FORT POLK, La. -- The culminating training event for combat advisors at Fort Polk, referred to as the capstone, tests their ability to apply the tactical and technical training they have received and how they advise and assist host nation security forces. The capstone held April 14-16 placed the combat advisors of class 93 through a series of unique scenarios based on team specialties.
Class 93 contained five logistics and maintenance advisory teams, or LMATs, which advise Iraqi army logistics personnel on how to streamline their systems. Class 93 also held a mix of logistic, medical and maintenance personnel headed to Afghanistan for the same purpose as their counterparts headed to Iraq.
Before the sun rose, combat advisors loaded equipment in preparation for their mission. They moved out in a tactical convoy to their first location, which differed from traditional classes, and the advisors of class 93 assisted and advised their logistical Iraqi counterparts on supply systems analysis in a warehouse setting. The American advisors addressed supply shortcomings and issues to help their counterparts operate a more efficient supply economy.
The scenario was written specifically for the LMAT advisors. Once completed at the Iraqi supply depot, they moved their joint patrol convoy operations to a small, remote village.
Through their counterparts, they worked with local police and village elders in key leader engagements to identify and remedy problems. During this engagement, combat advisors and host nation security forces conducted a humanitarian aid drop at the request of the village elder.
This strengthened trust and formed a bond with the local populace. It also reduced conflict among the villagers which resulted in an increase in supplies and necessities to the village.
Upon leaving the village, the convoy was struck with an improvised explosive device, testing the combat advisors once again. During this portion of the training, combat advisors reacted to contact, secured a landing zone and treated casualties through their HNSF. Once the injured were evacuated, the combat advisors recovered disabled vehicles. This was class 93rd's culminating event for the capstone.
"This training event was an excellent test and a reassurance of our ability to perform the necessary skills to be successful while deployed to Iraq," said Lt. Col. Todd MacDonald, leader for class 93 and an LMAT.
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