SCHOFIELD BARRACKS, Hawaii -- The rugged, mountainous terrain of the island of Oahu offers a unique training opportunity for the Soldiers of the 25th Sustainment Brigade. It offers them the ability to create and practice combat scenarios nearly identical to any terrain the Soldiers of the Lightning Support Brigade are likely to encounter in the Pacific region.
The 524th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion participated in combat logistics patrol live fire exercises, or CLPLFX, at the Kolekole Ranges Sept. 1 through 3.
The Soldiers honed their critical skills as they maneuvered through simulated towns and villages all the while reacting to small-arms fire, treating wounded personnel, requesting medical evacuation support, and staying watchful for the ever-present improvised explosive devices.
The 524th CSSB ensured the training was prepared to be as realistic as possible for the Soldiers.
The steep hills and rutted dirt tracks of the Kolekole Ranges provided a tough and realistic backdrop for the Soldiers as they reacted to the scenarios thrown at them from behind every hidden curve and every berm of dirt.
Capt. Antwon Parker, the commander of 540th Quartermaster Company said the training provided his and the other companies of the battalion a great opportunity to validate the battalion's battle plans.
"The exercise provided us the opportunity to conduct mission command, assess our convoy procedures using realistic combat scenarios, and receive an external assessment on our strengths and weaknesses from higher," said Parker. "It's very relevant, this training. It will make our Soldiers and the leaders in this battalion all the more better and confident when the time comes for us to execute our mission."
The 540th QM Co. First Sergeant, 1st Sgt. Claude Elmore, said he felt the training set the tone and the standard for convoy training.
"The CLPLFX gave us a platform to not only execute the commander's intent, but to also validate our personnel and teamwork," said Elmore. "Many collective, leader, and individual tasks are involved with unit convoys. It's a good feeling to see the noncommissioned officers conducting their troop leading procedures after the order is issued and being able to assess their performance all through the scenarios."
Parker expressed how training like this is essential to make the Army's logistics and sustainment missions a success.
"The ability to react to enemy contact and engage weapon systems in response to convoy attacks and ambushes is essential because logistics plays a vital role in the combined arms fight," said Parker. "It is necessary that we know how to fight and win in order to provide our service support function."
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