FORT POLK, La. -- Soldiers assigned to G Company, 2nd Battalion, 15th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, conducted an improvised explosive device situational training lane March 18 during "Operation Adirondack" at the Joint Readiness Training Center here.
Ten military tactical vehicles began their lane at 7 a.m. with a standard convoy. Within the first 15 minutes, they encountered their first IED explosion to the right of one of the lead Humvees. The blast disabled the tactical vehicle.
Two Soldiers became simulated casualties, which caused the patrol to initiate two "wounded in action" reports to their superiors and go through the proper procedures to treat the pretend casualties.
Within one hour, 2nd Lt. Brandy Seegars, convoy leader, was faced with an ethical dilemma while dealing with a local national role player. Seegars approached the local resident with her interpreter and spoke briefly before the individual walked away. Minutes later, another IED explosion blast went off, followed by the local national running back asking for a doctor for his injured brother.
"They should provide treatment," a JRTC observer controller-trainer said about the predicament.
The convoy leader had only a few minutes to decide whether to treat the nonmilitary casualty or continue the mission.
"It's still our responsibility to treat the casualty. We knew what was going on and needed to provide medical support," Seegars said about tending to the man.
Within minutes, the medics are called forward to assist the wounded individual. Soldiers conducted security operations while the patient was treated, and Staff Sgt. Michael Figueroa, distribution platoon sergeant, requested a medical vehicle to transport him.
"Soldiers need to learn there is a time to play and a time for business," Figueroa said regarding the situational training exercise.
During the ethical dilemma, Figueroa led the Soldiers through evacuating the casualty.
The conditions are set up to aid Soldiers before their future deployments. Each convoy is assigned 10 OCTs who patrol the lane, taking notes on the actions and orders given by the leaders, and then giving feedback on preferred methods at the conclusion of the mission.
Several people on the lane said Spc. Marcelo Bartolome was the "Hero of the Day." Bartolome tended to three simulated casualties in less than one hour, and he was credited for getting everyone treated and to the Afghan medical evacuation helicopter safely.
"I was just doing what I have to do to take care of the casualties," Bartolome said. "Even if I have to run 400 meters, (I will) get to the front of the convoy."
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