Driving academy teaches Soldiers basics of tactical driving

FORT SILL, Okla. (Nov. 23, 2016) -- The complexity of modern technology and increasingly unpredictable operating environment that Soldiers experience require mastering fundamentals.

"Army Combat Readiness Center's Fiscal Year 2016 Ground Accident Statistics" recorded 2,059 accidents and 101 fatalities from Army vehicle ground operations.

The 100th Brigade Support Battalion (BSB) developed a two-week drivers' training academy (DTA) to increase combat readiness, and to educate, train, certify and reinforce Soldiers' skills on operating fundamentals and survivability. The latest academy classes graduated more than 50 Soldiers from multiple organizations within the 75th Field Artillery Brigade (FAB).

Recently, the program expanded and became available to logistics units within the 75th FAB to assist with licensing and sustainment training requirements.

"Our DTA program reinforces fundamentals while building Soldiers' confidence in their own abilities and equipment," said Lt. Col. Toni Rieke, 100th BSB commander. "It also enhances trust as Soldiers gain confidence in each other's abilities throughout training."

DTA's core curriculum derives from Army Regulation 600-55, "The Army Driver and Operator Standardization Program (Selection, Training, Testing, and Licensing)," and is further enhanced by updated transportation training circulars and noncommissioned officers' experiences.

Highly-qualified, experienced transportation noncommissioned officers train Soldiers on driver responsibilities and government liability, laws and regulations, vehicle inspection and maintenance, accident avoidance, environmental considerations, convoy operations, off road operations, and night vision device (NVD) survivability tasks. Soldiers must demonstrate proficiency on academic examinations and hands-on evaluations to graduate the course.

"The true test of noncommissioned officers is their ability to provide excellent training to Soldiers who are not assigned to them. Our NCOs are committed to sharing their technical expertise with each Soldier who participates in the Driver's Training Academy and their organizations will benefit," said Sgt. 1st Class Eric Russell, 100th BSB master driver.

Night Vision Device familiarization training serves as the academy's culminating event. Survivability in today's deadly operating environment requires commanders to minimize risk by moving during low visibility and darkness to reduce disruptions and enemy observation.

To maintain proficiency driving military vehicles with NVDs requires frequent training. Certified NVD instructors teach Soldiers basic capabilities and how to safely implement them during convoy operations. This training becomes the basic building block for future sustainment training.

Pfc. Khalil Hudson, Headquarters and Head-quarters Battery, 75th FAB, said, "The night vision class gave insight into what it would be like if we were on a night mission. The experience was nerve-racking at first, but the instructors ensured the safety of all Soldiers and created a positive learning environment to make it a good experience."

The complexity of modern technology and increasingly unpredictable operating environment will continue to require Soldiers to master transportation fundamentals, and the 100th BSB Driver's Training Academy Program will continue to provide a safe, valuable training venue to train, educate, certify and reinforce basic operator skills.

DTA graduates will continue to make an immediate impact on their organizations while adding value to sustainment operations across the 75th FAB.