MRAP Rolllover

Another fun and challenging training event this week - MRAP rollover training.  MRAP (Mine Resistant Ambush Protected) vehicles are the newest vehicles in the Army inventory to protect soldiers from ambushes and IED attacks during convoys. 

They are huge, massive vehicles and have been extremely effective in protecting and reducing injuries from IEDs, however their center of gravity and sheer mass makes them susceptible to rolling over, which can cause just as many casualties if people aren't trained to be able to get through a rollover safely and then exit the MRAP correctly.  Thus, a new training requirement was developed to give soliders the rollover sensation and force them to be able to get out, with full gear, and call for support.  They also have rollover training for Humvees, but they are so rarely used in convoys anymore that training has switched to MRAPs.



MRAP rollover trainer



The trainer looks like a big spaceship / Kennywood ride, but inside it looks and feels identical to an MRAP.  Seven people trained at one time - the driver, vehicle commander, gunner, and four passengers.  We all had roles to play in the evacuation, and then had to post security and call for recovery and replacements once we were out.  The Army did a nice job of keep the training realistic and authentic.

Walking/sweating our way to dinner

Other than that, there have been some seemingly long days, mostly due to the heat and gear, but its been tolerable and enjoyable for the most part. And most importantly it's given us a trial run at working together as a team before we leave and do it for real.  We have a really strong team and I know we'll do well. 

Do not photgraph

FIVE MORE DAYS!!

But who's counting?

Check out the MRAP size compared to the people and the humvee on the right. 

These things are monsters.

Video of the training in action - the delay of everyone getting out is because they are hanging upside down with all 50 lbs of gear, plus their pistol, and a rifle that they need to keep control of and not bust anyone in the head. Then they need to get out of their harness, flip upside down without landing on your head and neck, and then open the (very heavy) doors and run out, sweating and out of breath (even the people who are in shape!).  It has to be done all without kicking and knocking into your buddies, the gunners chair, the steering wheel, and all the other crap inside that something always seems to get stuck on.  And you have to deal with the Army instructors screaming at you that you're too slow.  It was fun!!