"The purpose was to better prepare the Soldiers of HSC for a possible convoy mission,” said HSC Company Commander CPT Daniel Dobler, “and for the tasks that would be required if that convoy was hit with an insurgent attack.”

In preparation for the exercise “there were a lot of leader training tasks that needed to be done that ranged from map reading to how to organize a convoy and basic troop leading procedures,” Dobler said.

The participating medical, maintenance and food specialists practiced a wide range of training on the eight-mile convoy course. In three rotations of the exercise skills in leadership, navigation, convoy security, combat first aid and moving a disabled vehicle were evaluated.

“This was a good first step in getting ready to conduct a convoy in country,” Dobler said. “Although we may not be called on to do a lot of convoys, it is always good to be ready if called on.”

Further convoy training, along with medical lane training and weapon training, will be conducted at HSC’s next destination of Kuwait.

“We will continue to exploit the training opportunities as they present themselves,” said HSC First Sergeant 1SG Craig A. Heggerston. “Any training elevates the confidence and abilities of our Soldiers.”

Story and photos by Spc Jodi Krause, HSC 834th ASB Public Affairs Rep, 7/12/08