FIELD REPORTS
Below are some of our most recent Field Reports. We hope this gives you an idea of what our training is often like. Of course, no one can be told what the militia is, you have to see it for yourself...
July 10-11
JTX
Close to 10 members arrived on site for the July JTX mid morning Friday. Going into the week there was a very large contingent of groups and individuals expected but we got word that about ½ of the 90+ people expected wouldn’t be coming. Still, 54, our final count, is a lot to prepare for - digging latrines, setting up the command tent, kitchen pavilion, and unloading the tons of supplies and equipment we’d need to make it a functioning base camp.
The weather was very nice, 50% humidity with highs in the mid to upper 80s. It’s hard to complain about a
Our host got the tractor out and did some last minute finish mowing which many really appreciated by the end of the weekend; the shorter grass helped keep pant legs from getting really wet. After the mowing we were clear to start setting up the major traffic areas like the command and cafeteria tents. By around 1400 hours, we’d made a big dent in getting things out of the trailers and vehicles and the latrines were dug and set up. A few members were assigned to make an ice run and pick up a few supplies for the classes on Saturday.
One of our very active and very knowledgeable RTOs got to work unloading his radio gear and I won’t say much more except – wow. We’ve come a long way baby! The ingenuity on display in the command tent was to be admired by many that weekend.
Upon returning from the supply run, the place was found to have transformed. There were several more cars and trailers parked in neat rows and the whole northern edge of the base camp was now adorned with tents, many of which were graciously loaned to the 1st/3rd for use by other units. The 3rd/2nd and 4th/8th had arrived and we were still expecting groups in from
Later that evening more 1st/3rd members trickled in, commuting down after work. The units from
After a hearty breakfast and hat tip to the cooks, we practiced formations with all the additional units. Once everyone knew when and where to go an official formation was called. We received an intel update and new members took oaths to the Constitution and became official members. The formality was great and I think helped set the tone for the rest of the JTX. I didn't get the impression anyone there was all too hung up on rank and hierarchy, but there does come a time when chaos has to be dispersed and order take its place. A great thing about the Missouri Militia is that we all realize we're here to serve and those with the bigger titles have bigger shoulders and hands to help others. They're the last to eat, accounting for all the members or they're serving the food, taking what's left. This militia stuff is not about giving and taking orders, not about tearing down, its about serving our state and building a responsive defense force for our community.
With formation all done and troops dismissed, the instructors were dismissed to set up their class room stations under the shade of the tree line. Eight stations were set up with 25 min rotating classes on navigation, hand signals, medical treatment, knot tying, radio comms, and several other necessary skills. The members of the 1st/3rd were the instructors passing on their knowledge of subjects learned through the military, through formal educational training, or years of serious self study. It was a lot of fun teaching inexperienced members and seeing their eyes widen as they grasped the concepts and passed the tests. For some, a lot of the training was old hat, but refreshing skills is never a bad idea and their input was also valuable teaching material.
After a great lunch we were called back into formation which wasn't a surprise to most everyone except Colonel Randy Sumpter. Col. Sumpter received a commendation award and gift certificate to a very nice steak house from the members in honor of his militia leadership, sacrifices over the many years, and his service to this great state. He was touched and I know all the men of the 1st/3rd are very proud to have him as their leader.
We rounded out the day finishing up rotation through all the stations and completed testing. I know everyone who passed through my station did well and I was pleased they retained the information.
The late afternoon was ours to rest in preparation for the night patrol which was studiously prepared. Two squads were created to do recon on an objective with OPFOR and some potentially hairy complications. Two observers/advisers were assigned, one to each squad to help teach and correct squad and fire-team actions. The goal of the entire exercise was to get the men to use many of the skills they had learned that day and get used to working with each other. The entire operation had the desired effect. Three abbreviated hours of patrolling showed many things to both the leaders and the troops. Technologies were used and equipment tested. Gear was evaluated and environmental effects on patrols considered. The crucial importance of getting out as a fire-team or squad and practicing, practicing, practicing was THE most important lesson learned. There wasn't much talking and carrying on that night as we finished up around 2400, gave respective AARs on the exercise, and hit the hay.
