U.S. Military
Army Reserve Soldiers prep for deployment to Afghanistan
By Spc. Joseph Rivera, 205th Infantry Brigade, Camp Atterbury Public Affairs
Nov 20, 2008 - 8:32:23 PM

Blackanthem Military News

Staff Sgt. Tracy A. Lansing, a movement coordinator with the 430th Inland Cargo Transfer Company, takes an Afghan local national into custody for identification during a training exercise held at Camp Atterbury. The 430th is in the mobilization training process where they train prior to their deployment to Afghanistan.

CAMP ATTERBURY, Ind. - The Army Reserve's 430th Inland Cargo Transfer Company from Baltimore, Md., is currently training at Camp Atterbury, Ind., prior to the unit's deployment to Afghanistan for one year where Soldiers will be conducting cargo transfer operations.

As part of their training here, Soldiers sharpen their warrior skills as they go through different scenarios and situations where trainers evaluate their military occupational skills and soldiering skills. Before the unit deploys, they must satisfactorily complete the necessary tasks.
   
Last week the unit trained on how to operate and control an entry checkpoint throughout different scenarios. During the crowd control scenario a group of people approached the ECP and began to protest.

In another training scenario, local nationals - who claimed to work at the camp - attempted to gain access to the installation. To ensure camp security, Soldiers had to be sure of their identities before granting them access to the installation.  During the ID check shots were fired at the Soldiers, injuring one of the translators. The Soldiers then had to maintain control of the gate and provide first aid to the wounded.

This exercise helps train Soldiers on how to react to in certain situations. It also gives them an opportunity to understand the cultural aspects of the people living in countries like Afghanistan and Iraq.

"I think it is pretty good," said Spc. Michael Witt, a movement coordinator with the 430th ICTC from North East, Md.  "It is very realistic because there is more than one scenario happening at a time."

For many Soldiers of the 430th, deploying is not a new journey, yet the Soldiers are still motivated.

"The Soldiers are very motivated and ready for the challenges that lie ahead," said Staff Sgt. Delando A. Mercer, a cargo specialist from Norfolk, Va.

The unit's goal is to bring every Soldier home alive and to accomplish all missions and tasks given to the unit, said Mercer.   

"Overall, the 430th should deploy and come home as a proud, battle-tested unit," Mercer said.

ADDITIONAL PHOTO:

In a training exercise at Camp Atterbury, Sgt. James W. Morrison, a motor transport operator with the 430th Inland Cargo Transfer Company, asks his interpreter to tell the crowd outside of his checkpoint to make two lines. The crowd of Afghan local nationals is asking for water, electricity and other kinds of help for their village. Through training like this, Soldiers learn how to deal with many unexpected scenarios that may arise during their deployments.

In a training exercise at Camp Atterbury, Spc. Daniel F. Dawit, a movement coordinator with the 430th Inland Cargo Transfer Company, asks an Afghan local national for his identification card at an entry checkpoint. The 430th is in the mobilization training process at Camp Atterbury where they train prior to their deployment to Afghanistan.