A Soldier from Company B, 4th Brigade Support Battalion, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, pulls his “unconscious” driver out of a vehicle after a simulated improvised explosive device attack Oct. 19, 2016. (Photo by 1st Lt. Logan Bolitho)
By 1st Lt. Logan Bolitho
4th Brigade Support Battalion, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division
A vehicle convoy was moving its precious cargo of water, fuel and ammo to Soldiers in desperate need of resupply when the third vehicle in line was suddenly “hit” with an improvised explosive device (IED).
Convoy elements on a logistical resupply mission secure an ambulance exchange point after taking casualties during a convoy squad training exercise Oct. 18, 2016. (Photo by 1st Lt. Logan Bolitho)
The convoy circled the damaged vehicle and pulled security as “enemy” forces attacked the convoy with small arms fire. This was but one of the scenarios the Soldiers of the 4th Brigade Support Battalion, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, faced during their convoy squad training exercise (STX) on Fort Carson Oct. 13-21, 2016.
Always looking to increase its Soldiers’ versatility and adaptability on the battlefield, “Packhorse” Battalion leadership held the STX to train and validate its Soldiers on vital tasks of distributing water, fuel and ammunition.
“Proper convoy operations are vital to mission success,” said Master Sgt. Christopher Morrow, first sergeant, Company B, 4th BSB. “When we go out on a logistical release point or a logistics resupply or some other mission, we have to be able to support and defend ourselves, otherwise we cannot support others.”
As the only sustainment battalion in 1st SBCT, the 4th BSB Soldiers provide all the logistical support to the brigade and six other battalions.
Providing the fuel, water, medical care and ammunitions needed for Soldiers to conduct operations on a day-to-day basis is the mission of the battalion.
Spc. Kevin Valdez, health care specialist, Company C, 4th Brigade Support Battalion, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, assesses a simulated casualty during a training exercise Oct. 17, 2016. (Photo by 1st Lt. Logan Bolitho)
“Sustainers are often very competent in fueling, fixing, driving and providing medical care (but) the challenge is becoming and staying proficient in our warrior tasks and battle drills,” said Lt. Col. Eric McCoy, commander, 4th BSB.
The battalion conducted the convoy exercise to challenge leaders and Soldiers on how to react to various threats during a tactical convoy, he said. The Soldiers were tested with various scenarios, ranging from taking small arms fire to an IED strike disabling a vehicle while taking enemy fire. A small team of Soldiers role-played as opposing forces (OPFOR) to make the training more realistic.
“The OPFOR did (its) job well. There was variety on the lane, and it was very challenging training. I feel prepared for future missions after going through this,” said Spc. Michael Malave, heavy vehicle operator, Company A, 4th BSB. “The training was extremely realistic.”
For eight days, the Soldiers completed more than 16 convoy operations, each one slightly different and more challenging than the last. The forward support companies attached to the other 1st SBCT battalions also participated. The convoys included elements from every company in the battalion as fuelers from Company A, mechanics and gunners from Company B, leadership elements from Headquarters and Headquarters Company and medics from Company C worked together to accomplish the mission.
“It was exhilarating and challenging,” said 2nd Lt. Cathy Reyes, distribution platoon leader, Company A, 4th BSB.
“Having an intermix of Soldiers from all the companies was very challenging. Incorporating their strengths and weaknesses is what will make or break a convoy mission.”
Spc. Evonne Sage, wheeled vehicle mechanic, Company B, 4th Brigade Support Battalion, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, prepares to engage “enemies” with an M2 .50-caliber machine gun during training Oct. 17, 2016. (Photo by 1st Lt. Logan Bolitho)