JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. --Vehicle rollovers remain a serious concern for units deployed overseas. According to statistics compiled by United States Central Command (CENTCOM), there were 618 tactical vehicle rollovers in Afghanistan between January 2009 and July 2012, resulting in 23 fatalities and 501 injuries.
As the validation authority for all Reserve Component Soldiers deploying around the world, First Army leaders decided to tackle this problem.
"We received feedback from CENTCOM that servicemembers need additional training before going downrange and driving these vehicles in combat," said Mr. Robert Oseles, a plans and operations specialist with the 72nd Operations Brigade, First Army Division East, at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst (JB MDL), N.J.
Servicemembers mobilizing through JB MDL now complete an improved, comprehensive MRAP driver's training program, including additional time behind the wheel and a newly-created obstacle course. First Army Division East leaders there designed the program to increase driver proficiency and promote safety.
Oseles headed up a MRAP Working Group at JB MDL. "The purpose of the revamped driver's training is to enhance the driver's skill in operating an MRAP and to reduce the potential for rollovers and resultant injuries and loss of life," he said.
"Gen. John Allen, the commander of U.S. Forces Afghanistan, stated that we cannot have these kinds of casualties -- from rollovers," said Col. Michael Shrout, brigade commander. "Informed drivers, knowledgeable vehicle commanders and engaged leadership will be the first line of defense. The development of the MRAP driver's course is aimed at producing those types of servicemembers."
The current five-day training replaces a three-day model that focused on instruction and familiarization of the M-ATV and the MAX Pro, two common MRAP vehicles. Students going through the new training will still receive classroom instruction and basic vehicle familiarization, but will now spend more time behind the wheel and will have to negotiate an obstacle course in both daytime and nighttime.
The obstacle course features an array of terrain features a deploying servicemember might encounter overseas, including concrete barrier serpentines, potholes large enough to swallow a tire, narrow passages through shipping containers to simulate an urban environment, uneven slopes, and steep inclines. Students will also drive the vehicle through a smoke-filled trail to simulate a battlefield obscurant and will face high curbs and an 18-inch vertical wall.
"I've had driver's training before on different vehicles, but this obstacle course was much different," said Staff Sgt. Matt Hammerle, a team leader in the 361st Tactical Psychological Operations Company. "It is obvious this training will promote safety, because, having gone through it, I have a better understanding of the vehicle's capabilities. This will allow us to maximize the vehicle's potential and safely accomplish our mission."
"Driving an MRAP in soft terrain is particularly difficult because of the vehicle's weight and high center of gravity," said Mr. Makhram Budhoo, 72nd Ops BDE safety manager. "Making abrupt maneuvers could cause the MRAP to rollover, so it is important to have experience driving in these conditions so you are aware of the dangers."
Students negotiating the course are under the constant supervision of a master driver, who rides in the vehicle and provides feedback. Speed and safety are carefully controlled, said Sgt. 1st Class Gerard Murray, noncommissioned officer-in-charge of MRAP training in the 174th Training Support Brigade.
"One of the biggest considerations for the students is learning how to communicate with everyone in the vehicle," he said. "As the driver, you have limited visibility just by nature of how the vehicle is constructed. You need to be able to trust the other guys in the vehicle to be your extra eyes. Our Master Drivers try to show them how important that communication is."
The planning and development of the obstacle course and the improved training model began last October, said Oseles. Representatives from both brigades, as well as the installation safety office and range control, met several times each month to discuss the specific requirements for the new training and to formulate a plan for implementation. JB MDL contractors began construction in June, and the obstacle course was validated by the Master Drivers in the 174th in July. The first group of student drivers navigated the obstacles in August.
Upon completion of the five days, students receive a certificate of training to certify that they have met the training requirements. Unit commanders are responsible for issuance of driver's licenses, per Army Regulation 600-55, said Oseles.
The take-away from the training? In short, confident drivers armed with the necessary skills to safely operate the vehicle over unfamiliar terrain in a combat environment, said Budhoo.
"We want each driver to leave here with knowledge and appreciation of the unique characteristics of the MRAP," he said. "Experience gained here will allow the drivers to be better prepared to safely handle unexpected situations downrange."
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