Iraq-bound MPs receive realistic training at Fort Drum

It's early afternoon in an Iraqi village, and Soldiers of 442nd Military Police Company just started their dismounted patrol, when out of nowhere they receive indirect fire and the ground rattles beneath them.

Soldiers run to find cover as their team leaders try to get accountability of each member on their team to make sure no one is hurt.

Fortunately, this is only a training exercise, and the Soldiers are not under attack. They are at Fort Drum experiencing military operations in urban terrain and learning what to do should they be out on a patrol and suddenly find themselves in harm's way.

"Soldiers need to know what is going on, especially when the bullets start flying; they need to know where to be and what to do," said Cpl. Colin Stewart, an observer, controller and trainer from 1st Battalion, 69th Infantry Regiment. "We are here teaching them basic skills, giving them an idea of what they have to do, should something happen while out on patrol."

This challenging two-hour scenario began with squads reacting to indirect fire. Later, they ran into an obstacle and maneuvered through it while being fired on.

"We are learning how to react to certain situations like being shot at," said Spec. Brittany A. Boyd. "We are getting hands-on training, and it almost felt (like) real life."

After getting through the obstacle, the next part of the scenario put the squad under attack from two automatic weapons, and Soldiers had to break contact.

According to Stewart, the main thing he looks for as an OCT is communication between squad leaders and team leaders as well as between team leaders and team members.

"Communication is the key; without it we really don't have anything," said Lt. Robert Thorne, 442nd MP Company executive officer. "Communication is being stressed here. ... Each team must talk to each other to make sure the correct information is given up and down the chain."

From that scenario, they moved into a small urban area, where they were hit by sniper fire. Soldiers had to conduct a 360-degree security watch and tend to a wounded team member, while at the same time call in to higher headquarters to have the wounded Soldier evacuated for medical treatment.

"The MOUT training we received was challenging," said Staff Sgt. Brendan J. Carey. "It gave us a chance to learn how to work together as a team, and find out what each of us is capable of, to get us ready for mobilization."

According to Sgt. Terrence J. McGhee, an OCT, MOUT training is very important because the modern-day battlefield revolves around urban terrain.

"As a light-wheel-vehicle mechanic, I don't get the opportunity to do this type of training every day," said Sgt. Sheila P. Robinson, a veteran of the company's 2003-04 deployment to Iraq.

"The training that we are learning today is very important, especially when we get to Iraq so we all get home safe, no matter what job we have while deployed," she added.

Lt. Tara Dawe, 442nd MP company commander, said that this is just part one of their premobilization training for Iraq.

At this time in their training, each Soldier is at the crawl / walk stage, and before they leave for Iraq, they will be at the run stage. After completing all 10 stages of this scenario, each Soldier will have a better understanding of what each other is capable of and how to react should they be fired on.

"I have never experienced a unit that, once they found out they were activated for mobilization, was so highly motivated to do the right thing for their country," Dawe said. "I have one of the most highly motivated ... units in the National Guard. I am proud to be their commander and serve with them."