Operation Groundhog Day Turn Around Pt 1

Note: The following is the first of a multi-part piece chronicling an "average" mission for the 1133rd truck platoons.

"Alrighty, we've been allocated" the Squad Leader* announced to the assembled drivers. Not-so-silent cheers rise up from among them. The clip has been back in the Shire for a few days and are already eager to return to the road and escape from the perceived annoyances they find in garrison life.

Almost immediately the demeanor of the troops changes from a relaxed state to a business-like attitude. Truck assignments are read off and duties for the night are assigned.

For the next two days and nights the primary focus for the clip will be ensuring their trucks are mission-capable as soon as possible and any maintenance issues are fixed that can be. During off-duty time many of the clip attend to personal business such as laundry, letter writing, emails, and phone calls home. They still have a few days before leaving the Shire, but they know once they do contact with "the World" will be limited to what little time they can grab at an MWR** center, Internet Café or phone center.

On the second night, the first round of maintenance inspections has mixed results. This inspection is at the company-level and the mechanics live up to their reputation of being thorough. Out of four vehicles, three have issues that require more than a quick fix. Fortunately the mechanics know their job well and by the time the battalion-level inspection arrives six hours later, all the vehicles are fully ready to roll. Two hours prior to the second inspection, the trucks are driven to the inspection area and the drivers immediately prepare their vehicles. Paperwork is double checked to ensure it is up-to-date, and then they relax and wait.

After the inspection the clip is then off to their convoy briefing where they are brought up-to-date on the specifics for the mission. The drivers are then released for not quite 24 hours, which they use to finish up on personal matters and catch some sleep. Currently the drivers have been working an overnight schedule, but for the next couple days will be switching to a day-time one. The change-over does not present much of a problem most of the time, but the summer heat and lack of consistent climate control in the tents the clip will be staying in can make the change a challenge at times.

* Also known as the CC for CLP (clip) or Convoy Commander.

** Morale, Welfare, and Recreation.

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