Convoy fundamentals

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Alex Echols
  • 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  The 325th Logistics Readiness Squadron conducted its first convoy training Jan. 14 at Tyndall's Silver Flag area.

This training was similar to the Basic Combat Convoy Course training that all vehicle operators deploying to do convoy missions in Iraq and Afghanistan had to complete. 

"In 2004, we all had to learn and had to learn fast how to do things within a deployed convoy, and we lost a lot of people because we didn't know how to do them," said Tech. Sgt. Brett Rountree, 325th LRS quality assurance inspector. "We want to make sure our new people know what they're doing to preserve their lives and better preserve others."

The convoy began at the 325th LRS motor pool and traveled down to Silver Flag. Here other members of the squadron dressed up as opposition forces and simulated attacks while the convoy traveled through mock villages.

Out of the ten Airmen participating in the training, only two had been in an actual convoy while deployed. Staff Sgt. John Rogers, 325th LRS vehicle operator, is one of those two.

"It really hits home for us and it's very important to us to pass this knowledge down and continue to make sure the new generation knows what we did and has the training capability to fulfill that mission if it ever arises," said Rogers.

This gives the opportunity for the seasoned veterans to give insight to the Airmen on what they might actually see in the field.

"It is appreciated," said Senior Airman Kevin Egan, 325th LRS vehicle operator. "We're not out there learning from someone who has never done this before. We're not getting led into the darkness. We have people out here that have done it, have experienced this in real life situations and know what's going on and what is expected."

During this training, the Airmen learned medical evacuation training, experienced a small arms attack and learned how to deal with locals.

The 325th LRS was activated in October of last year. The Vehicle Operations Element is still undermanned, but they were determined to get this training accomplished, said Rogers.

"We pressed forward and made the training happen," said Rogers. "It says a lot for our squadron in general. The way these young Airmen got together, accepted the training and got it accomplished with the amount of time they had was pretty amazing."

The squadron plans to continue to conduct convoy training once each quarter, said Rogers.