FORT SILL, Okla. (March 26, 2015) -- Soldiers from 2nd Battalion, 18th Field Artillery conducted a successful convoy operation March 18 from Fort Sill to Doña Ana Base Camp near Fort Bliss, Texas.
The convoy represented the culmination of the battalion's convoy training over several months and covered more than 625 miles.
To ensure success for the lengthy expedition, the battalion completed two training convoys before the movement. These training convoys helped leaders understand how effective communication and coordination would be critical during the convoy.
The training also familiarized new Soldiers with large scale convoy operations, re-familiarized senior Soldiers, and helped to stress-test the vehicles that would be used for the exercise. The training convoys took place between Fort Sill and Altus Air Force Base, Okla., during February and March.
With the successful execution of these training convoys, the "Mission Ready" Battalion departed Fort Sill on March 18. The convoy was composed of more than 115 personnel and 47 vehicles split into three serials.
The first serial was led by Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 2-18th FA's 2nd Lt. Michael Weber and Staff Sgt. Oliver Arado, fire direction chief. This serial was composed of more than 44 personnel and 18 vehicles.
"I have only been in the unit a few months, so this exercise was a great learning experience for me," said Weber, the battalion medical officer. "My NCOs really helped make the process run smoothly."
The second serial was led by A Battery executive officer, 1st Lt. Xavier Martinez, and 1st Sgt. Michael Brown, battery first sergeant.
This serial was the largest with more than 50 personnel and 20 vehicles. Lastly, the 69th Forward Support Company held up the rear portion of the movement in the last serial. First Lt. Christopher Gore and Staff Sgt. Edron Herbert, 69th FSC distribution platoon leader and squad leader respectively, led this serial which consisted of 21 personnel and nine vehicles.
During the convoy, the 2-18th FA traveled across the plains of Texas and New Mexico. They negotiated the windy roads and steep inclines of Hondo Valley before ending their journey in the dry deserts near the Texas -New Mexico border.
"The convoy proved to be great training for all of 2-18th FA, and it reinvigorated the confidence of the Soldiers in the ability of this unit," said Capt. Omar Foreman, 2-18th FA assistant operations officer.
The entire convoy arrived in a safe and timely manner, embodying the "Mission Ready" spirit as the Soldiers prepared themselves to tackle the upcoming challenges of Operation Iron Focus at Doña Ana Base Camp.
Social Sharing