Ohio National Guard News
| Soldiers teach other Soldiers convoy operations |
Story and photos by Sgt. Sean Mathis NEWTON FALLS—In the midst of engaging the enemy with a .50-caliber machine gun, Pfc. Jacob Deskins' Humvee was struck by an IED. Deskins and three other passengers were killed in the attack, so he took off his virtual simulation goggles and awaited the next simulation. Deskins and the rest of Recon Platoon, 637th Chemical Company were participating in the Virtual Convoy Operations Trainer June 10 at the Camp Ravenna Joint Military Training Center. "It was like a big videogame." Deskins said. Sgt. 1st Class Misty Dawn Tanner, Recon Platoon sergeant with the 637th, said the VCOT is a highly effective approach to preparing Soldiers for real convoy operations. Tanner said, "It takes away from the monotony of everyday training… these Soldiers don't know what it's like to be shot at." The VCOT facility utilizes computer screens that provide 360 dePgrees of visibility in simulated operations theaters that were designed using actual maps of Baghdad, Iraq. Four Humvees driven by Soldiers at different simulator stations operate independently of each other, keeping contact by their own radio operator in the passenger seat. These Humvees are protected by their gunner who mans a .50-caliber machine gun operated similarly to a real .50-caliber. Tanner said that every Solider should utilize this training because every Soldier will eventually ride in a convoy operation, regardless of Military Occupational Specialty. One of the VCOT operators, Staff Sgt. Nicholas Wilcher of 2nd Squadron, 107th Cavalry Regiment, said a lot of the trainees have not experienced convoy operations before. Wilcher said the VCOT provides the most realistic and innovative training to date, which prepares Soldiers for real convoy operations in the future. "We've had firsthand experience in seeing how this training does help Soldiers; this is the stuff they're going to see in theater," Wilcher said. Staff Sgt. Cole Derringer of Recon Platoon 637th, who managed radio communications for his VCOT Humvee, said the simulation was a morale booster and confidence builder for Soldiers. Derringer said "it gives Soldiers a chance to see what troops are facing in Iraq and Afghanistan and experience just how crazy it can be. "It was an excellent training experience for Soldiers who haven't been overseas,” he said. “It gives them insight into what they may see when they're deployed." - 30 - |
