Day 24 (Wednesday April 22, 2009)
After such a long day playing with the Hummers, we were able to sleep in and report back to the motor pool for an additional Power Point presentation on tactical HMMWV movement at 1000. Following lunch, we broke up into groups of 14-15 and prepared for a mission. Oooo, a mission! Suspenseful, huh? The evolution was a test for us, as a group, to move from point A to point B in a “Mobile Combat Patrol”…I think I’m saying that correctly. All I know is it’s not suppose to be a “Convoy”. Along this journey, we were likely to (1)encounter an IED (strategically signaled by a large orange cone, because the groups before us were not picking up on the bomb at the side of the road), (2)have one of our three Hummers blown up by the IED, (3)tow the targeted Hummer out of danger and finally, (4)change a flat tire on the Hummer…not a bad day’s work for a bunch of Newbies. Our Hummer consisted of myself (backseat guy), Andrew, an Internal Med/Critical Care doc as the TC (Truck Commander), Mike, a Radiologist, as the gunner (coolest job), Jerry (Radiology Tech) as the driver and Travis (Pharmacy Tech) as another backseat guy. We were all stationed in the first Hummer of the patrol. Great. I love being the rabbit. (Yes, that was sarcasm). Having spotted the IED with the greatest of ease, we were informed that our second of three Hummers was hit by the IED. Phew, nice not getting blown up…sorry Hummer number 2. Having towed Hummer number 2 out of danger, I changed the Hummer tire with 3 other guys. Nascar pitcrews have nothing on us…except for power ratchets, power jacks, organization and experience. Other than that, we rocked.
A shorter day in many respects, but a greater appreciation for the “strategery” involved in patrols. I didn't have any pictures from this day so I put one in from the previous night. Here you go...that's right, take it in. Impressive and intimidating.
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