CAMP GUERNSEY, Wyo. - The frigid wind whipped through the air on the North Range of Camp Guernsey, Wyo., coating everything in a thin layer of dirt – before blowing it away, Oct. 17.

It was the kind of wind that caused gloved hands to shake as they gripped the cold metal of an M240 Bravo, mounted to the top of an assault vehicle.

On the third day of a 10-day annual nuclear-convoy training exercise, airmen from F.E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyo. practiced firing while in a moving vehicle.

“It provides that realistic training environment the students need,” said Staff Sgt. Jordan Gaddis, 620th Ground Combat Training Squadron combat arms instructor. “We constantly train how we fight.”

The realistic training environment offers Airmen an opportunity to experience the noticeable difference between shooting while stationary, and shooting while in a moving vehicle.

“Shooting stationary is much easier,” Gaddis said. “When shooting from a moving vehicle, the students have to compensate for bumps in the road, the overall motion of the vehicle, as well as the turret movement.”

Gaddis pointed to a turret mounted to the top of the assault vehicle. A gunner from F.E. Warren was quickly loading the weapon and ensuring it was safe and ready to fire, when transport began.

“Most of these guys are from northern bases,” Gaddis said. “They are used to this terrain and weather conditions.”

During transport of a nuclear resource, the airmen involved in the convoy may have to quickly react to a threat. Gaddis said the training at Camp Guernsey provides both realistic and comprehensive scenarios airmen can use if attacked while on convoy. The goal is to enhance their skills and maximize the communication these airmen already have in place from working together every day.

“Communication really is the key to a successful operation,” Gaddis said. “We want to build on the standard operating procedures these airmen already have in place, so when they are attacked they won’t fall apart.”

As training continues, the F.E. Warren airmen prepare for their final challenge, Oct. 19 – the protection and possible recovery of a stolen nuclear resource.

“Most people think they can keep it together during a combat situation,” Gaddis said. “But, when the shooting starts – even though it’s training, communication often breaks down. That’s why we have such realistic training. It keeps the lines open, and keeps people alive.”

Editor’s Note: This story is part of a series highlighting Road Warrior X, the nuclear-convoy training exercise held annually at Camp Guernsey, Wyo.

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