The third month of training at Camp Shelby has come to an end for A Company 2/198th Armor.  As our time at Shelby draws near we are shifting gears to prepare ourselves for a rotation at the National Training Center in the Mojave Desert.  Looking back it is amazing how this unit has transformed from traditional guardsmen to an active duty unit ready to deploy overseas.
          The past month was comprised of very intensive training, to include Forward Operating Base (FOB) procedures, Reflexive Fire, Cultural Awareness, Combat Patrols and a culminating event called a Battalion ARTEP.  The Battalion ARTEP was a test of how our battalion is able to perform as one unit in a FOB.  This past month was long and grueling, but the confidence and proficiency it created for our unit is remarkable. 
         FOB operations consist of three key elements: a QRF (quick reaction force), Perimeter security and ECP (entry control point).  While at the FOB we received extensive classes on how to perform these tasks and then we were given the opportunity to test our skills through a practical exercise.  The function of the QRF is to be ready to react at a moments notice to assist another unit if needed.  Perimeter security consists of manning guard towers and firing positions in order to ensure our FOB is secure.  The purpose of the ECP is to ensure no contraband is brought into the FOB; this is done by conducting searches of vehicles and individuals coming in and out of our area.
          Reflexive fire is a key ingredient to success in our upcoming mission.  Reflexive fire is target discrimination.  This is to ensure we are able to determine threat and friendly targets quickly.  We quickly learned that the only way to be proficient at this is to practice.  Once we learned the basics, we were allowed to go complete lanes in which we were required to fire at threat targets only.  After several different iterations, we all felt comfortable with target discrimination, but we must continue to practice in order to constantly improve.
          Our next training event was a Live-Fire exercise.  During the day we conducted offensive combat patrols and at night we conducted a FOB perimeter defense.  During this event, crews practiced engaging targets with both individual weapon systems as well as crew serve weapons.  Most soldiers are equipped with a M-4 carbine.  The unit has several crew serve weapons such as the M-240B, M2 .50 cal machine gun, and Mark 19.   On the final day of this Live-Fire exercise, we put all that we had learned into action by going on a Combat Patrol; this requires us to be ready to react to IED’s (Improvised Explosive Devices) and enemy contact. 
          Our last training event at Camp Shelby was the Battalion ARTEP.  This was the culminating event of our training to test all that we have learned.  This 5-day event was an opportunity for us to show our proficiency and allow us to identify weaknesses within our unit.  This required us to operate as we will when we are in Iraq.  During this Battalion training exercise, we conducted 24 hour operations from FOB Hurricane Point.  This final training event proved to be both realistic and demanding.  Every possible type of enemy contact was experienced and all the Battalion assets were tested. 
          Each month the company leadership selects a Soldier and NCO of the month based on the individuals technical and tactical knowledge as well as their contribution to the unit.  This month two soldiers: SGT Thomas Lehman and SPC Nathan Adair consistently exceeded the standards and were selected for this honor.  SPC Adair, a member of 3rd Platoon, was selected as the Soldier of the Month because of his exceptional skills as a combat soldier.  SPC Adair currently serves as a crewman on SFC Clark’s vehicle and is from Senatobia, MS.  SGT Lehman was chosen as NCO of the month because he has excelled throughout training here at Camp Shelby.  SGT Lehman is member of the Headquarters section and serves as gunner on the Executive Officer’s crew.  SGT Lehman not only qualifies with his section when required, but also has volunteered to assist other Platoons as a “filler” when an extra crewman is needed.  SGT Lehman is an example for all of the men in the company from his tactical knowledge to his high level of motivation. 
          This month the unit was also able to conduct an awards ceremony for 9 soldiers in the unit who earned the Army Achievement Medal.  They are, pictured from left to right, front row:  SPC Derick Booker, SGT Thomas Lehman, SGT Michael Hammons, SPC Nathan Adair, back row:  SPC James Caufield, SGT William “Billy” Adams, 1LT Colin Falkenstein, SPC Audrey “Gene” Bolden, and SGT James Stratton.  These soldiers were presented the Army Achievement Medal for their contributions to the company and their technical and tactical knowledge. 
          The soldiers of Alpha Company 2/198th Armor are now preparing for their upcoming NTC (National Training Center) rotation.  The unit will spend three weeks in the Mojave Desert before returning for Christmas Leave with their families.  The unit has started its final phase in its preparation for their Iraq deployment by loading Conexes or Milvans with the equipment they will need.  The men of Alpha Company are eagerly awaiting their Christmas Leave, but are also determined to excel at the National Training Center.  Well, this concludes another update from the local National Guard Unit here at Camp Shelby.  Until our next monthly article, please keep the members of our families in your prayers and God Bless.