FORT IRWIN, Calif. - Soldiers of Troop E, 3rd Squadron, 17th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade recently set up a two-point forward arming and refueling point at the National Training Center. The Sabers, as they are known, are the forward support troop that provides logistical support to Task Force Lighthorse.
The troop conducted a tactical road march to establish the FARP used for 3-17 CAV's aerial gunnery, and to support situational training exercise lanes for units assigned to the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division Aug. 6.
The mission began with 1st Lt. Laura Hinton, the troop leader, executing convoy rehearsal with her Soldiers in preparation to occupy the FARP.
Soldiers gathered outside the command post to utilize the terrain model which gives the ground commander a visual representation of what the actual terrain will look like for planning purposes. Hinton had her Soldiers formed up around the terrain model so that they could get a visual idea of what the area of operations will look like.
"The terrain model is a great tool for planning my mission, it allows me as the convoy commander to see and also to show my Soldiers what to expect as we execute this operation," said Hinton.
After the rehearsals were complete, the Soldiers met up at their vehicles prior to the start of their convoy. At this point Hinton-along with the convoy non commissioned officer in charge-did their pre-combat checks and pre-combat inspections to ensure that everyone was ready to execute the mission.
Specialist Daniel Jimenez, a petroleum supply specialist with Troop E, 3rd Squadron, 17th Cavalry Regiment, commented on the realism of the rehearsal as it gave him a good idea of what to expect.
"As the guy giving the driver directions, it's always good to have an idea of what to expect," said Jimenez. "The rehearsal and the terrain model were definitely beneficial and I am ready to execute the mission."
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