CLB-24 digitally trains for deployment

Marines with Combat Logistics Battalion 24, spent two days driving the streets of Iraq and Afghanistan without leaving the comforts of home, Nov. 19.

Using the Convoy Combat Simulator, which opened in July, Marines sit in seats of simulated High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicles and Medium Tactical Vehicle Replacements, better known as 7-ton trucks, and operate in a simulated Iraq or Afghanistan environment.

"The Convoy Combat Simulator specifically trains Marines how to deal with situations they may encounter in a real life scenario," said Adam J. Touchton, a civilian contractor at the CCS. "I would have to say that it is the most effective training that the military has to offer for this type of training. "

The Marines work together, using radio communication with other simulators linked to them, and convoy through realistic maps. During their time in the simulator they come upon real-life scenarios such as improvised explosion devises on the road, enemy contact and ambushes.

"The simulators were pretty intense, the graphics are very detailed and the scenarios are very realistic," said Lance Cpl. Stephanie K. Dauch, military policeman, MP Platoon, CLB-24, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit. "I learned how to properly execute escalation of force and the importance of dispersion during a convoy. "

This training better prepares CLB-24 Marines for their upcoming deployment as a part of the 24th MEU.

"The purpose of this training is to allow the Marines another way of receiving convoy training as opposed to having to take the time to plan and put together convoys and it provides them the opportunity to experience what it is like to operate in a different environment," said Gunnery Sgt. Tony L. Moore, operations staff non-commissioned officer-in-charge, CLB-24, 24th MEU.

Although they have been very busy with many types of training in the past few months, most Marines agreed that this simulator was one of the best tools they've used so far.

"I liked this training better than actually gearing up and going out on real convoys for training. I would prefer this over the other training that we have been doing," said Dauch. "I think everybody here learned something today and the Marines all had a lot of fun doing it. "