Basic Combat Convoy Course (BC3)

[Last_Z]

Hey guys,

Long time no see. I've been away for just over a month now, training to do convoy escort duty in Iraq. We were given a 12 hr pass, so we could take a break. Luckily, the training is mostly being done at Camp Bullis, which is only 20 minutes from my house. I took some pictures, so you guys get an idea.

That's my on a date with a beatifull .50 cal M2 Machine gun.

SrA Chae doing a test fire. Love the sound!

Out at Fort Hood for live fire training. It rained like a mother&*^%$#@!

I camped out in the open with my little Tent-Cot. Others put their cots inside a bigger tent. It rained so much, that the bigger tent started collecting water until it finally collapsed. Everybody took a bath at 4:30 in the morning. My cot and everybody else's who was outside leaked water. It wasn't pretty.

Wet sleeping bag inside the cot.

Ugly skies at Ft. Hood!

 

[Last_Z]

Inside the bigger tent. There was a river inside taking all the gear with it!

Trying to get everything dried up much later that day.

As you can see, this training can be a lot of fun and a lot of misery at the same time. Temperatures have been in the high 90s to low 100's. With the uniform, body armor (with ballistic plates), helmet, Camel Back (water supply), and back pack on, it can get very hot. I've lost ~10lbs in just 3 weeks. More live fire training coming soon!

Hope you enjoy the pics!

 

[haley10]

Things have changed dramatically since the cold war. We mostly did special operations and forward air control.

Now, with no disrespect intended it looks like the Army is shrunk to where you've become general use soldiers. It makes sense I guess. Can't mount an air war on terrorist.

I always worked with Army or Marines and never got anything but a .38 revolver. Times have changed, but they did this kinda stuff back then.

Anyway, I have no doubt that the USAF has some of the best troops out there and I would rely on them 100%.

Most of my time in the field in USA was in North Carolina and in Winter. Nothing like taking a shower erected by Red Horse when it's below freezing. No happy medium I guess.

[ August 20, 2005, 02:26 PM: Message edited by: haley10 ]

 

[GROUCHO MARX]

My prayers are with you Rick.

 

[Pablo]

Ask questions afterward.

Godspeed!

My theory is we should lay traps for THEM. Big nasty hairass unlocked and loaded convoy traps. With some subtle false hints ahead of travel.

I love the photos. Thanks.

 

[Drew99GT]

Get em Z!!

I need an M2 for traffic

Just kiddin. I sincerly hope all goes well. Even though I wasn't too thrilled with our foregin policy decision of 2002, we're there and we must win and I have nothing but 100% support of the fine folks like yourself who execute that policy. Military personel are true heroes; especially Air Force people who are doing Convoy protection

That's not why ya join the Air Force

 

[dave1251]

Good Luck Z. Come back A.S.A.P.
haley10;Drew99GT
We are one military now doing everyones jobs.

 

[TheLoneRanger]

Thanks for the pics, Z, keep them coming.

You really need to give up smoking, it's hazardous to your health....

Keep your head down.

 

[haley10]

quote:

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Originally posted by dave1251:
Good Luck Z. Come back A.S.A.P.
haley10;Drew99GT
We are one military now doing everyones jobs.

---

No problem. In the past, I saw no problem with specialization and close coordination and cooperation either, however. Can't gloss over the fact that the Army is probably under-manned and the Guard and Reserve have been over utilized.

Whatever it takes to gitter done.

I'm just not so sure we have the optimal setup.