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Blackanthem Military News
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Last Updated:
Nov 19, 2008 - 9:15:26 PM |
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Blackanthem Military News
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| Sherwood, Ark. native Staff Sgt. John McMinn, a gunner with Bravo Battery, 1st Battalion, 206th Field Artillery is pictured just before a recent convoy security mission. Bravo Battery is currently assigned to the 165th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 1st Sustainment Brigade and is serving a 270-day tour of duty in Iraq. (U.S. Army Photo by Sgt. Aaron LeBlanc) |
CAMP TAJI, Iraq - "Safety First." Everyone has heard the expression. However, for the men and women of the Arkansas National Guard's Bravo Battery, 1-206th Field Artillery, currently assigned to the 165th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 1st Sustainment Brigade, the phrase can sometimes carry a little more weight.
Deployed as a convoy security unit, their mission is to protect convoys as they escort goods, supplies, and a plethora of other necessities throughout Multi-National Division - Baghdad's area of operation. Going "outside the wire" nearly each and every day, these Soldiers take pride in the mission they fulfill helping to maintain lifelines and ties to the outside world for Soldiers across Iraq.
While many may consider the dangerous threat of roadside bombs, improvised explosive devices (IEDs), and hostile encounters the most dangerous part of these Soldiers' jobs, it can be easily forgotten how important more traditional safety concerns must be while not on mission.
"Our Soldiers face some of the most dangerous conditions possible when they roll out the gate," said Capt. Joshua Webb, a Greenbrier, Ark. native. "We can't afford to let the little things most people take for granted have an impact while they are off mission that could potentially deteriorate their performance on mission."
Participating in a program emphasizing safety known as "Operation Zero", the Soldiers of Bravo Battery were recognized by their higher headquarters, the 165th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, for their superior performance and emphasis in the field of safety both on and off mission.
"The premise behind 'Operation Zero' was simple," said Sgt. 1st Class Michael Pierpaoli, of Bentonville, Ark. "It was aimed at encouraging measures that maintain the safety of the Soldiers and increase their awareness of how their actions can affect safety."
Each unit began the "Operation Zero" safety competition with a certain number of 'points.' As these trends continued and more steps were taken to increase Soldier awareness, the scores of each of the participating units were decreased. The lower the score, the more safety minded the unit was.
In a world where the vehicles are larger and heavier, breaking is sluggish, and padding is nearly non-existent, emphasizing the wear of safety belts at all times and the use of a partner to guide vehicles around people can have a huge impact on mission success.
The training did not stop there however; Soldiers of Bravo Battery also conducted training classes on fire extinguisher safety, electrical safety, and the hazards associated with things as simple as going for a run.
"All of these things become critically important considering the need for every Soldier to be rested and healthy when it's time for a mission," said 1st Lt. Steve White, of Maumelle, Ark. "Making sure our Soldiers are safe when they are off mission helps us ensure they are ready and able to keep the convoys safe when it is time to go on a mission."
So what did the Soldiers of Bravo Battery earn for all of their safety training and accomplishments? A good ole' barbecue cookout, courtesy of all the senior staff at the 165th. Fortunately no one needed to employ their Heimlich maneuver training.
ADDITIONAL PHOTO:
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| Soldiers of Bravo Battery, 1st Battalion, 206th Field Artillery are pictured in formation during their combat patch ceremony held in their motor pool. Bravo Battery is currently assigned to the 165th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 1st Sustainment Brigade and is serving a 270-day tour of duty in Iraq. (U.S. Army Photo by Sgt. Aaron LeBlanc) |
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