This week was “Patrolling Week”.  It is the one chance we get to truly taste the life of an infantryman.

Monday started with PT for those that had already been through the convoy simulator.  For those that had not, we made our way over to complete the simulation.  The simulator was an interesting experience.  Basically, 20 people mounted 5 Humvees and conducted a four truck route clearing mission.  A driver, truck commander, two dismounts and a gunner make up a truck team.  Each convoy has a convoy commander and a back-up commander.  The simulation mimics what a convoy could see on an OND or OEF route.  That includes rocket attacks, small arms fire, IEDs and civilians.  After the simulation each convoy team has an after action review (AAR).

The remainder of Monday was various training lanes, as those that had gone through the simulator still had to complete the radio and squad movement training, but the lanes were pretty low key.

Tuesday started out with a basic Combatives course for PT.  We then went on to train via Powerpoint on Operation Orders (OPORDs).  After that, we were basically done for the day to pack up our rucks for the field training.

Wednesday, Thursday and Friday was our field training at TTB Voyager.  It used to be called FOB Voyager.  TTB is Tactical Training Base – which means a simulated Forward Operating Base, but since it really isn’t “forward” we don’t call it a FOB anymore.

The TTB has a DFAC, barracks, shower facilities, a TOC (Tactical Operations Center) and various other temporary buildings.  It also has guard towers and portable latrines.  We conducted FOB operations over the course of Wednesday evening through Friday.

Friday morning was the 8 mile ruck march.  Everyone completed the ruck march, except those on a medical profile.  There were some that completed the ruck after sustaining injury during the ruck - including a fractured foot.  Those that didn’t will have another opportunity next week.  After completing the ruck march, each platoon had one more mission to complete and then we boarded the transport back to the company area so we could begin cleaning our weapons.

Everyone was pretty spent when we finished up in the field.  Most everyone is tired, sore and many are nursing injuries.  By now, everyone is ready to move on to their duty station or return to their Reserve/Guard units.  We still have four days next week to make our weapons spotless, clean our barracks for inspection, clean and turn-in all of our issued equipment and complete the paperwork necessary for graduation.  Come Thursday, our bags will be packed and we will be on our way.