We had a few other group classes scheduled for Sunday, but radar indicated rain coming our way at about 1000 hours. We tore down the camp after breakfast, had a prayer service, a quick lesson on finding a lost child (one of our scheduled classes) and said our good byes to new friends.
Hopefully, we'll see you there next year!
Field Report
8 May, 2010
Report by: Sgt. Mullins 1/3
In the past we have had classes on First Aid/CPR/AED and certainly those are things that everyone should know how to do. Life happens and you might have to help save a life. But today we learned how to do an emergency tracheotomy. Yes you read this right, we all practiced emergency tracheotomies and laryngectomies. We used pig throats to simulate the human throat. Doc explained that sometimes other methods won’t clear the airway and the only way to save the patients life is to perform this procedure. I won’t go into detail, as this is a class that has to be seen and done hands on.
We had more medical classes, where we learned the proper way to lift and carry people by stretcher in teams of two and four. Then we learned one-person carries and how to drag your buddy out of harms way. Also, we learned how to triage, check for shock and simple ways to treat it, and take care of the patient until help arrives. Both of these add to our unit’s ability to assist in an emergency either at the local, or State level.
Another class we did was basic knot tying. Pvt. Peyton taught this class and it was a good refresher to have, five knots that are easy and can be used when and where needed. We also did a refresher course in shooting azimuths with a compass and doing back azimuths as well as a class on field stripping the AR-15 and AK rifles. Always fun, and a good refresher course.
We also practiced setting up a Gas Mask, purging, and deploying it. We had a review of our basic hand signals, which is something that can’t be over learned. Lastly, we practiced preparing for a patrol, including selection of equipment, gear adjustments, and most importantly, Pre Combat Inspections. This included the squad leaders checklist and doing a physical check on each teammate.
There was a lot of information covered, and we all had to be on our toes and ready. If you missed it, make plans on coming out and learning about these and many other skills. One never knows when you will be the man on the spot and a few skills learned now just might save a loved ones life.
Field Report
10 April 2010
By Joe 1st/3rd
This training day was special because we were having a family day where our spouses and older children were invited to participate in our training. While all training days are open to the public we made a special effort to make this a family event and it was a big success!
After our standard formation, prayer, and Pledge of Allegiance, We had a short class on various first aid kits (personal, vehicle, hunting, etc.) and their contents and a short presentation aimed at our guests to help educate them in our history and our mission.
Next we got into the advanced first aid class, which was taught by one of our members who happens to be an ER doctor. It included casualty assessment, basic lifesaving procedures, and demonstrations on the Heimlich maneuver and the use of an AED (Automated Electric Defibrillator).
We took a break for a great lunch of burgers and dogs, baked beans, potato salad, chips, and mixed fruit. We also had a short class on the use and care of gas masks over the lunch break.
After lunch it was time to go hands on so we took turns practicing the Heimlich on each other and practicing our CPR on the dummies our Dr. had brought with him.
We ended the day with some down time so the families got an opportunity to meet and get to know each other. It was a great time and a huge success. We hope to make this an annual event. We hope to see you at our next training.
RECENT ACTIVATION:
3rd Battalion/2nd Brigade Provides Search Team for Missing Franklin County Resident. Account as Follows:
At approximately 2000 hrs on 20 April, I was informed via e-mail of a missing person in Franklin County near St. Clair, Mo.
Night movement, set up an OP/LP
We would like to thank our embedded journalist on this training mission, Katie Currid from the University of Missouri at Columbia, for coming along and photographing us for posterity.
As our training event started in the early afternoon, the temperature was in the forties, with a constant light rain falling. The training began with Cpl. Hurd giving a class on establishing an LP/OP. Our training mission was to consist of two squads, one to establish a Listening Post/Observation Post, and another squad to attempt to hunt down the first squad.
