We get to play video games?!?!

So Friday of week 2 was better than a weekend of Call of Duty!  We were trained on the VBS2 (Virtual Battlespace) Army simulator.  It is a computer program in which they train soldiers for any battlefield scenario and allow us to run specific scenarios in order to build our knowledge and confidence before the real thing.  The program is based upon real-world scenarios such as IED attacks, ambushes, as well as numerous other situations.  We trained specifically on Convoy Operations.  Convoys are one of the most dangerous events a soldier can encounter during wartime.  There are many variables in a convoy which can lead to disaster, and based on this fact, the Army has begun utilizing this computer simulator to allow soldiers to prepare for these missions without the negative results. 

Our homework on Thursday night called for each Lieutenant to put together a convoy mission, or movement brief, stating the route we would take, our mission directive, potential obstacles such as Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), riotous crowds, or potential ambush sites.  We then briefed our movement plan back to the platoon, and proceeded to simulate the mission on laptops with the VBS2 program installed.  Each vehicle had a driver (he even had a steering wheel and gas/brake pedals), a gunner, and a TC, or Tank Commander.  We moved from our starting points, making sure to hit the appropriate checkpoints on the route, while reacting to any hindrance we encountered.  It was pretty hooah** shit!  We encountered all of the above obstacles, and disposed of them each in good measure, although we did take some casualties because the guys running the simulators had all of the power! 

After finishing up with VBS, we had a 1700 formation to inspect our field gear and to make sure everything was in its proper place.  We then received our safety briefing for the weekend, and were released.  Gonna be a good weekend of relaxation, although I am not looking forward to wake-up at 0200 Monday morning to go take our Land Navigation test.  Ugh.....



Hooah:  1. A word slang for any acknowledgement or for showing excitement or an accomplishment. Of military origins.  2. Army slang used as a generic response to any question that would otherwise require a yes or no, or used in place of profanity when being given bullshit orders or receiving an ass chewing.  3. Heard understood acknowledged 4. I don't know what you said but I want you to think I was paying attention.  5. I disagree but i'll do it anyway.  6. I want you to think I care.  7.  I want to show you I can act motivated.  8. hardcore, tough.

Paulson out....