Load up, move out: Soldiers perfect convoy operations

By Sgt. Dustin D. BivenOctober 15, 2020

Soldiers from the 75th Field Artillery Brigade roll along a dusty desert road Oct. 5, 2020, during High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle convoy training. The brigade is deployed to the Middle East in support of Operation Inherent Resolve and Operation Spartan Shield.
1 / 6 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Soldiers from the 75th Field Artillery Brigade roll along a dusty desert road Oct. 5, 2020, during High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle convoy training. The brigade is deployed to the Middle East in support of Operation Inherent Resolve and Operation Spartan Shield. (Photo Credit: Sgt. Dustin D. Biven) VIEW ORIGINAL
Staff Sgt. Dakota Montgomery, training NCO assigned to HHB, 75th FA Brigade, creates a makeshift sandbox detailing the planned route prior to unit convoy training.
2 / 6 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Staff Sgt. Dakota Montgomery, training NCO assigned to HHB, 75th FA Brigade, creates a makeshift sandbox detailing the planned route prior to unit convoy training. (Photo Credit: Sgt. Dustin D. Biven) VIEW ORIGINAL
Staff Sgt. Dakota Montgomery, left, training NCO with HHB, 75th FA Brigade, describes the convoy route to Sgt. Gage McLaughlin before the Soldiers head out on their dusty  excursion.
3 / 6 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Staff Sgt. Dakota Montgomery, left, training NCO with HHB, 75th FA Brigade, describes the convoy route to Sgt. Gage McLaughlin before the Soldiers head out on their dusty excursion. (Photo Credit: Sgt. Dustin D. Biven) VIEW ORIGINAL
Sgt. Antonio Johnson, an air defense battle management system operator assigned to HHB, 75th FA Brigade, performs preventive maintenance checks ensuring his vehicle is ready for the rigors of desert convoy training.
4 / 6 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Sgt. Antonio Johnson, an air defense battle management system operator assigned to HHB, 75th FA Brigade, performs preventive maintenance checks ensuring his vehicle is ready for the rigors of desert convoy training. (Photo Credit: Sgt. Dustin D. Biven) VIEW ORIGINAL
Sgt. Ronald Griswold an HHB, 75th FA Brigade Soldier fuels up his assigned High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle to ensure he’s ready for the austere environment.
5 / 6 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Sgt. Ronald Griswold an HHB, 75th FA Brigade Soldier fuels up his assigned High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle to ensure he’s ready for the austere environment. (Photo Credit: Sgt. Dustin D. Biven) VIEW ORIGINAL
Maintaining proper distancing to increase visibility and reduce potential threats, convoy drivers, head up a hill and on to other features of the intended route. Training, such as this, helps the unit stay ready for whatever situations may arise.
6 / 6 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Maintaining proper distancing to increase visibility and reduce potential threats, convoy drivers, head up a hill and on to other features of the intended route. Training, such as this, helps the unit stay ready for whatever situations may arise. (Photo Credit: Sgt. Dustin D. Biven) VIEW ORIGINAL

U.S. CENTRAL COMMAND AOR, Oct. 15, 2020 -- Led by Staff Sgt. Dakota Montgomery, Headquarters and Headquarters Battery training noncommissioned officer, Soldiers from the 75th Field Artillery Brigade trained on convoy procedures Oct. 5, in a desert of the Middle East.

Brigade Soldiers are deployed in support of operations Inherent Resolve and Spartan Shield.

Before convoy training, Montgomery used the local terrain to create a makeshift sandbox. From this he detailed the intended route the convoy would take and the potential obstacles they might face.

During the convoy, Soldiers maintained proper distancing between their vehicles, all while maneuvering through and around difficult terrain features.

Soldiers concluded the convoy with an after-action review, bringing up lessons learned and struggles faced to build upon their collective knowledge.

“The success of a team is directly related to team cohesion along with compound training starting with the basics,” said Montgomery. “It’s training events such as the one we did today that help ensure the success of each mission.”