Shake Rattle n Roll

With each new version of training I go to in preparation for a deployment, I am always learning new tactics or procedures. Today was no exception as some of our class received what the Army refers to as "HEAT" training. No, this has nothing to do with staying warm. It does, however, have everything to do with emergency procedures for a rollover in a HMMWV or "Humvee" as it is more affectionately known.

This has been the coolest training we've received so far. I equate it to a slow moving ride at the state fair...kinda fun and kinda scary at the same time. After a short classroom session, we suited up in our battle rattle for a few rehearsal drills. A quick note about battle rattle - if you ever wanted to feel like GI Joe, all you have to do is strap on a helmet and some body armor and you instantly feel like a real american hero. Even I was starting to feel like a battle-hardened soldier after a few drills in our gear.

The reality of having to climb out of a Humvee sank in once we entered the rollover simulator. There is plenty of room on the inside but I found it to be very deceiving once we were upside down. The machine rolled us left and right for what seemed like forever. During the first drill we ended upside down and I, as the driver, had more items to navigate during my very cumbersome escape. If you have ever watched a newborn animal try to walk or right itself, then you will have a good mental picture of what I must have looked like.

My second trip in the washing machine ended with the vehicle laying on the passenger side. Rolling and landing on the roof was one type of fun, rolling and landing on the side while suspended in the air is another type of no-fun. As the last member to be released from my seat, I was thankful to be out of the vehicle and providing security on the ground.

Overall it was another good day with some more invaluable training. Tomorrow's festivities don't start until noon, so I am looking forward to enjoying some extra sleep.