FORT RUCKER, Ala.--Members of the 38th Combat Aviation Brigade (CAB) deployed to Iraq for one year Sunday, but before departing, CAB troops prepared to go downrange by simulating different mission and deployment issues here last week. Indiana Army National Guardsman Col. David Wood, 38th CAB commander, said his 140 Soldiers will contribute Aviation maintenance and operations organization and resources to some battalions in Task Force 38, which provides the Iraqi National Government a stable environment.
Wood said the simulation training increased Soldiers' confidence in performing their duties. "We plan the mission. We execute the mission. We track the mission and see how successful we were," he said. The 38th CAB, consisting mainly of Indiana Army National Guard Soldiers, completed more than 60 simulated missions in one week and included a review of various basic combat skills. Wood said he wanted the training to "stress our staff," and added it succeeded.
"We've had long days. It's been very mentally intense and taxing," said Indiana National Guard Maj. Gordon Schmidt, a civilian airline pilot from Indianapolis who will fly UH-60 Black Hawks for the brigade. Schmidt added the strain prepared the 38th CAB for their deployment. "We've practiced and rehearsed every conceivable contingency we could imagine. I don't think anything will surprise us," he said.
In addition to training, some Soldiers handled emotions of a first deployment. Spc. Manthan Patel, an administrator from Plainfield, Ind., said he was excited because the deployment provided "a new learning experience" but was also nervous because the deployment provided "a long timeframe away from your life and household." Sgt. Amanda Wilmer, a full-time Guard Soldier, said she looked forward to the deployment because she could gain experience and provide relief to Soldiers who have served overseas a long time. "I'm ready to give them a break and do my part," she said.
Both Wilmer and Patel said they have sought knowledge from those deployed before. "They've told us what things are like day-to-day and how we can modify training to real life once we get there," Wilmer said. Patel added his favorite piece of advice was, "Don't rush to failure."
CW2 Dennis Hutson and his son, Robert, a sergeant, both deployment veterans, said they have been telling inexperienced Soldiers what to expect from the experience. Since Guardsmen normally surround each other one weekend per month, Dennis said members often have trouble adjusting to being around each other constantly in a deployment.
"They say, 'He's changed.' Well, no, he hasn't changed. You're just seeing a different side of him," he said. Robert said he urges inexperienced Soldiers to absorb as much training knowledge as they can. "Make sure you're planning for the worst. You could be playing a video game one minute, and the next, it all breaks loose," he said, noting training teaches Soldiers how to respond to all situations. Wood cited that as a reason he is glad the Army sent the 38th CAB here for simulations.
"This is definitely what all Aviation units need to go through. We're ready to go," he said.
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