NVD Drivers Training

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 10 Feb 2015 17:17:46 -0500

I used to be in a tank unit, it was taken for granted that everyone could drive at night. Now I am not and finding the need to start a drill based NVD drivers training. Suggestions? Comments? Humorous stories of colossal failures?

[EDIT]
I have just been promoted into the Battalion S-3 shop as the CRBN NCO. So I should be focusing on CRBN Training, however the S-3 is the smallest shop of its kind that I have ever seen. This means I will 1) Not be focusing on my CRBN job. 2) Should have more of a 'Voice' as there will be fewer v oices around.

At the company level I focused on a combined training model. Tasks were taught and demonstrated then combined for testing. (Yes I know this is a little off 'The Army Way') For instance combining land navigation, dismounted patrolling tasks and radio communications.

I find good feed back from junior participants and split from E-6 and above Positive feed back was strongly correlated with the NCO's ability to perform said tasks.

I personally feel that the inability to operate at night under noise and light discipline is a danger, not from enemy fire but from internal injuries. So I have a self assigned mission to push for quality training.

The barriers are risk adverse leadership, mandatory training, power point, subordinate units apathy, and 'Not Invented Here Syndrome'

Besides the tactical advantages I also see us bleeding quality soldiers every month because of our failure to provide them challenging and engaging training. If I had come in to this army four years ago I would be checking out right now.

What I want to hear is both solutions to the political barriers and advice on keeping the training both safe and challenging.

I would also like to see rally point have some higher value than arguing over the latest political issue.

Response by SGT Steven Eugene Kuhn MBA made Feb 10 at 2015 5:18 PM

SGT Steven Eugene Kuhn MBA — Tue, 10 Feb 2015 17:18:45 -0500

This is a MUST, especially for young recruits! As a tanker myself, I have seen some bad happenings!

Response by SGT Jim Z. made Feb 16 at 2015 10:34 PM

SGT Jim Z. — Mon, 16 Feb 2015 22:34:18 -0500

I will say driving at night with out NVD is completely different then driving with them. This is a critical task that should be trained to prevent loss of equipment, and more importantly loss of life or limbs.