STX and LDAC

[roger29]

Apparently, there is going to be a ton of variables new to LDAC and STX this summer. From what I hear, they are gearing LDAC towards OIF to prepare us. Such things as varialbes of reporters and COBs, plus they are working at getting us flak vests to prepare us for the extra weight.

I would like to start a discussion on ideas people have for reacting to such variables...I am thinking about having COB reaction teams so that we can keep security and promptly deal with the COB....what else do you guys think...how to deal with reporters, and what should we expect them to do?

[Sammy Sandbag]

Good questions Roger. I'll move this to the Camp forum.

[Wes]

Eh, I spent a year in Iraq.

Feb 16th 2003 - Arrived in Kuwait
March 21st 2003 - Crossed Kuwait/Iraq border
May 3rd 2003 - Arrived in Baghdad
Feb 1st 2004 - Back in the CONUS

So what would you like to know about Iraq?

[roger29]

I'd love to know a ton about how to be successful in Iraq, but it prob wouldn't help much until I am outta IOBC and Ranger...

Right now I'm looking to be successful at LDAC so that I can get IN!

You got your tab Wes?

[MAJ. Payne]

One method that we discussed for dealing with reporters on patrolling stx is to segregate the reporter and keep them from interfering with your mission. A technique would be to send out a 2 man security team along with another member of your platoon who has a very engaging personality (i.e likes to talk) and have them pre-occupy the reporter. First have them ask for identification and search them, then the talkative individual has the responsability of keeping the reporter away from the rest of your platoon and prevent them from interfering with whatever it is your trying to do. The whole time this individual should be talking to the reporter about anything and everything so long as it is not mission related, that way they don't give anything away. The whole idea is that you "cooperate" with the reporter without really "cooperating' at all. The more annoying the person is the better.

[Gambit]

They're also adding IEDs, etc. to LDAC, and focusing a touch more on land nav ( thanks, PFC Lynch ;) ). Wheeee!

[roger29]

IED's?

[Sammy Sandbag]

Improvised Explosive Device

[Gambit]

You know, coffee cans packed with C-4 and nails, that type of stuff.

[Sammy Sandbag]

Doubt these insurgents are packing C4, probably TNT. But who knows, C4 shows up in funny places :).

[Wes]

Gambit: No Tab, no real chances to get a ranger slot while in the National Guard. I'm trying to get a slot when I commision though.

As for tips... what kind?

Convoy?
Mounted Patrol?
Dismounted Patrol?
Compound Security?
What to bring?

[roger29]

Thanks dude, I kept thinking unexploded ordance but I wasn't sure whta the exact acrynm menat.

[cornbread]

when i was at NMMI i had to do a stx where we reacted to reporters on the battlefield. an MS IV (as the reporter) was in this MS III's face during his rotation in the lane so he grabbed her by the neck and tried to choke her out until the other guys in his squad stopped him....he got an N on the lane and eventually kicked out from what i hear...while thats one solution to reporters, its probably not the best way to handle them.

[roger29]

Yes, taht would prob not be a good idea...come on guys, no one has anything to add here?! No one has anything to question!?! How many of you are III's and going to camp? Let me tell you, and I think Cady, Holt, and Burlazzi can add credibiilty...I get nothing but E's on my lanes and am top in my school as far as STX is concerned (never had that GPA thing down :) ) but I still have questions and like to talk about it, cause that's how we get better. I find it hard to believe that none of you have anything to add or ask here...sorry if that sounded bad, but I think you guys see what I am trying to say.

[Wes]

They way we delt with reporters in Baghdad is this:

The reporter, cameraman, and normaly one other person would go out with the squad on patrol.

They were briefed on what to do if we made contact. They were told to stay out of the soldier's way. The only person they talked to was the squad leader. They basicly interviewed the squad leader while we walked and then filmed us pulling security. Make sure they know to stay out of your way. If they get in your way they can cause your death, their death, or your buddy's death. So think about that before you decide that letting them do what they want won't hurt anything.

[Murtin]

I got a question for those who have been through camp already... Our brigade had an FTX two weeks back, and i was HORRIFIED at how unprepared the other schools are for camp (although you can't really blame them... schools in the NYC area get STX training twice an entire semester!)the question is, once you get out there, is there sufficent time to square away the know-nothings you're inevitabley going to have in your squad? or do they just turn into tag-alongs?

