thedrifter
07-08-09, 08:33 AM
Egress training takes Marines for a tumble
7/8/2009 By Cpl. Triah Pendracki , Multi National Force - West
AL ASAD AIR BASE, Iraq —
While navigating rough terrain throughout Iraq’s Al Anbar province, service members need to have all the skills necessary to keep themselves and their passengers safe.
Marines from Truck Company, II Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group (Forward), took part in Mine Resistant Ambush Protected Egress Training aboard Al Asad Air Base, Iraq, to ensure they are prepared for possible rollovers in MRAP vehicles.
Soldiers from the 321st Sustainment Brigade have been controlling and operating the MET aboard Al Asad since its first use in early June 2009.
“We expect attendance to rise drastically over the next couple of weeks since service members in our area of operations are being notified that the trainer is here,” said Army Master Sgt. Reginald Sterling, operations sergeant major for the 321st and manager of the MET. “There is a standing order for all personnel operating MRAP vehicles to attend and complete the training.”
MET instructors not only taught the Marines how to properly and safely evacuate an MRAP vehicle, they also showed the Marines some simple ways to help avoid a rollover.
The MET holds nine passengers, including the gunner and driver. After classroom instruction, Marines prepared for three different egress drills inside the MET.
The first drill is used to help students become familiar with rolling over in a vehicle. Marines experienced rolling over and having the simulated vehicle stop at 30, 90 and 180 degree angles to the ground, on both sides, before beginning the second drill.
During the second drill, instructors turned the MET completely upside down and told the Marines to evacuate the MRAP using the driver’s door and front passenger door.
During the final drill, one Marine was selected to act as a simulated casualty. The students were flipped 90 degrees and exited through the gunner’s turret while assisting the casualty and providing security.
Vehicle rollovers are extremely dangerous and are usually caused by speeding, poor vehicle control while cornering, untrained or inexperienced drivers and inclement driving conditions.
“The training is very important here in Iraq,” said Sterling. “This training is necessary for our service members, based on the terrain that our troops encounter during their operations, as well as the increased height of these vehicles.”
“I like this training,” said Lance Cpl. Jeremiah Morrison, a motor transport operator with Truck Company. “Even if we are licensed, we now know how to get out of a vehicle after we have rolled it over.”
Leaving the MET, Truck Company Marines take with them the skills needed to help ensure their safety while operating vehicles on and off the roads of Iraq.
Ellie
7/8/2009 By Cpl. Triah Pendracki , Multi National Force - West
AL ASAD AIR BASE, Iraq —
While navigating rough terrain throughout Iraq’s Al Anbar province, service members need to have all the skills necessary to keep themselves and their passengers safe.
Marines from Truck Company, II Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group (Forward), took part in Mine Resistant Ambush Protected Egress Training aboard Al Asad Air Base, Iraq, to ensure they are prepared for possible rollovers in MRAP vehicles.
Soldiers from the 321st Sustainment Brigade have been controlling and operating the MET aboard Al Asad since its first use in early June 2009.
“We expect attendance to rise drastically over the next couple of weeks since service members in our area of operations are being notified that the trainer is here,” said Army Master Sgt. Reginald Sterling, operations sergeant major for the 321st and manager of the MET. “There is a standing order for all personnel operating MRAP vehicles to attend and complete the training.”
MET instructors not only taught the Marines how to properly and safely evacuate an MRAP vehicle, they also showed the Marines some simple ways to help avoid a rollover.
The MET holds nine passengers, including the gunner and driver. After classroom instruction, Marines prepared for three different egress drills inside the MET.
The first drill is used to help students become familiar with rolling over in a vehicle. Marines experienced rolling over and having the simulated vehicle stop at 30, 90 and 180 degree angles to the ground, on both sides, before beginning the second drill.
During the second drill, instructors turned the MET completely upside down and told the Marines to evacuate the MRAP using the driver’s door and front passenger door.
During the final drill, one Marine was selected to act as a simulated casualty. The students were flipped 90 degrees and exited through the gunner’s turret while assisting the casualty and providing security.
Vehicle rollovers are extremely dangerous and are usually caused by speeding, poor vehicle control while cornering, untrained or inexperienced drivers and inclement driving conditions.
“The training is very important here in Iraq,” said Sterling. “This training is necessary for our service members, based on the terrain that our troops encounter during their operations, as well as the increased height of these vehicles.”
“I like this training,” said Lance Cpl. Jeremiah Morrison, a motor transport operator with Truck Company. “Even if we are licensed, we now know how to get out of a vehicle after we have rolled it over.”
Leaving the MET, Truck Company Marines take with them the skills needed to help ensure their safety while operating vehicles on and off the roads of Iraq.
Ellie