Finally, another update
Friday, March 05, 2004 (05:22:49)

Posted by watts

I've finally gotten a little time to post a quick update.  We finished the MP task training consisting of conducting convoy security operations, VIP escorts, roadblocks, checkpoints, traffic control points, cordon and search (building clearing) operations, and area security operations.  That all culminated into a 24 (that turned into 40 hours) hour exercise.  4th Platoon, my platoon, finished in first place in the rankings.  We performed the best VIP escort the evaluators had seen in a long time, blocking major roads and even blocking a major highway, resulting in a state trooper coming by to see what was happening.  We took the training seriously and they are still talking about it around here. 

We completed an advanced marksmanship range, going over reflexive fire drills for close quarters combat.  Today will be the start of our last training event, a convoy escort live fire.  We will be on a live fire range and will have live rounds for all of our weapon systems.  The intent is to let us get a feel for engaging targets while driving.  We have packed all of our bags and are living out of one of them for the next few days.  We should be leaving early next week, flying to Kuwait with a layover in Italy.  More to follow once I get to Kuwait.  I'll be posting some more photos once I get to a faster Internet connection.