Once the class was done, Col. Sumpter took care of our unit business, announcements and information dissemination. With the conclusion of unit business, SSgt. “Cookie" Kline treated us all to a fantastic lunch of Garlic infused Roast Beef, Mashed Potatoes and Gravy, Green Beans with Bacon and Brownies for dessert. Luckily the rain stopped during lunch so we had a much better chance of staying dry out in the woods.
As our lunch settled Cpl. Hurd gave the Operation Order for our mission. Sgt. Skolaut went over terrain and mission boundaries. Our unit was split into one of two squads, the LP/OP squad, and the hunter squad. With this final information, the two patrols separated and began planning the details of their respective missions.
As the LP/OP squad prepared to leave, squad leaders did an equipment check on their squad making sure everyone was adequately geared for the temperature and weather conditions. The LP/OP squad headed into the woods first. The weather was a bit chilly, but the ground was soft and easy on the feet aside from a little mud. We had a good evening hike practicing hand signals and squad movements. We eventually arrived at the spot we picked and we set up under the concealment of a large stand of brush. By this time it was plenty dark. We made sure to have strict light and sound discipline while observing our target.
By the 2100 deadline the hunter team had not located the LP/OP so both teams were called in by radio. We finished the training with a standard mission debrief to discuss what went right and what went wrong and what we need to do different. By then it was time to pack up and head home. All in all a very successful training.
5 Dec, 2009
Combat Pistol Training
Report by: Col. Sumpter
You knew this was going to be a very serious course as we received our orders in the mail from Sgt. Skolaut the week before. In it he laid down the safety rules (which makes sense) and the next to last paragraph did lighten the mood as it went like this,
“Don’t be a Dumb Ass. Always, Always wear ear and eye protection!!!!!”
His last Paragraph was the Law, and I knew Bill would enforce it to the T.
“THIS WILL BE A COLD RANGE TODAY LADIES AND GENTLEMEN.
IF YOU HANDLE YOUR WEAPON WITHOUT A RANGE OFFICER PRESENT YOU WILL BE ASKED TO LEAVE!”
Again safety first, just like a range should be, everyone’s safety and protection is paramount as it is at all of our training sessions.
The second page was some words of encouragement that “we should know our threats, options and limitations. That we can learn from each other, as no one ever knows everything. There is no best way to fight, but learn to fight smart. Nobody can tell what it will take to win your fight, as each one is different.”
And finally, that there are three kinds of people. Predators, those who cannibalize their own species. Prey, those who allow themselves to be eaten. And those who refuse to be neither, an armed and trained citizen.
Now we get to the day of training, The temperature was 12F that morning. We all got together at 0900 and with a few latecomers had the formation at 0930. Prayer, pledge intel briefing, and of course the all important safety briefing. Range officer and safety personnel were introduced and then we headed to the range. Our newest member was prior service (Army) where he was a COOK, and had been doing reenactments where he was the COOK. And he wanted to come out and COOK for us, and boy did he come prepared, with Brownies and some meat to make a stew. (Which was excellent by the way.) And he decided he wanted to join the unit at the end of the training, which is great for us. Oh by the way, did I tell you he’s a COOK? And a good one too!
At the range Sgt. Skolaut had set up three different courses, this is how the first one went.
First Course:
WHO’S KNOCKING AT THE DOOR?
The shooter is sitting in a recliner with his feet up reading a magazine.
Suddenly the front door is kicked open and an assailant rushes in (target mounted on a sled) and he is coming at you. Drop the magazine and access your pistol (sitting on the end table beside your chair) engage these two targets, two on the left by the window and one on the right.
Targets are to be double tapped for a total of 10 shots. The target on the right is next to your wife so your shots that way have to be accurate. Hit the wife and you’re in trouble. Remember time is important, but so is safety; this drill takes a little practice.
Second course:
WHATS UP WITH ALL OF THIS TRAFFIC?
