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MOUT training site gives troops a dose of reality

Army News Service

Release Date: 10/10/2003

By Pfc. Kelly Hunt

BAGRAM, Afghanistan (Army News Service, Oct. 10, 2003) - In the back trails of Bagram Air Base stands a hand made mud compound Bagram troops use to prepare for combat in urban Afghanistan.

The Army identified the need for Soldiers to train even when in a remote area, such as Afghanistan. To supplement this need, the Program Executive Office for Simulation, Training, and Instrumentation joined forces with Anteon Inc. to develope Military Operations on Urbanized Terrain training facilities in these areas.

In December, the Department of Defense directed the construction of MOUT sites in Kuwait and Afghanistan to support Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom, and in February, funds arrived for the sites' birth, according to William Howsden, site manager. Construction was completed in September.

The training site resembles an Afghan village, with high mud walls plastered around metal conexs.

"It's unbelievable," said Staff Sgt. Jim Bagnell, 416th Engineer Command, Facility Engineer Team 28. "The MOUT site looks like an Afghanistan compound. It offers the environment of Afghanistan."

Adding to its sense of reality was the hands-on work of local nations who have become experts at this trade.

"They've done this all their lives, so it comes naturally to them," said Bagnell who oversaw their work. Bucket by bucket, mud was passed up ladders to awaiting hands that packed the mixture.

"It's neat," he said. "I was really excited about it because I watched it come up from nothing."

It was really a unique project, said Bagnell. "You can build a building, you can build a road, but to build something out of the earth (is incredible)."

Though from the outside, it looks like a simple Afghan compound, this small village contains many hi-tech advantages allowing troops to receive the highest training evaluation opportunities after completing the course, according to Howsden.

The instrumentation used within the site has been used at the Joint Readiness Training Centers Shugart-Gordon MOUT site since 1996. Capabilities include low light cameras with laser illuminators, panic buttons for safety and security, targets in each building, sound effects, moveable interior walls, trap doors, external lighting, external cameras, and smoke generators.

On site is a multimedia theater that gives troops an opportunity to see what the hidden cameras caught and gives them a chance to improve techniques.

Training as they fight keeps troops on their toes and the new facility gives them a more realistic view of the terrain they will encounter.

"We do MOUT training about once a month," said Sgt. 1st Class John Folkenroth, Company A, 2nd Battalion 87th Infantry Regiment, 10th Mountain Division. This was the first time his troops had been through the new course.

"It looks a lot like what we'll (encounter) out here," he said, complimenting on the site's realistic disposition. "(The training) helps refine your skills and see what you are doing wrong."

Getting troops to the site for training just takes a little planning. Scheduling is required a week in advance. The unit will need to submit a scenario including training objectives, training level of the squad, platoon or company, the type of training whether it be live fire or force to force training, type of ammo being used and a risk assessment, Howsden said.

(Editor's note: Spc. Kelly Hunt is a journalist with the 4th Public Affairs Detachment.)