[CombatCady]

Let me tell you, and I think Cady, Holt, and Burlazzi can add credibiilty...I get nothing but E's on my lanes and am top in my school as far as STX is concerned...

Oh, no. I can't attest to anything. Last time I paid a compliment to a person of higher rank on here, I got bitched out. Besides, I think you've only been my SL like once or twice.

[Sammy Sandbag]

I got a question for those who have been through camp already... Our brigade had an FTX two weeks back, and i was HORRIFIED at how unprepared the other schools are for camp (although you can't really blame them... schools in the NYC area get STX training twice an entire semester!)the question is, once you get out there, is there sufficent time to square away the know-nothings you're inevitabley going to have in your squad? or do they just turn into tag-alongs?

Yes and No. Through out camp you will have pockets of dead time where you are expected to work on squad SOP, tactics, army knowledge, etc. You will have people in your squad who are severly behind the curve, but you will also have high-speed individuals to help lower their drag coefficient. Unfortunately, there's just no helping some people. The main thing to remember is that the lane graders are evaluating you on your leadership abilities, not your or your squads tactical knowledge. Your mission can be completely wrong in accordance with FM 7-8, but as long as you formulate and brief a good opord and maintain control, there's not much a TAC can knock you on.

[Murtin]

Thanx for the info, Sammy... another thing if anyone has the general guidelines down for it... guidelines for grabbing a downed pilot; i know it isn't in FM 7-8, but just general security and ID procedures so u know it's who you want and not an ambush u're walking into :shock:

[StuporMunky]

Reporters, civilians, hostages, oh my!

One such method for unexpected Non-combatants I learned:

Have Alpha team meet the NC's and have weapons at the ready, but not pointed, while Bravo surrounds and provides 360 security. SL approaches w/ or w/o weapons METTC dependant and speaks w/ them. Search in manner needed. Be respectful, but if they endanger the mission or security, detain them w/ the 5 s's. Tailor as needed.

Hostages are fun. Surround them while a designated squad member "negotiates" to buy time. Someone smart is preferable, that's the best way to defuse the situation. The SL gets 360 security. Discretely signal the most appropriate man to fire when appropriate. Tailor as needed.

We're going to be officers. We're paid the big bucks to learn how to think, not what to think. Good topic. http://www.fastcompany.com/online/27/operation.html

[Wes]

StuporMunky: I liked that link you posted. I think all the members of this board should read it. Honestly the best way to learn something is to teach it. For all of your MSIVs you should be able to relate to this. For instance in Iraq my squad leader had each member of the squad teach how to enter and clear a room. After I taught my class I could see what I still needed to teach them, who didn't understand my instructions, and where I could improve on.

Learning by teaching and AARs are two of the best things the Army has ever come up with for improving soldiers.

[Murtin]

Hey monkey, thanks for the info, that's good stuff... See how much u can learn when u decide to pick the brains of your fellow AIFA members?

[Aries]

Not an MSIV but some more experience on doing training scenarios. biggest tip I can give is "dont lose your cool." I was doing a platoon raid a few summers ago and as we were on the objective calling up reports to higher, had 3 civilians come into the area. they were more pains than the guys on the objective itself. 1) if u are in charge make sure someone is with u pulling security. dont put your weapon down, but dont give them the idea that you are going to shoot them. make them feel comfortable. 2) security (nuff said) 3) keep control of your entire element and your surroundings. as we were dealing with the civilians some OPFOR started firing on us with 240s from a shack few hundred yards away (2-240s, a rifle team and an AT4 took care of them. No matter what u do, as long as you are in control, and you follow the guidelines. u should do well.

[Wes]

They're also adding IEDs, etc. to LDAC, and focusing a touch more on land nav ( thanks, PFC Lynch ;) ). Wheeee!


Now you all know that we only use PLGRs and civilian GPS out there right?

I didn't see a compass or protractor anywhere in Iraq.

If you are "high speed" I suggest getting the Rhino.
It is a badass radio/gps. All I gotta say is it kicks ass.

[airjun]

Variables are bullshit, so far from what ive observed theres almost no point in learning how to deal with them. Since every TAC has their own idea in their minds that no matter what you do youre probably going to get it wrong. A sure thing is to do something and not not do anything.

[roger29]

I saw no variables at camp last year.

[Associate289]

I saw no variables at camp last year.

then what did you do second day of squad stx?

[Associate289]

errrr third and fourth day