Warriors in Peace Operations - Strategic Studies Institute - U.S. Army
Warriors in Peace Operations - Strategic Studies Institute - U.S. Army
Warriors in Peace Operations - Strategic Studies Institute - U.S. Army
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conducted extensive basic soldier skills tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g (first aid,<br />
call for fires, NBC, and communication skills) throughout<br />
the 4-week tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g period. All tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g, exercises, and<br />
operations <strong>in</strong>volved peacekeep<strong>in</strong>g or peace enforcement<br />
scenarios. In addition to normal tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g, each soldier<br />
received area specific tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g, particularly m<strong>in</strong>e lane<br />
tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g. This tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g was mandatory for all soldiers <strong>in</strong><br />
United States <strong>Army</strong> Europe (USAREUR) prior to<br />
deployment to the Bosnia AOR. At the end of May, the<br />
battalion deployed to Hohenfels, Germany, for transition to<br />
peacekeep<strong>in</strong>g/peace enforcement exercises at the Combat<br />
Maneuver Tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g Center (CMTC). This tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g lasted an<br />
additional 4 weeks.<br />
The exercise at CMTC started with a 1-week tra<strong>in</strong>-up,<br />
followed by 3 weeks “<strong>in</strong> the box.” In the box designates the<br />
evaluation process dur<strong>in</strong>g CMTC exercises. Observer<br />
Controllers (OCs) provide exercise oversight and an After<br />
Action Review (AAR) at the conclusion of tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g.<br />
The tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g for the battalion CMTC rotation tested the<br />
physical, mental, and operational mettle of the battalion.<br />
The unit conducted arm, fix, fuel, and susta<strong>in</strong> logistical<br />
support operations for both the 1-1 Cav and 2-227th Attack<br />
Helicopter Battalion (AHB). The 1-1 Cav ground and air<br />
troops conducted operations <strong>in</strong> the CMTC tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g area,<br />
and the 2-227th AHB conducted operations <strong>in</strong> an assembly<br />
area located 35 miles from CMTC. This separation<br />
presented a significant problem, with the available support<br />
assets dispersed among four different task-organized teams<br />
conduct<strong>in</strong>g 24-hour operations. Little did the battalion<br />
anticipate that this would be the mode of operation for the<br />
deployment to Bosnia. This exercise prepared the unit for<br />
flexible and forward-support activities that would prove<br />
valuable <strong>in</strong> the months ahead. The next challenge for the<br />
battalion came by means of scenarios with media and<br />
civilians on the battlefield. Through these scenarios, most of<br />
our soldiers encountered new situations that provided a<br />
valuable learn<strong>in</strong>g experience. Also, the battalion’s<br />
perimeter defense and <strong>in</strong>ternal base security were tested<br />
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