You are sitting in traffic at an intersection with your spouse in the car.
(We used a real vehicle for this, a Mini-Van, no holes in the glass or the vehicle please.) All of a sudden you see 4 men coming at you quickly, two on the drivers side and two on your spouses side. Retrieving your weapon, you must engage all four targets, quickly but safely. 8 shots to be fired, at your own pace but again safety first, and no holes in the vehicle please, again thinking this one through and doing a dry run helped.
The Third Course:
This was a room clearing exercise where a team of four men using air-soft rifles had to engage several targets. We did a talk through, and then several runs with the weapons and everyone learned that having a team that has practiced this is great. Everyone knows his job and what he has to do to support the team, if one man fails in his responsibilities then the team could fail. Teamwork gets the job done.
Mental practice of thinking of all the what if’s that can happen helps, doing dry runs makes your actions smoother and practiced. Then, doing them in a live fire situation like we did really gets the old heart pumping. And that’s what we do in the militia, practice to be of help if called upon.
Three new people joined us, A Doctor, another Army Vet, and a COOK.
We also had five other new people come out for training and they expressed a desire to join us. Just coming out to a training session or two doesn’t obligate you to join. But don’t be surprised at the quality of people you find here, individuals who volunteer and sacrifice to be here if called on for the community and our State.
Field Report
Pvt. Felix 1st/3rd
August 15, 2009
Saturday morning started off well with formation, Pledge of Allegiance and Intel on current events. After fall out we were briefed on our scenario mission to Patrol out and Raid an Opposing force's (Opfor) Command Post (CP) . After the briefing Fire teams were designated and assigned individual tasks. Members prepared themselves while our guests were brought up to speed. Fire team leaders were briefed on mission planning and were given special equipment to distribute.
After lunch Fire teams where assembled for Pre Combat Inspection (PCI) securing any loose gear doing comm's checks and making final preparations for the patrol. All members carried all levels of gear with Alice Pack and rack. Patrol then moved out across over a mile of woods, field and difficult terrain. Those unable to go out on Patrol stayed and helped set up the Opfor CP.
With weather rolling in and members scheduled to leave soon, Patrol Lead made the decision to hit the Opfor CP asap. Fragmented Orders (FRAGO)s were issued and an Objective Rally Point (ORP) was set up as a fire team was sent forward to RECON the target. After a short RECON was reported, suggesting a light target, a coordinated assault was conducted consisting of two fire teams out of the ORP and the Recon fire team flanking from the woods. firing and bounding techniques were employed while raiding the base. Clearing of vehicles, policing of weapons and documents were carried out while a security perimeter was established. We all debriefed on the spot as the storms rolled in.
Recapping on what was carried out through the day we received positive feed back along with the reminder of room for growth and improvement from our veteran service guest. Afterwards a ceremony was held to say good bye, for now to Spc. Thompson and his wife. They were presented with the Gadsden Flag bearing all of our signatures and a HAM radio base station. Thompson’s contributions will always be remembered in the teachings to pass on and his presence with the unit will be missed.
Field Report
20 June, 2009
Report By: Cpl. Mullins
I arrived at the training area at 0700 to help with the checkpoint and shuttle MWE to the camp. We started the day with the usual prayer, pledge, and intel brief as well as a uniform inspection. The unit Sergeants really took the job seriously and gave a very good speech on the importance of keeping a clean, neat uniform and on proper conduct in and out of uniform. We then broke for a class on ORPs and Patrol Base Operations. After lunch myself and a team went through IADs before starting on the application portion of the ORP training. The next task was to take our platoon and practice occupying the ORP, movement to the Patrol Base, and then occupying the Patrol Base itself. We then discussed and practiced the purpose and technique of constructing a hide/lay up point. A well rounded training, despite the rain shower everyone performed well, asked good questions and worked diligently to understand and properly apply the lessons taught.
