SGTsBrother

Question: Could a qualified HmmWV (M-series licensed) driver quickly switch over to helm a Stryker or M113 if available?

Background:
My brother is a USAF MSgt, Vehicle Operations Superintendent. He's been called up for duty in Iraq.

He's taking an 11 man team to Texas (for training) in Jan and then will deploy from there to Iraq (Tikrit, Mosul, etc.) His team will be operating gun trucks that protect military and contractor convoys. In anticipation of getting shot at everyday, he's also getting training on the M-4, M249, M203, among other weapons.

While this may seem business as usual for the Army and MC, this is not a normal duty for Air Force people. In fact, the Army is appx. 30,000 personnel short for the campaign and is drawing upon the other branches for support. So he will have to adapt and step up to the situation. In fact, this is a historical precedent, I believe.

He's super busy trying to procure equipment and supplies, so I don't want to bombard him with questions. But maybe someone here can help.

In his own words, they will get "whatever vehicles are already in place…good, bad, or ugly." And with all the HumVs getting torched over there lately, I'm crossing my fingers that his team gets set up with the right vehicles and training for convoy support.

But just what is the "right" combat convoy support vehicle? Will his training qualifiy him for the "right" vehicles? For instance, could a qualified HumV driver quickly switch over to helm a Stryker or M113?

These are my questions. Any insights anyone has are greatly appreciated.

thanks,
SGTsBro

The details of his training:

Basic Combat Convoy Course (BC3)
LOCATION: Camp Bullis, TX
LENGTH: 4 wks (25 academic days)
"Students must have a valid state drivers license and a Government Drivers License upon arrival. (Qualifications in M-Series vehicles is encouraged (M-1026 series and M-923 (5-Ton). In the event the students arrive without m-series qualifications, special purpose vehicle training will be conducted). "

frank

Here is a book that tell about the Gun Trucks in Vietnam.
It seems so similar to 30+ years ago that the troops have to make do with what they can get their hands on to keep themselves safe.
http://www.geocities.com/afpmuseum/bkhride.html

Anon

M-113s are ridiculously simple to operate.

That don't mean he'll get one though.

Odds are, he'll be lucky to get a Heavy Hummer or armored 5 ton.

SGTsBrother

Thanks for the replies ... the Vietnam gun trucks represent truly one of the many unsung stories of that war. It's good to know that whether it be 5-tonners, HumVs or Gavins, the Trans folk will be able to switch up among all of them.

I'm not sure if there's one perfect solution against IEDs, but I have my doubts with the HumVs - even the so called "up armored" ones that Rumsfeld recently got called out on. I'd rather see my bro in the Vietnam-era stuff.

Anon

Tell your brother he should volunteer as a tanker.

M-1A1HAs are the way to go when people are planting bombs on the roadside and you have no choice but to sweep them anyway.

Raven1087

Hey

Raven1087

I don't really know the answer to your question, but I do know that your brother will not be driving a Stryker in trainnig or in theather. They'll mainly be driving HMMWVs and 5-Tons. I am an instructor at the BC3 course that your brother will bring his team through. The course is going to be extremely intense and militaristic. Because his team will be attached to an Army unit down range, the course will be modeled a little bit after the Army. Among the weapons you mentioned, they're also recieve training on the M-2 and MK-19; two awesome weapons. We'll also conduct some vehicle training. Our cadre consists of Security Forces, Transporters (2T career field that your brother is in) and medics. All of 2T's have been in combat in Iraq and some just returned, some SF have also been in theater conducting combat convoy ops. Let your brother know to make sure his team is ready for an intense PT routine that is six days a week and consists of calestenics and miles of running up and down hills. This course has been proven to be combat effective and helps save lifes. I wish the MSgt the best of luck for him and his team!

Anon

"Let your brother know to make sure his team is ready for an intense PT routine that is six days a week and consists of calestenics and miles of running up and down hills. This course has been proven to be combat effective and helps save lifes."

I can hear the groans from the Air Force personnel even as i read that line.

"MORE PT SERGEANT, MORE PT!!!"

bc3 bound

SGTsBrother .....

is your brother going to be in the jan10 class? my wingman and i will be there for that one. just curious lemme know

also i believe weve had 3 ppl get hurt in the training,and sent back here, but mostly because they got used to the "old air force pt" and just got broke down. i wish i could leave today though, its hell just sitting here wondering what its going to be like!!!

Anon

Hey, good luck in the sand box brother.

Stay safe, come home alive.

The job you're doing for us all is MOST appreciated.