our Team completed additional training on weapons and tactics.
Our training has included a “Stress Fire” exercise. It encompassed a 4-mile march in full battle rattle and then firing the M-4 rifle for qualification. The objective was to qualify with an accelerated heart rate and fatigued muscles. I qualified, but barely. We also received training on Base Defense and Entry Control Point procedures. Base Defense consisted of establishing fields of fire, tower procedures, and quick reaction force response. The day was not bad at all since we were able to fire several hundred rounds against the OPFOR (Opposing Forces) role players. Additionally, we were trained on Traffic Control Point Procedures, Checkpoint Procedures and Detainee Operations. This training allows our Team to move into an area and once secured, establish points of control in order to maintain security. Detainee operations is not in our mission statement but in an area as fluid as Afghanistan, we may be called upon to respond to just about anything. I have to admit one of our most frustrating training days, termed “Base Fortification”. The day consisted of learning how to set up and concertina wire and then, perhaps most ridiculous, we “learned” how to fill sandbags and stack them on a wooden pallet. I was shocked they let me do this since I do not have “Shovel” on my military license, however I am now fully qualified in preparing and throwing sandbags. Our final training event was GACSTX, or Ground Assault Convoy Situational Exercise. It was a four day, crawl, walk, run training event that culminated in a live fire convoy exercise. On Day 2 and Day 3 of the training I was certainly put through my toughest days in the military. I was assigned to the tow bar team and the ground assault team on both days. The exercise called for our convoy to be hit by an IED and then receive contact from an ambush on our flank. We also had to treat wounded personnel and evac them to a MEDAVAC location, establishing a helicopter landing zone. Our three-man tow bar team was called upon to respond to the disabled vehicle, linking it with our own HUMVEE. The tow bar weighs over 200 pounds, dragging it out of the HUMVEE and to the disabled truck while under fire is a weeks worth of exercise. As part of the ground assault team, I responded to the ambush by forming up line and assaulting the enemy position. It was a blast. On Day 3 the fog of war resulted in only me and our First Sergeant being able to assault an ambush. The two of us formed up behind a berm and using individual movement tactics assaulted a four-man enemy position. Talk about an adrenaline rush! The live fire exercise included our crew served weapons (MK19, M2, and M240) firing live rounds at targets on the convoy range. Personnel were also provided live ammo to engage enemy targets. Our convoy was attacked by an IED on a bridge and it resulted in wounded personnel, including our doc. Again I was on the tow bar team, but soon found myself treating the wounded in the vehicle as a Combat Life Saver. It was an exhausting four day exercise. All of us worked our asses off and did extremely well. I was one of 59 soldiers and airmen who reacted with speed and efficiency. Our Team demonstrated outstanding teamwork and cohesion. One of the final challenges before the ARTEP was a storm that ripped through the FOB last week. We were hit with winds clocked at 65mph, needless to say, tents did not fare to well. Our Teams tents survived mostly intact but there were living tents that were literally blown off the FOB. Our TOC (Tactical Operations Cell) was destroyed as well. After all my years of camping, the storm was like nothing I have spent the night in before.
With the ARTEP only lasting a few more hours, we are moving back to Fort Bragg within days. After moving to Fort Bragg we will turn in weapons and supplies and then we are off on our four day pass. I am looking forward to going home for a few days, hugging my wife and kids and relaxing. I will probably spend more than a few hours in our hot tub sipping on rum and cokes. This will be my last post until after pass, afterwards we will return to Fort Bragg with only a few days to make final preparations to depart for theater.