After completing RAP week we were immediately thrown into classes for squad level patrolling. The detailed required to brief an OPORD was unreal and even for an officer straight out of school where we learned the process, it was like drinking from a fire hydrant. After a few days of classes we were moved onto cadre led patrols, which are very helpful and detrimental to learning the right way to conduct a patrol. The constant change of what is expected from each RI reduces the confidence of everyone, even an SF E7. Graded patrols began before any of us thought we were ready, and guess who was the first one up. Being the first is not always a good thing especially when everyone is nervous and unsure what to expect. I will spare you the details, but we got 6 NO-GO's that day. Something I want to touch on is the RI AAR's don't look into them too much. I think part of the RI's job is to play mind games with the students. In this case, they tell you it was a good patrol with small imperfections, but "keep doing what you are doing and you will be just fine", which translates to you failed miserably and I just want to see you squirm.
Movements were very easy during Darby IF you have a good route and point man. You will rarely travel further than 3 or 4 kilometers through sparse woods. There are exceptions to this, and if you do not plan a good route you will suffer. There are erosion ditches that are 100 ft deep as well as swamps with mud that will go up to your chest, but you will rarely encounter this if you just pay attention to your terrain on the map recon.
The lanes will be almost exactly the same every time if you are transported to your infiltration point or walk there. Usually they will begin with indirect fire within the first one hundred meters inside enemy territory. After reacting to indirect fire you will move out of the area FAST (let me stress fast because its part of your grade). Once you are in a safe area you will get a head count and pinpoint your position on the map so that you can continue your mission. After moving out within a few hundred meters you will get hit by the OPFOR and you will have to REACT-TO-CONTACT, again another grading point. Again after consolidation and pinpointing you will move on to your ORP.
The ORP will almost never be taken by force, unless time is the issue. After setting up your ORP leadership will change and the second leadership will finish the mission. BTL will stay back for ORP security (easiest way to get a Go) and wait for further directions from the SL. After completing the mission (either a Recon or Ambush) you will move back to Camp Darby.
Movement at night with shitty night vision is a little difficult for guys who do not use NOD's very often. Most leaders overlook this portion on the patrol, but it is a portion of your grade. Keep good noise and light discipline and get your squad back to Darby quickly. There is a link up that you will have to do either to get onto a truck or to walk into Darby, its not difficult, just look at your Ranger Handbook and you will be fine.
The rest of the night will be dedicated to weapons maintenance, equipment accountability, and preparing for the next days mission. After all priorities of work have been completed you will be allowed to eat and sleep, some times 15 min. It is key to get back to Darby quickly and complete all of your tasks to get some sleep, do that and you can get 3 hours of sleep a night, that makes a world of difference on Go's and No-Go's. I could go on and on about tips and suggestions but I do not have a platform to stand on, because I have not successfully completed Ranger School. I do have a AAR for Ranger School from a friend who was the DMG, that will help more than I can.
I will beheading off next week for my second go at Ranger School, I hope to go through first time but I will stay as long as it takes because I am too stupid to quit. The tab means to much to me, my men and my career progression. I hope to be writing you next time as an Airborne Ranger. My wife will be updating with help from my letters, thank you for following and your comments.
No comments:
Post a Comment