The Apaches of Alpha Troop, 3/17th Cavalry
1999-2003

Controlled environment training is becoming a major attraction at YPG

By Marcella Chavez, Staff Writer

Recently, hard-top HMMWV's (high mobility, multi-purpose wheeled vehicles) have become almost a common sight as they have convoyed on the roads of U.S. Army Yuma Proving Ground. Over 40 soldiers from Fort Drum's Alpha Troop, 3rd Squadron 17th Cavalry have come to town.

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In charge of the forty-two soldiers training with these vehicles is Cpt. Rich Rouleau, a poised and non-assuming commander, resolute to give his soldiers recognition for what has made his unit one of a kind within the 10th Mountain Division. As the division's reconnaissance unit, the soldiers are the division commander's eyes and ears. They are a ground cavalry troop, all 42 of them, eager to take in the whole combat picture and make the best of their desert training in the time they have available. Their goal is to be known for readiness in whatever climate they encounter, said Rouleau.

"Some of my soldiers have participated in every major military effort our country has been in during recent years, from Somalia, to Haiti and Bosnia - some were even present to assist victims of Hurricane Andrew as well as other relief efforts," said Rouleau. "We also include Gulf War veterans who were deployed during Desert Storm."

Rouleau said his soldiers are at Yuma Proving Ground to improve their desert reconnaissance techniques. "This area is very different for us. For the last three years, we've been doing woodland-type training. The last time we were in the desert was in Somalia," explained Rouleau. After spending a month at the proving ground, they will go to Fort Knox, Ky., then back to Fort Drum, N.Y.

"At first, individual soldiers train alone," said Rouleau. "Platoon practice is usually next, and then follows troop exercises. Maintenance of vehicles in sand, both day and night, on land navigation courses is a critical assessment for the unit. Training schedules encompass exercises at the live firing course, driving course, mounted and dismounted land navigation, air insertion, and sling load training."

At Fort Drum, their higher headquarters, the 10th Aviation Brigade, alerted the troop to prepare for a 96-hour deployment sequence in order to travel to U.S. Army Yuma Proving Ground. They were given the command on January 7, 1999, and were at the proving ground three days later. They flew into Yuma on a C-5 aircraft.

Their focus is to train in the desert to assess crew reaction time, said Rouleau. His crew must fine tune "dismount and engage target" time sequences, using targets they brought with them. Rouleau rolled out a large map of eastern Yuma Proving Ground and explained how it would take six more maps the same size to give an idea of the extent of their exercises.

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The troop has conducted several air assault operation, long range dismounted patrolling as well as sling load operations. Training will culminate in a combined arms live fire and air extraction.

Rouleau expressed he had been to Yuma Proving Ground the first week of December - to Tow Town. This is the proving ground's vast area frequently used for testing, which is basically an unspoiled desert area.

"This area is just perfect for us to practice fundamentals of reconnaissance," said Rouleau.

After training at Yuma Proving Ground, these fine-tuned soldiers will deploy to Fort Knox at which time they will be evaluated. "Our soldiers are highly motivated super troopers," said Rouleau. The medic for the unit was initially concerned about dehydration because the soldiers had come from minus five-degree weather. He thought it might be too much of a change in climate for them so fast. The faces of the men said differently. They were delighted with the weather!