HOHENFELS, Germany -- The 39th Transportation Battalion's 66th Transportation Company continued its preparations for deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom by training at the Joint Multinational Readiness Center here earlier this month.
"We are going to be pulling line haul missions all over (the OIF) theater and to other locations. We will basically be the distribution line for the entire theater," said Capt. Christopher Brown, the 66th's commander.
"We started with situational training exercise lanes where platoons go out and conduct operations, engage enemy targets, and come under contact with indirect fire and improvised explosive devices while they are on the roads. These are all things that they would potentially have to deal with while they are deployed," said Brown.
For example, one of the training's scenarios involved a convoy that encountered some Iraqi army troops who had been wounded. The Soldiers of the 66th operating the convoy had to evaluate the casualties, radio in an accurate medical evacuation request and carry the wounded to a simulated helicopter medical evacuation site.
To increase the realism of the training, the Soldiers of the 66th wore Multiple Integrated Laser Engagement System gear that simulates being shot if targeted by a member of the opposing forces -- the "enemy" for the exercise.
During the training the unit was graded by observer-controllers who watched the 66th's Soldiers perform the tasks given them and evaluated how they reacted to various situations. The unit was then given a grade for each scenario based on its performance. The grading system allows the unit to determine where they are proficient and what skills may need more training.
"They (the observer-controllers) are very helpful. If they see something you are not doing right, they let you know. If you are doing it right, they might tell you to tweak it a little to perform better and to maximize your strategy," said Pvt. Jesse Crye, a motor transport operator who has been with the 66th for six months.
Like Crye, many of the 66th's Soldiers have served in the Army a relatively short time and have not deployed. But Sgt. Joshua Holman, a transport operator and one of the company's squad leaders, said they are catching on fast.
"Our Soldiers have been doing really well. I'm surprised by that, because most of our Soldiers are new. We get out there, and they learn quickly and adjust," said Holman.
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