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JLFT-7 trains for missions to Iraq

Feb 5, 2011

By Master Sgt. Montigo White
1st TSC Public Affairs

Effective training is the cornerstone of operational success. Through training, leaders, Soldiers, and units achieve the tactical and technical competence that builds confidence and agility. These characteristics allow Army forces to conduct successful operations across the spectrum of conflict, according to Field Manual 7-0, Training for Full Spectrum Operations.

The Joint Logistical Task Force - 7 conducted realistic convoy training Feb. 2 at Udairi Range in Kuwait. The JLTF-7's mission is to conduct line haul operations for distribution of mission critical cargo in and out of Iraq. This joint unit consists of elements from the active Army, National Guard and Air Force units.

"The training is a result of feedback we received during Granite Shield," said Capt. Shane Honan, JLTF-7 S-3. "The convoy training completed 24 out of 77 Warrior Tasks and 18 out of 35 Battle Drills."

Honan also stated that the training will prepare the units who recently arrived to Kuwait for the Operation New Dawn drawdown mission in the future.

The training consisted of traveling through a mock Iraq village with civilians on the battlefield, react to contact along an alternate supply route and hasty recover a disabled vehicle. The Soldiers were provided a casualty card for the "injured" driver. The convoy team had to move the injured Soldier out of the kill zone as they provided medical assistance.

"The training prepared us well because in the real world, you will know how to call in a MEDEVAC, know how to get out the kill zone while providing medical support and hasty recover a vehicle," said Spc. Daniel Yates, truck driver with the 1244th Transportation Company from the Illinois National Guard.

Enroute to the landing zone, the convoy commander had to call in a nine-line MEDEVAC report. Once at the LZ, the convoy team had to secure and defend the LZ. While at the LZ, Soldiers experienced a simulated chemical attack and had to don their mask, attach the tow bar, and move out of the contaminated area within 10 minutes.

"It was very good hands on training which is very vital to the mission we do every day," said Sgt. Garrison Jackson, 416th Transportation Company from Hunter Army Airfield, Fort Stewart, Ga.

The 25th Navy Air Ambulance Detachment from San Diego, Calif., provided the MEDEVAC support. The 25th NAAD provided the Soldiers mentorship on what medical information is needed for an evacuation. The Navy corpsmen also provided convoy team with vital information to include the aircraft tail number and which medical treatment facility they were transferred.

Jackson said having a real helicopter for the MEDEVAC help ensure Soldiers and leaders know how to call in a nine-line report, receive feedback from the medical staff and added the real world portion to the training.

The training included all aspect that Soldiers wanted to ensure remained in the future as they commented during the after action review.

"The CBRN attack was an event that we need to maintain because we do not do enough chemical or mask training," Jackson said.

The observer controllers for the training were experienced noncommissioned officers from the Convoy Logistics Patrol Academy and the facilitators were from MPRI. The units from the JLTF-7 send NCOs to the academy to help instruct units on the latest tactics, techniques and procedures for convoy teams. The graduates then become trainers for their unit as part of the train-the-trainer program.