Realistic Training

Posted in: August 2010
By 1LT Gene Bledsoe
Aug 12, 2010 - 6:47:43 AM

3rd Platoon, 153rd MP Co Cs: Conducted full spectrum operations/training at Delaware State Fire School (DSFS) on 7 August 2010 from 0800-1600; training included but not limited to, convoy, cordon/search, urban/domestic assault, man down, line nine drills and law/order scenarios. The training was designed to challenge the soldiers to think outside the box, increase their situational awareness and conduct realistic training to provide our troops with the necessary tools for future combat and domestic operations.

 

DSFS is a state agency located in Dover responsible for providing Delaware with Fire, Rescue, Hazardous Material and Emergency Medical training. It is equipped with a high rise tower that includes interior and exterior stairwells, houses, confined spaces, and outside pavilions that local fire and police departments utilize year round.

This training was sought after by our platoon medic (SPC Ed Graves) who is an active volunteer fire fighter and has spent many hours training at DSFS. A combat veteran, he identified a need and an opportunity to do something different. Platoon leadership prepared an OPORD for higher who originally approved this training for February. Unfortunately, February drill was cancelled due to the horrific snow fall and training was postponed for a later date. Again SPC Graves was able to use his civilian resources and secured the site for August.

The end result was more than I anticipated. The NCO's were able to identify future needs, train and evaluate and the troops were highly motivated, energetic and continually asked for more, even though 90-100 degree temperatures plagued the day.