Field Report
14 MAR 2009
By Joe 1st/3rd
Training started with the customary formation, prayer and Pledge of Allegiance. The temperature was a cool 35 degrees so the fire that the first guys to arrive had started felt good. By noon it was up over 50 and the sun was out so it was great weather for training.
Today was all about communications. Most people don’t realize how important it is to be able to talk to other members of the team over the radio. Whether we are on patrol, standing watch or searching for a missing person the old saying “If you don’t have comm.’s you don’t have squat” says it all.
The day started with a refresher course on the FRS radios that we all carry for use within the group. Next came a class on radio procedures, pro-words, the phonetic alphabet, and communication security. Following the classroom portion it was time to gear up and head out in the field for the application part of the class. We sent everyone out in teams of 2 with a list of information to transmit back to base. Everyone was evaluated on proper technique and procedure. Everyone did very well. We got everyone back to base and after a quick debrief and self- evaluation it was time for lunch.
After lunch it was time for ham radio class. Thank you to Roger for what is always a very informative class that included different types of Ham units and even some great info on antenna building.
When Ham class was done it was time to pack up base camp and call it a day. Lots of information and a good day spent with great people. Be sure and check out the Photo Gallery on the 1st Bn/ 3rd Bde page on this website for pictures from this and other training and community service projects.
FIELD REPORT
21 FEB. 2009
REPORT BY: CPL. MULLINS B CO. 1/3
ARRIVED FOR TRAINING AT 0730, GEARED UP AND HELPED MAN THE CHECKPOINT. ASSEMBLED FOR FIRST FORMATION AT 0815, HAD A PRAYER FOR THOSE WANTING TO PARTICIPATE, AND THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE. WE THEN DISCUSSED NEW INTEL, CURRENT EVENTS, AND HAD A BRIEF OPINION SEGMENT. WE BROKE INTO FIRETEAMS AND WENT THROUGH BASIC HAND SIGNALS FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE VISITORS AND NEW RECRUITS. WE THEN PRACTICED RUSHES AS A TEAM AND THEN WENT TO WORK ON IADs.
COL. SUMPTER PLACED ME IN CHARGE OF THE PLATOON TO TEACH THE IMMEDIATE ACTION DRILLS. (IADs) WE BEGAN WITH LEARNING WHAT TYPES OF EVENTS CONSTITUTE AN IMMEDIATE ACTION AND WHAT KINDS OF ACTIONS WE MIGHT TAKE IN RESPONSE. WE THEN FORMED UP INTO A PLATOON ELEMENT FOR DRILLS. TAKING ADVANTAGE OF THE OPEN FIELD WE OPENED UP INTO A THREE WEDGE TRAVELING FORMATION. I STRESSED THE IMPORTANCE OF KEEPING PROPER DISTANCE BETWEEN MEN IN EACH WEDGE, AS WELL AS PROPER DISTANCE BETWEEN EACH ELEMENT. THE PURPOSE BEING THAT IT MAKES IT HARDER TO AMBUSH AN ELEMENT THAT IS SPREAD OUT, ESPECIALLY WHEN THERE ARE TWO ADDITIOANL ELEMENTS NOT IN CONTACT AND WHICH ARE ABLE TO FLANK AND COUNTER-ASSAULT.
THE PLATOON THEN PRACTICED REACTING TO CONTACTS FROM VARIOUS DIRECTIONS. AS THEY MOVED ALONG I WOULD CALL CONTACT! AND DESIGNATE A SPECIFIC DIRECTION, AND THE TEAMS WOULD HAVE TO EITHER COME UP ON LINE, FLANK, ASSAULT THROUGH, OR BREAK CONTACT DEPENDING ON THE SCENARIO. WE DISCUSSED ACTIONS TO TAKE WITH NEAR AMBUSHES VS. FAR AMBUSHES AND WHAT TO DO WHEN CONFRONTED BY INDIRECT FIRE (FLARES, MORTARS, ETC.)
