Staff Sgt. Deion Toney, with the 302nd Transportation Company, prepares to return fire after her convoy was “attacked” during a live-fire simulation at Logistics Support Area Anaconda, Iraq. (Juliana Gittler / S&S)
Staff Sgt. Deion Toney, with the 302nd Transportation Company, prepares to return fire after her convoy was “attacked” during a live-fire simulation at Logistics Support Area Anaconda, Iraq. (Juliana Gittler / S&S)
Soldiers with the 302nd Transportation Company practice dismounted convoy defense before a live-fire training exercise at Logistics Support Area Anaconda, Iraq. The training is designed to prepare them for convoy duty. (Juliana Gittler / S&S)
LSA ANACONDA, Iraq — About 60 soldiers with the Special Troops Battalion under the 13th Corps Support Command, completed quarterly convoy combined-arms live-fire training Wednesday at the Anaconda range.
The training — using 9 mm pistols, M-16 rifles and Squad Automatic weapons — prepares soldiers who accompany convoys in Iraq.
The groups practice several scenarios, including some with civilians and some with casualties.
“You can’t beat this training,” said Capt. Kevin McPherson with the 21st Replacement Company.
The training gives soldiers practice with weapons and engaging a target but also the confidence to stay calm under pressure, he said.
Soldiers do similar training at Udairi Range in Kuwait before going into Iraq. They maintain their skills through quarterly training such as Wednesday’s training at Anaconda.
