3rd ID completes training in Kuwait, departs for Iraq

By Spc. Michael Adams, 3rd ID Public AffairsOctober 22, 2009

ROLLOVER
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CAMP BUEHRING, Kuwait </B>- Most of the Division Special Troops Battalion, 3rd Infantry Division has arrived in Iraq, but before their boots hit the ground there, they had to make a stop in Camp Buehring, Kuwait for some added training.

The battalion, including the division staff, conducted familiarization training to ensure that the Soldiers could perform in extreme heat, and to give them a boost of confidence in their skills and equipment, according to Maj. Eddie White, the operations officer with DSTB.

Troops were turned upside-down during rollover training in a Mine Resisted Ambush Protected Vehicle. They were required to fire ammunition during weapons familiarization training to ensure that their rifles were working properly and given a fratricide training brief to describe the rules of engagement when encountering an enemy or friendly forces such as the Iraqi police. Improvised explosive devices continue to be a deadly threat from insurgents, and thus, another class was given to discuss the many ways they are hidden.

The extended stay in Kuwait was unexpected for the Soldiers, but the training was needed to reintroduce all ranks to a deployment environment, Maj. White said "If you don't know what to expect, you may find yourself in predicaments that may impact the mission," he said. "So the training was implemented so that Soldiers understand what to do if one of these events occurs."

He gave the example of the rollover training, stating that most people would panic if their vehicle rolled over, but now they know the proper steps to evacuate the vehicle.

Overall, he said the training was needed so save Soldiers' lives and bring them home to their Families alive and safe.

A military police officer agreed with Maj. White and said the layover in Kuwait was worthwhile.

"One of the training events I liked was the MRAP training," said Sgt. 1st Class Chinita Reid, DSTB's detainee operations noncommissioned officer in charge. "It was very informative and very realistic."

While Sgt. 1st Class Reid felt the MRAP training was substantial, she felt all of the training was effective.

"This training put you in the mindset of what to expect when you get down range," she said. "Every Soldier should go through this training."