IT WAS THEN TIME TO BREAK FOR LUNCH, HATS OFF TO RANDY AND THE OTHER VOLUNTEERS FOR MANNING THE FIELD KITCHEN AND PROVIDING A WARM MEAL ON A COLD DAY. OUTSTANDING!
AFTER LUNCH THE PLATOON FORMED UP FOR A PATROL WHERE THEY WOULD BE FORCED TO ENCOUNTER AN AMBUSH. THE PATROL MOVED OUT STAYING INSIDE THE TREE LINE, USED GOOD SECURITY CROSSING OBSTACLES AND EMPLOYED HAND SIGANLS WELL. AS THEY BEGAN A CREEK CROSSING, THE SECOND ELEMENT WAS JUST IN THE MIDDLE OF CROSSING WHEN THE PATROL BEGAN RECEIVING VERY ACCURATE MORTAR FIRE. THE LEAD ELEMENT WAS DECIMATED, AND THE SECOND ELEMENT WAS SPLIT UP AND PINNED DOWN. THE AIR BURSTS WERE RIGHT AT OR BELOW TREE TOP LEVEL AND THERE WASN’T ANYTHING THAT COULD BE DONE. THE PATROL LEADER ORDERED THE REMAINING ELEMENTS TO CIRCLE AROUND AND TAKE THE HILLTOP.
ONCE THE BARRAGE WAS OVER, EVERYONE WAS CALLED DOWN TO DISCUSS WHAT HAD JUST HAPPENED, CRITIQUE THE ACTIONS TAKEN, AND DISCUSS WHAT COULD HAVE BEEN DONE DIFFERENTLY. IT WAS DECIDED THAT THE
OUR VISITORS WERE “SHOCKED AND AWED” AT THE ONSET OF THE SIMULATED MORTAR ATTACK. THE PYROTECHNICS USED WERE A BIT OF A SURPRISE AND GOT THEM TO SERIOUSLY CONSIDER HOW THEY WOULD REACT TO AN ATTACK IN REAL LIFE. THE CONFUSION, THE CONCUSSION OF THE BLAST, THE NOISE LEVEL, AND THEIR UNFAMILIARITY WITH FIELD TACTICS WERE ALL CONTRIBUTING FACTORS TO HOW THEY RESPONDED. DURING THE DEBRIEF, MANY WERE STILL BREATHING HARD AND YET SMILING FROM EAR TO EAR. WHILE WE STRIVE FOR REALISM IN OUR TRAINING, SAFETY IS FOREMOST. ALL PYROTECHNICS WERE WELL COORDINATED AND CONTROLLED BY A LICENSED TECHNICIAN, AND SAFETY GUIDES WERE PRESENT.
Orders were sent out five days before the training so that everyone would know what to expect. We received some very positive feedback on the orders. Come Sat morning at 0650 the alert tree was activated for a practice drill muster.
It was looking like a great day for training, temperature around 20 F and later it would warm-up to a balmy 45F or so. At a few minutes past 0900 we had our formation and then had our normal Prayer and Intel briefing. We discussed the worsening economic mess that is coming down and a few other items were covered. Breaking down into a HQ element, (to secure our vehicles) and a squad to conduct the infiltration and then the OP. We went over items to be carried, and the jobs to be covered, along with final signals and recognition codes. An equipment check was efficiently and quickly carried out and final preps done.
The Squad was lead out to the edge of our secure lines, told where the two forward standing patrols were located and given a direction between them, and off they went. The guide then returned to the HQ and with the other members present got it ready so the OP team would have something different to observe.
When the OP team got into position and called HQ we then started our role-playing. Setting up a tent, the communications center strung out wire for a field phone. Guards leaving camp and switching out a hidden outpost.
Later when the exercise was completed, the OP was told to stand and show their position. We then had a hard time seeing them as they had picked a very good and concealed position back in the trees approx 150 to 200 meters away.
