| Back | GaDOD Home |

June 15, 2007 - The war in Iraq is one that is different from conflicts fought just a few generations ago - no Maginot Lines, no tanks rolling, no hill charging. This one is being fought room-to-room. Military operations in urban terrain, or MOUT is what the Army calls it now.
"Kicking in doors and clearing building is what we'll be doing on a regular basis," said Pfc. Sean Hudson, of Cohutta, and a tanker with Headquarters Troop, 108th Reconnaissance, Surveillance, Target Acquisition Squadron.
While a tanker now, Hudson is scheduled to attend infantry school soon.
During the unit's two-week annual training at Fort Polk, La. Soldiers honed their skills learning from Special Forces Soldiers scheduled to deploy to Iraq this summer.
"Probably the next conflict we go to will be an urban environment," said Spc. Chris Gerhard of Rome and a Troop A, 108th RSTA Squadron tanker.
Gerhard, an Operation Iraqi Freedom veteran, is changing jobs too, but his new job will be as a scout.
"The more techniques we know, the more familiar we are, the more likely we are to stay alive, get the job done and complete the mission," said Hudson.
With white tape on the ground to outline walls of a house, 108th Soldiers moved room-to-room clearing the "glass house" of imaginary terrorists.
Special Forces Soldiers conducted the training, which garnered praise from the 108th Soldiers.
"It's probably some of the best training we've ever received," said Gerhard. "These guys have done so much."
"The training here is top-notch," said Pfc. Bret LaFollette of Temple and an Abrams tank mechanic who is scheduled to be a scout soon. "To receive it from Special Forces guys, you know it works."
From novice Soldiers to combat veterans it was training that was greatly appreciated.
"Those who lack combat experience, like myself, this extra training we received could make a huge difference," said Hudson.
He also noticed how the OIF vets took to the training.
"They're still learning too," Hudson said.. "I guess it indicates the quality of training."