As a HMMWV driver, what can I expect to bring to a summer JRTC rotation?

2LT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 15 Apr 2019 13:39:10 -0400

Hello all!

Me and my National Guard line unit are up for a JRTC rotation at Fort Polk during June 2019 (almost a month away). As a HMMWV driver, what can I expect to bring? I intend on keeping an assault bag and some sort of duty belt because a ruck is simply too much for this "Light Infantry War Simulation."
Any funny stories?
Meaningful advice?

Anything helps, my nervousness and excitement is growing by the day. Thanks to all.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Apr 15 at 2019 5:39 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Mon, 15 Apr 2019 17:39:49 -0400

leatherman

Response by SFC Ralph E Kelley made Apr 15 at 2019 8:09 PM

SFC Ralph E Kelley — Mon, 15 Apr 2019 20:09:35 -0400

1. Water, ammo (blank of course), MREs (Pre-packed in assault pack), camouflage, extra radio batteries, and Nods (with extra batteries) - because dismount is coming as soon as your vehicle is killed.
2. Lay low and they will attempt to search your dead vehicles to get SOI, graphics, other information and to 'restock' their ammo. Their sniper WILL overwatch, so wait till they leave then give'm about 10 -15 minutes before you mantrack them.
3. Drive out of FOBs then drop your teams (2 or 3 guys) a couple of terrain features away. setup OPs on the lines of drift and you'll be able to ambush them as they move in towards the FOB - use mortars.
4. Remember danger-close or use pre-registered targets to 'Shift from a Known Point'.
5. Engage the snipers first if you have to self-engage.
Tell the stupid OC that if he doesn't crawl when you crawl, run when you run or swim when you swim you're going to tie him up and call in his coordinates for pickup...

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 17 at 2019 10:31 AM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 17 Apr 2019 10:31:01 -0400

Packing list for sure. As your NCOs who've been there before. I'll be honest JRTC SUCKS. It is a whole lot of hurry up but no wait. You will get frustrated at OC/Ts and OPFOR. I alomost got fired a couple times because though there's only 1 actual OPFOR he "represents" an entire platoon of enemy, or some crap like that. Your unit will get destroyed, lots of dead and wounded (simulated). Have a goot aid bag.

I went twice as a Cav Scout, here's the trick. All your trucks should have the same load plan. Meaning every piece of equipment is in the same spot. Crews will get mixed up once the fun starts. Have some maintenance gear, and a couple decks of cards

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 20 at 2019 9:05 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 20 Apr 2019 21:05:23 -0400

JRTC packing list

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 20 at 2019 9:06 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 20 Apr 2019 21:06:18 -0400

Watch out for the horses

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 23 at 2019 1:31 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 23 Apr 2019 01:31:04 -0400

Follow your packing list. The command will make sure you have anything and everything you need for a successful rotation.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 25 at 2019 4:47 PM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 25 Apr 2019 16:47:07 -0400

Prepare to wear MOP suits in the heat, hydrate, and remember that it wont last forever.

Response by 1SG James Johns made Aug 21 at 2019 1:17 PM

1SG James Johns — Wed, 21 Aug 2019 13:17:24 -0400

Ft Puke...need I say more....Hydrate, Listen to your NCO, do your duty and you will be trained, you wont have fun, as you can see by no replies to "any funny stories" Puke is no joke in July-August or at least in my years of service. First time training at Puke was in 1972 as a young buck Sgt.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 24 at 2019 5:38 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 24 Aug 2019 05:38:20 -0400

What is a PFC(P)?