All in all a very good training day and a lot was learned, and quality practice accomplished. The following is from one of the squad members whom were on the OP team side:
When we released the guide, our first objective was to move about 75 yds. down a grassy slope to get into the woods. As soon as we got in the woods our tail man called a halt and alerted us to movement behind us. Turns out a bunch of Cub scouts were passing through the field we had crossed. We hunkered down and let them pass by then got moving.
We moved out slow and steady with a 15 to 20 meter space between members and as quietly as possible. We were all carrying our rucksacks as well as our web gear so it was a little slower going than usual. We made it to the OP base without any problems and set out security. After a recon by the LT and the SGT the location for the OP was decided. We were broke into 3 -2 man teams with each team spending 30 minutes on the OP. My teammate and I were up first so we dropped our rucks and slipped forward from our position.
When all teams had had their turn we radioed in that we were done and were instructed to stand up to reveal our location. The HQ element was surprised, as they had no idea where we. After a quick debrief we packed up our gear and said our good-byes. It was a great day. We learned a lot and had a lot of fun doing it.
Field Report
3 JAN 2009
BY JOE 1st/3rd
We had a special treat today. One of our SGTs, who is an IPSC instructor, gave a great class on combat handgun/ home defensive handgun. About 20 of us showed up and went through the 2-hour classroom training prior to heading to the range.
The classroom time was broken down into 3 parts:
1. Safety- as always the first and most important part!
2. Weapon handling- which included clearing malfunctions, proper sighting techniques, and shooting and reloading one handed
3. Tactics- basic movement and use of cover with the emphasis on clearing your home.
When we moved to the range we were in for a couple of surprises. First was that the temperature was unseasonably warm (high 50’s) and sunny. Second was that 3 of our members had been busy and built a “shoot house” complete with hallways, doors, movable targets, and furniture in one room. There were even friendly/ no shoot targets to make it more interesting.
We started with moving double-taps at 3 yard as a warm-up. This is tougher than it sounds since you are trying to keep moving while you are shooting and reloading. After everyone had ran through this drill twice it was time for the shoot house. Of course safety is always #1 so we had 3 range officers on duty at all times. 2 monitoring those waiting to shoot and their weapons and 1 closely following the shooter at all times.
The shoot house consisted of 2 rooms and a long hallway that ended in a “Y”. You started in one room, cleared the door and entered the hall. The other room came next with a shoot target partially behind a no shoot target. After double tapping the shoot target you had to proceed down the hall to the Y. One side had 3 targets and the other had another shoot / no shoot pair. The first time through was slow and easy, and it was pretty intense. The 2nd time through we ran it timed. Our instructor ran the course in 17 seconds and one of the other guys ran it in 20 seconds. Both of these times included 2 tactical magazine changes. The rest of us ranged from 30 to 45 seconds, which were all respectable times. We had time to run it some more so we mixed up the targets and did it 2 more times each.
It was starting to get late so we all jumped in to tear down the shoot house, load it and the target stands in the vehicles, and police up our gear and the spent brass. All in all it was a great learning experience and a lot of fun.
“Operation Night Owl”
PATROL and LP ORDERS Nov. 21, 2008
By RJ
12 members showed up but not all of them had been able to procure the necessary cold weather equipment needed. So it was necessary to thin the ranks a little because it was going to be a long cold night. The temperature stood at a nice 24 degrees (and dropping) when we started the orders session at 2000, and it took about 30 minuets to cover all of the standard operation orders material, i.e.
Stage management with a map,
Situation including enemy, locals, and other friendly forces etc.
Mission to set up the OP/LP and call in any vehicle traffic heading in either direction.
Execution including all of individual jobs, boundaries, actions on becoming lost, RV’s
Admin and Logistics, use of LPC’s (leather personnel carriers) to infiltrate the area.
Command and Signals, radio frequencies, call signs backups
After individual checks and a quick run through of the hand signals and other necessary’s’ to get ready the patrol was good to go.
The patrol had an attached guide to lead them through the front lines and when he returned to the base all was going well.
The patrol took their time making frequent stops to listen and when they reached the checkpoints they called them in.
