wb1895
Member
- 876
- 16
- 18
- Location
- Lexington NC
Before I start this discussion I have to put my disclaimer in. The following took place at the express written permission of my company commander and my battalion commander.
Three weeks ago my National Guard unit began preparations for our annual training at Fort Bragg NC. Due to several equipment failures my company was extremely short on equipment. My commander knew that I have my Deuce and a half and my MEP-003A, and asked if I would be willing to bring them to support our company during our training. He expressed to me that the unit would accept responsibility for the equipment and maintain it, fuel it, and I would be the only operator of it.
Well the day came and I provided a MEP-003A on a M116A2 trailer, and my M35A2 pulling the M105A2. We are a Mechanized Infantry Company, and I was responsible for hauling all of the BII for the M2 Bradleys, and all of the company's ruck sacks, and A-bags. Needless to say the truck and trailer were pack from front to back and top to bottom......She was heavy. We made the 30 mile trip to the ranges of Ft. Bragg and set up our AA. She hauled all of the gear with no problems, and seemed to run a little happier once she hit the dirt roads and trails. Once at our AA at DZ Normandy, we set up camp and began training. The deuce was used everyday hauling troops, equipment, and supporting the live fire ranges. When we picked up our Bradleys from the motor pool, I was following behind on the tank trails hauling the BII and other equipment. THAT was probably the most fun I have had in my deuce since I have had it.....The tank trails were AWESOME!!!!!
The MEP, was set up at out AA and was started and provided electricity for 5 total tents including our company CP. The generator ran non stop except for a scheduled shutdown every second day to check oil and fuel filters. The MEP ran without ANY issues and ran at around 3/4 to 1 gallon an hour. I should mention that both the MEP and Deuce ran on JP-8 the entire three weeks.
I could not have been any happier seeing the old girls doing their thing one more time, and they seemed to be happy being back working. The only issue I had was a flat inside dual on the Deuce, but we made a training exercise for some of the new privates on vehicle maintenance, and providing security if your vehicle goes down.
All in all it was an awesome experience and I could not have been happier to support my company when it was needed. I was even awarded an AAM for the support. Before I left to come home my commander made sure that the generator and the deuce were full of JP-8 for the trip.
Pictures to follow as soon as I find them...........
Three weeks ago my National Guard unit began preparations for our annual training at Fort Bragg NC. Due to several equipment failures my company was extremely short on equipment. My commander knew that I have my Deuce and a half and my MEP-003A, and asked if I would be willing to bring them to support our company during our training. He expressed to me that the unit would accept responsibility for the equipment and maintain it, fuel it, and I would be the only operator of it.
Well the day came and I provided a MEP-003A on a M116A2 trailer, and my M35A2 pulling the M105A2. We are a Mechanized Infantry Company, and I was responsible for hauling all of the BII for the M2 Bradleys, and all of the company's ruck sacks, and A-bags. Needless to say the truck and trailer were pack from front to back and top to bottom......She was heavy. We made the 30 mile trip to the ranges of Ft. Bragg and set up our AA. She hauled all of the gear with no problems, and seemed to run a little happier once she hit the dirt roads and trails. Once at our AA at DZ Normandy, we set up camp and began training. The deuce was used everyday hauling troops, equipment, and supporting the live fire ranges. When we picked up our Bradleys from the motor pool, I was following behind on the tank trails hauling the BII and other equipment. THAT was probably the most fun I have had in my deuce since I have had it.....The tank trails were AWESOME!!!!!
The MEP, was set up at out AA and was started and provided electricity for 5 total tents including our company CP. The generator ran non stop except for a scheduled shutdown every second day to check oil and fuel filters. The MEP ran without ANY issues and ran at around 3/4 to 1 gallon an hour. I should mention that both the MEP and Deuce ran on JP-8 the entire three weeks.
I could not have been any happier seeing the old girls doing their thing one more time, and they seemed to be happy being back working. The only issue I had was a flat inside dual on the Deuce, but we made a training exercise for some of the new privates on vehicle maintenance, and providing security if your vehicle goes down.
All in all it was an awesome experience and I could not have been happier to support my company when it was needed. I was even awarded an AAM for the support. Before I left to come home my commander made sure that the generator and the deuce were full of JP-8 for the trip.
Pictures to follow as soon as I find them...........
