Fort Sill drivers, especially those who use the ranges for recreational use, should watch out for a massive beast. With the revamping of installation missions, one of the new challenges allotted to Fort Sill is the mobilization of transportation units.
As a part of this new mission, the presence of heavy equipment transporters (best known by their acronym as HET) will take to the roads and trails of the installation's training areas.
The massive trucks are approximately 12 feet wide and 12 feet tall. Because of their size, the maximum speed for the HET is 45 miles per hour. When the HET turns corners, the trailer's tires track the path of the HET's axle enabling the vehicle to better maneuver when negotiating tight turns and narrow paths.
These vehicles will be on Fort Sill ranges taking part in preparation for deployment to Operation Iraqi Freedom or Operation Enduring Freedom. The Soldiers of the HET companies will gain essential experience by training on day and night convoys, security force exercises, practical exercises involving heavy and light loading, and driver's training operations during their time on Fort Sill.
The HETs are restricted to the non-cantonment roads and training areas on Fort Sill with the exception of moving from the railhead to their assigned maintenance facilities.
In addition to training at Fort Sill, the HET companies also have convoys planned that take them on the road to Altus and other local areas as part of their training.
Their training includes tasks for the specific area they will be deployed to, such as: Mounted Combat Patrol, Combat Life Saver and Maneuver Tracking System. The 479th Field Artillery Brigade, in conjunction with the installation, will set up the specialized training events and operate and oversee these events. The first HET company is scheduled to arrive at Fort Sill Nov. 17. If the training for all units has been completed, the last transportation company will depart Fort Sill in April 2010. Use care on the range roads to give these beasts a wide passage.
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