FORSCOM Counter IED Trainers Invest in Future Leaders

By Jeff AbbottOctober 22, 2014

U.S. Military Academy (USMA) Superintendent Lt. Gen. Robert Caslen and USMA Command Sergeant Major Delbert Byers are briefed by trainers
1 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – U.S. Military Academy (USMA) Superintendent Lt. Gen. Robert Caslen and USMA Command Sergeant Major Delbert Byers are briefed by trainers from the FORSCOM Counter-Improvised Explosive Device Program on the technology that will be provided to Cadets du... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Simulated environment used to train Cadets on C-IED techniques
2 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Members of the FORSCOM Counter-Improvised Explosive Device (C-IED) Program training team created a simulated environment used to train Cadets on C-IED techniques. All props, simulators and enablers were transported from Fort Drum, NY to support the C... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
U.S. Military Academy Cadets encounter an improvised explosive device (IED)
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West Point, N.Y. (Oct. 21, 2014) -- The squad, confident that their plan is solid -- having already located and identified four Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) -- enter the building. Their mission: to clear the room with the intention of capturing the High Value Target at the Urban Assault Course. The Squad Leader talks the plan through one last time and then nudges the lead fire team around the corner. As the first soldier kicks open the door, a loud boom and cloud of smoke discharge. A simulated IED detonates. Shock and surprise pass through every cadet in the squad after finding the door had been rigged with another IED.

This was the scene during the recent United States Military Academy (USMA) Cadet Field Training. Before the training ends, nearly every active-duty Soldier and cadet at West Point will receive this Counter-Improvised Explosive Device (C-IED) training. Subject matter expert trainers from the U.S. Army Forces Command (FORSCOM) (C-IED) Integration Cell traveled from Fort Drum to help train Cadets on the enduring global threat of IEDs.

The trainers focus on developing realistic, engaging training for the cadets that can be nested into the Urban Assault Course, while introducing them to the basic tools to survive in an IED environment. The training team brings IED simulators, counter measures and additional training aids to create a realistic environment in which to conduct the training. This allows the cadets to directly experience an operational environment with IED scenarios and learn ways to combat this threat.

The training culminates in an assault on a room rigged with simulated IEDs. Throughout the week-long training exercise, cadets are exposed to different types of IED simulators and are able to practice with various force protection C-IED equipment enablers and counter measure equipment.

USMA Superintendent Lt. Gen. Robert Caslen visited the site during the training and shared that he was impressed that the training being conducted touched on defeating the device, attacking the network and site exploitation.

Nearly 1,300 cadets have received the C-IED training and now possess a better understanding of how to build a holistic, relevant and effective training event for their future platoons. This training will become effective once they take on the mantel of leadership as commissioned officers in one of the branches of the United States Armed Forces.

The enduring global nature of the IED threat makes the FORSCOM C-IED training invaluable for young Army leaders. USMA cadets that have participated in the Cadet Field Training will be better prepared to lead their Soldiers against the IED threat and will have a better understanding of what it takes to survive in an IED environment.

To learn more about FORSCOM C-IED Home Station Training: http://www.forscom.army.mil/CI2C.