During a two-day training session conducted in the mountains of central Pennsylvania, members of the 630th Transportation Company and the 1004th Quartermaster Company, two 99th Regional Readiness Command units recently mobilized in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, learned some colorful truths regarding convey security. Called "Gun-Truck Alley" and designed by Soldiers attached to the Command's Operations and Intelligence Section, the exercise was aimed at teaching the participants, whose activities overseas most likely will include convoy operations, how to respond more effectively to potential ambush situations.

For the exercise, more than 200 Soldiers and 50 tractor trailers and HUMVEEs from both units were transported to the site to give the training more realism and to help emphasize training concepts. In addition, each Soldier was issued a functioning paintball weapon and enough ammo to either defend or attack a multi-vehicle military convoy.

Under the direction of Sgt. Maj. Robert Metz, the non-commissioned officer in charge of the training, the units broke into teams. And, as Metz outlined and demonstrated techniques for combat assault team ambushes and convoy dismounted defensive tactics, each Soldier was given the opportunity to serve both as the attacker and the intended victim.

"People get excited and panic. And then, BANG! Do you know what that's called? That's called collateral damage, and it's unacceptable. Do you understand?" Metz yelled at the trainees, who stared out from the hard plastic safety protection of their paintball shields.

The actual site of "Gun-Truck Alley" was an abandoned stretch of the old Pennsylvania Turnpike--perfect for conducting the logistical training since part of the exercise covered vehicle operations, as well as over-the-road driving, both of which are extremely difficult to replicate in a classroom situation.

As the first convoy prepared to move through its initial line of departure, OPFOR (opposing forces) were pre-positioned along the route to provide special challenges for the Soldiers getting ready to enter "Gun-Truck Alley."

"In this scenario, we had standard 'daisy-chain' with four charges and a partial roadblock to channel the convoy into a kill zone for maximum effectiveness," said Master Sgt. David Leister, one of the trainers. "We also had an RPG (rocket-propelled grenade) and both high and low positioned fire teams."

According to Leister, other realistic scenarios simulated for the Soldiers include IEDs (improvised explosive device), as well as other command or electrically charged detonated mines and smoke. With each convoy, the OPFOR varied its ambush location and approach to better hone Soldiers' reconnaissance skills throughout the route.

Lt. Col. Charles O'Neill, Senior Intelligence Officer, Operations and Intelligence Section, created the scenarios from up-to-date intelligence data gathered from reports detailing actual ambushes in Iraq. The team also designed scenarios based upon AARs (after-action reviews) and lessons learned from the 99th and 220th Military Policy Brigade (still serving in Iraq), as well as from III Corps.

In addition, three of the trainers, Maj. Jodie Snider, Sgt. 1st Class Brian Borowski and Sgt. 1st Class Christopher Uphold all recently returned from duty in Iraq, bringing first-hand experience to the exercise.

"The paintball allows you to actually see what's happening--in living color," said Spc. Joshua Speights, 1004th Quartermaster Company, Greensburg, Pennsylvania. "Getting hit is actually getting hit. It's definitely an eye-opener. I'm embarrassed to admit that I was hit twice."

After each convoy arrived at the end point, several AARs were conducted--one by each of the convoy and ambush cells and then collectively with input from everyone, including the trainers.

Then it was off to another scenario with "veterans" from each side now serving in opposing capacities. With each consecutive exercise, the bar was raised and the vehicles became more liberally sprinkled with shades of yellow and pink indicating successful strikes.

"You can see what kind of hits you're taking on your vehicles, right?" Maj. Jodie Snider asked a group who had just completed the course. "Right now, it's paint. But you guys are headed to Baghdad, and there it will be lead. This should be a wake-up call for those of you who don't have your heads in the game yet."

"If your forward progress is not arrested--if you are not halted--never stop to look at anything," interjected Metz.

"When you stop, the vehicle behind you stops. Then the one behind it stops. Do you understand? You're like fish in a barrel. And what do we do to fish in a barrel?"

"SHOOT THEM!" responded a chorus of Soldiers.

During the exercise, Soldiers also were taught the importance of communications throughout a convoy. This was particularly critical since many enemy strategies involve cutting off the rear end of a convoy, and killing trailing vehicle drivers and occupants using hit-and-run tactics.