CRANE ARMY AMMUNITION ACTIVITY, Ind. (July 24, 2012) -- Mechanics from the 243rd Transportation Detachment (Trailer Transfer Point), an Army Reserve unit out of Belleville, Ill., took the opportunity to work on their driving skills here and get qualified on the Light Medium Tactical Vehicle, known as the LMTV, during Operation Golden Cargo 2012.
"Today, we had a little free time in the motor pool. So, we decided to go ahead and do a little drivers' training, a little familiarization with our LMTVs," said Sgt. Scott A. Lewis from Mascoutah, Ill., a motor sergeant with the 243rd Transportation Detachment, which for the purpose of this exercise answers to the 497th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion.
The training involves going over the parts of the LMTV and doing preventative maintenance checks and services. Drivers' training takes place in a large open graveled area and a road test the following day after which passing drivers become qualified.
Driving a LMTV provides challenges due to its high center of gravity and the driver's position, which is directly over the front wheels.
"I think it's very valuable for them, considering they don't get a lot of wheel time at the unit," said Lewis. "[Annual training] is a good time to get them out and drive everything we have."
Initial training involves practicing maneuvers in the LMTV such as making a hard right turn, a loading dock scenario and driving slalom style through cones that mark barricade positions.
Pvt. Joshua M. Bone from Belleville, Ill., a maintenance Soldier with the 243rd appreciates the opportunity for the hands-on training.
"The more subject material you can cover, the better your training will be," said Bone.
Several of the Soldiers found the training to not just be informative, but fun as well.
"I'd rather be here doing this, supporting my unit, than doing my civilian job," said Pfc. Miranda M. Gunn, from House Springs, Mo., a wheeled vehicle mechanic with the 243rd.
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