Convoy operations require training, communication

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Samantha S. Crane
  • 366th Fighter Wing Public Affairs Office
MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho --  As the 366th Civil Engineer Squadron's convoy travels the winding road leading to MOAB, the base's deployment training site, during Exercise Coronet White 08-ACC-14 March 16, a group of protestors gather in the road to stop their progress. "Take alternate route," a voice says over the radio.

Along the new route, a few minutes pass in peace, but Airmen can't let their guard down during convoy operations. "Be advised, vehicle on left-hand side at checkpoint foxtrot. Personnel unknown," the radio crackles.

Seconds later, shots ring out, breaking the silence. "Contact left, Contact left!" a voice blares over the radio. "Vehicle three hit."

The convoy comes to a halt, and drivers position their vehicles to provide cover from enemy fire. "Long halt," the voice over the radio says.

Everyone hustles to exit vehicles on the right side to avoid enemy fire and get in place to defend the convoy while truck three is assessed for damage. After ten minutes, the enemy attack is suppressed and Airmen climb back into their vehicles.

The convoy arrives to MOAB 20 minutes later. A team of Airmen secure the site while others provide 360 degree perimeter of protection from possible enemy attacks. After the camp is cleared, the convoy moves in. After ensuring everyone is accounted for, Airmen begin setting up camp.

"When we deploy, some of the taskings are for convoy operations," said 2nd Lt. Jeffrey Ledoux, 366th CES convoy commander. "In this case, we were convoying to a bed-down location and we had to provide our own security and equipment to get to the location."

Airmen began preparing three hours prior to the convoy rolling out at 9:30 a.m. Airmen were issued weapons before conducting inspections on their vehicles and equipment. They then discussed their game plan including primary and alternate routes to their destination followed by threat, safety and weapons briefings.

After a final meeting, convoy members asked any questions they had and went out to their vehicles to meet with their truck commanders who performed "rock drills." Using actual rocks to simulate a line of vehicles, commanders walked through multiple scenarios they may encounter along the route.

"Think like you would if you were being shot at," said Capt. Michael Crosse, 366th CES truck commander, during a rock drill. "A sense of urgency is what we're looking for. Just play like it's for real."

After conducting a radio check, Airmen practiced procedures they would take if they came under enemy fire before rolling out at 9:30 a.m.

"We have got to train like it's the real deal to make sure we understand the job and the role we play not only at the site, but in getting there as well," said Lieutenant Ledoux. "To an extent, it provides us the same training we would get if we were deploying."