About an hour into the infiltration three of the men, one of the seasoned veterans and another dad with his teenage son returned to base. The young man had been sick during the week and the cold was wearing him down, as he was still recovering. When questioned about his couch before they patrol left the base he said he was OK and strong enough to do the mission. By then the temperature was in the upper teens and I didn’t want to disappoint him if I was wrong. As this was his first time out I didn’t want to hold him back, but he soon found out on his own that if your not well your health could jeopardize a mission. His Dad thought it was best if he got his son out of the cold so they headed home.
The other man Joe had torn some tendons in his calf about a month ago and I tried to talk him out of going on the patrol but he said he could make it. Unfortunately the rough ground was a little harder to negotiate then he figured on and it took its measure out on him. He came back in limping and stayed at base for a couple of hours.
I mention both of these to show that if this was a real situation and when any patrol is being planned that the person in charge must draw the line and not allow anyone to go out that is not in good shape.
Please don’t get me wrong as I’m not flaming anyone or trying to hurt feelings because I do understand as we are all volunteers. But it’s hard to give 100% when your body is recovering from sickness or injuries. I have been there and done it or tried to do the training when I was hurt or sick; always remember that the mission is more important then hurt feelings. And this is the time of year with all of the colds and such going around it’s hard to stay healthy.
Anyway the rest of the patrol continued on with the mission and were in position before 2400 hours, and calling in traffic. Temp now was in the upper teens.
A couple of the men had not brought along the equipment the pre-orders had set out, a ground mat, and a light sleeping bag so they were in for a rude awakening as their bodies cooled down from the 3 K walk. The first man on duty at the OP had started his shift calling in any traffic very well but around 03:30 hours that man missed calling in two cars but caught the next one. I knew then that the cold and some fatigue from being up almost 24 hours was taking its toll.
In a real combat situation like what we were simulating, a patrol is only given enough information to do the mission, and in the game planning they didn’t know that the rest of the battalion was conducting an infiltration to the east of them. The reason they didn’t know the rest of the plan was for security and if they had been captured they couldn’t tell what they don’t know.
Close to 0345 I called the patrol back to the base HQ and debriefed them and then gave them the missing information so they understood what had happened while they were on OP/LP duty.
The two men that hadn’t taken their mats and sleeping bags were chilled but soon warmed up with some hot chocolate, they both said that next time they would bring along the requested items. This goes back to the old axiom, if you have it with you, you can put it on if needed.
All in all a good operation and of course some valuable lessons learned, isn’t that what training is for. If the practices are hard the game is easier. And that’s the same with life and what ever is thrown your way.
Field Report
08 NOV 2008
By Joe 1st/3rd
Training started at 0800 with The Pledge of Allegiance and a Prayer as it usually does. Next came the intel. brief that covered a wide array of current events that concern us all. It is very uncommon for us to talk politics, but with the election only four days old who could resist? So the next half an hour or so was spent in discussion of what to expect from the new administration. I think the general view was wait and see.
Next came a class on the set up and use of field phones. While running the wire can be a little labor intensive, they are incredibly reliable and secure. Very informative and interesting class.
Our final subject for the day was a listening post / observation post (LP/OP) class. LP/OPs are used to gather intelligence and to provide early warning of approaching danger. For our purpose we were learning to position and prepare them and also how to detect and avoid them. After the lecture and Q&A session it was time to gear up, camo up, and hit the field for a little practical training time. We split into two teams one to establish an LP/OP and the other to detect and avoid said LP/OP. To make a long story short, both sides of this exercise were very demanding. The result was a virtual tie with the manuever team calling in a contact report less than a minute before the static team spotted them. Due to several people needing to leave early, and the need to celebrate a couple of promotions (congrats to Bill on making SGT) we decided to call it a day and head out for an early dinner together. Not something we do often, but it's always nice to share a meal and some good conversation with a great bunch of guys. Good times! Hope you can join us next time!