(Photo by Spc. Lee Elder, 133d Mobile Public Affairs Detachment)
March 20, 2006
BAQUABAH, Iraq -- The Mountaineer Academy is designed to turn legal clerks, medics and truck drivers into a single unit charged with protecting the lives of property of all those who are stationed here.
Prior to going on shift as a member of the base’s force protection Soldiers must complete the daylong academy training. It includes a review of the duties guard posts, rules of engagement, a weapons systems refresher and finally an orientation on the guard post itself.
"You guys are a very important piece," said 1st Lt. William Cunningham, who serves as force protection officer for Forward Operating Base Warhorse. "Don’t discount the importance of your duties over the next couple of weeks."
Cunningham, who hails from Berryville, Va., presides over the initial briefing along with the sergeants of the guard. He tells the incoming guard force that they need to be in the proper uniform whenever they are on duty and that they must remain vigilant as a deterrent against insurgent forces.
One of the sergeants of the guard is Sgt. Anthony Smith from Compton, Ky. A former Marine, Smith is a TOW missile systems technician who is permanently assigned to the Base Defense Operating Center.
"You stay busy," Smith said. "It keeps you occupied."
Smith works a 12-hour shift each day. He is responsible for ensuring Guards are properly stationed and is the first person notified if anything out of the ordinary happens.
Many Soldiers have varying degrees of experience both in the Army and familiarity with weapons systems used in the base’s defense array. While some have served here during previous rotations others are fresh out of advance individual training.
Under the watchful eye of Sgt. Doug Winchester (left) Pfc. Yolanda Santos takes aim with a 50-caliber machine gun. She is among those training for base force protection duties. (Photo by Spc. Lee Elder, 133d Mobile Public Affairs Detachment)
"The hardest part is training up some Soldiers who have never been on Guard," Smith said. "It’s our job to make sure they are mentally prepared to handle the different guard posts."
The force handles security at all the post’s gates and towers as well as the dining facility. Each position has its own unique set of challenges and procedures.
Most Soldiers pull four-hour shifts twice a day for two weeks. Many also continue working in their normal places of duty while working on force protection duty.
After the briefing is over, Soldiers are quickly formed up and bussed to the range. Once there, they will be familiarized with the 50-caliber machine gun and the squad automatic rifles used at the various guard posts. They are also instructed on the use of the thermal sight device.
Among those Soldiers pulling her first stint as a member of the Guard are Pvt. Justine Novak, Company B, 64th Brigade Support Battalion. A Madison, Wisc., native, normally maintains computers and radios in the 3rd Brigade Combat Team communication shop.
"I don’t know what to expect yet," Novak said. "I’ve never done this before so I’m kind of excited."
Along with other Soldiers, Novak sees her time on shift as a welcome change in routine. It’s a break of sorts from the long hours in an office or a company area.
"I’m probably not going to get a chance to go off the FOB," Novak said. "A guard tower may be the closest I’ll get to see the outside of the base camp."
Also new to Iraq is Pfc. Yolanda Santos, a medic with Company B, 64th Brigade Support Battalion. She had only been in country two weeks and was now attempting to the 50- caliber mounted on the back of a Hummer. Her instructors, Sgt. Doug Winchester, of Paris, Tenn., and Spc. Eric Baird of Tucson, Ariz., watch her closely.
"We do this every day," Winchester said. "I could see how somebody who hasn’t done this much might be a little nervous."
Soldiers are assigned to their posts and finish their training by observing those manning their soon-to-be duty positions. Then, they are ready to take their places.
At the forefront of all the training is the seriousness of the task at hand. It’s a point that is reinforced by each instructor.
Sgt. Donald Hawthorne is another of the sergeants of the Guard. The Eufaula, Ala., native usually works repairing tank turrets, but is now working fulltime with the Base Defense Operating Center.
"It’s a really important position to be in because we are responsible for the safety of everyone on this FOB," Hawthorne said. "I don’t take it lightly."
By Spc. Lee Elder - 133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment