After-Action Report

Topics covered: Defensive communications, vehicle checkpoint security drills, rules of engagement/ force continuum, non-lethal takedowns, WARNORD, OPORD, terrain analysis, map & grid reconnaissance, Swiss seats, rappelling basics, passage of lines, patrol basics, actions on contact, PIP sheet check offs, defense CQB drill, EPW drill.

Topics covered: Fire-building, hypothermia diagnosis and treatment, ghillie shields, grid/ map reconnaissance, terrain diagramming, WARNORD, OPORD, passage of lines, PIP check offs, field phone familiarization, weapons familiarization, basic knot tying/ rappelling knots.

Operation Cow Tipper began late in the evening, well past dark. The main focus of this training exercise was for a reconnaissance element (Rogues) to link-up with a main task force (Minotaur) at a predetermined location. The link up was done with signal devices to indicate when the Rogues were within 200 and 100 yards of the Link Up Point (LUP) and then to find them in-close at the LUP. The actual link-up took place away from task force Minotaur's ORP and only consisted of the leader and his hand-select team. After the units linked up a briefing was given on a secondary objective; a lightly defended enemy location. The combined task force then moved close to the objective and determined an impromptu attack strategy. The location having been used before for other training sessions was recycled but with a few different twists - a new approach vector and a realistic OPFOR. The Task Force opted for an assault team with a combined security/ support element. After more planning and coordination, the second phase was kicked off as the exercise was put in to motion. Support teams prepped the area and then transitioned, in tandem with the entry team, to their designated security roles. When the entry team stated they were "coming out" the security/ support teams began pulling up to begin the fallback to the ORP. At the objective rally point, an ACE check was conducted as well as a headcount. Having all personnel accounted for, the training oversight team shutdown the training for an administrative return to the staging area for an AAR.

The training began with members on sight at 0900 for corporal's hour, a time period for the team leaders to begin warming up exercises for everyone. At 1000 hours the training weekend kicked off. The Qualifications course of fire was done on the Upper Range while a tactical course (similar to IDPA or IPSC) was done on the Valley Range. This shooting format continued throughout the majority of the day as teams rotated in and out of the ranges in a round robin format. Qualifications went well, many people learned well and everyone was impressed with the lady who qualified with the .22LR (at 200 yards that's impressive!). Several members qualified Sharpshooter and Expert. After the Quals, everyone returned to the staging area for dinner. BTW, It rained most of the day. Training Sunday finished at 1100 hrs. to give people time to clean rifles and pack up for home.

The 20th Anniversary of the ODF was on September 19th. Third and Fourth battalions celebrated the occasion with a potluck BBQ during the regular weekend training session. The course material for the weekend was on textbook infantry maneuvers with immediate action drills. The training began first with a classroom lecture brief on maneuvers and composition of native light infantry forces. After this, the participants were put into the field with specific functions to either play the roles of antagonist or protagonists. All members were given stress inoculation training with paintball and blank firing weapons. Initially, the maneuvers required considerable time for set-up, but as the weekend progressed it became easier. After a mid-afternoon AAR, training was shut down for the potluck celebration (there was so much food!) some family members were also in attendance and people enjoyed the BBQ until it dusk. Then the order to gear up was given and we went back out at night for a few more runs. On Sunday we reviewed the materials covered and then went out for a few more hours. Many thanks to all who made this training happen.

Statewide training this year was held at the former Minimum Security Prison on Ransbottom Road in Roseville, Ohio. The Roseville Prison boasts 4 main buildings, with some of the buildings having multiple stories. The training for the weekend was intense. Saturday morning exercises consisted of a variety of courses done in a round robin style. These courses included: weapon retention with rifles and pistols; Procedure for dealing with Enemy Prisoners of War (EPW), and a medical class on wound management at the Aid Station level. The morning activities lasted for about 3 hours and then Dress Formation was called.

After formation, there was a quick break to reorganize for the next class. Which was on the Military Grid Reference System using 1:24000 scale maps. This was a useful primer for anyone who was not familiar with orienteering and also a good refresher for those who were familiar with map, compass, and protractor. The map class lasted for about 3 hours and then lunch was served. Always nice to have a complete kitchen staff who are willing to do the food prep to make a training weekend come together. In fact 1 BN also had a complete Security Platoon that assisted with the details for the weekend freeing up participants from doing fire watch.

The next order of business was a discussion on the basics of urban warfare taught by the 4 BN commander, a Marine Rifleman. The course covered principles of attack, defense, and realistic expectations of conducting warfare in the 3D urban environment. After the discussion, it was time to put actions to words; the course then covered aspects of moving through an urban setting. This included what is and is not cover, watching high crossing low street level windows, moving past regular windows, slicing the pie, using angles, and watching high as well as low (manholes). The next order of business was traversing fences and walls. The Roseville prison is excellent for urban combat with several low and high walls/ fences to practice this. This was considered the introductory phase - or "how to get to an urban objective".

After dinner the next phase was on the 4 man stack to breach and room clearing exercises. This was done as a "hot breach" in that the expectation was that the enemy knew you were there and all stealth and subterfuge had gone out the window. Four man teams practiced stacking up and running the basic breach and then room clear. Emphasis was placed on safety, communication, and thoroughness of action. After everyone had done this at least a half a dozen times, the next training was on traveling through hallways and up/ down stairwells. Stairwells are usually considered to be "death traps" and avoided at all costs. Unfortunately, that is not always the reality of the situation. By 2300 hours we were ready shut training down for the evening. The 4th meal was served, chili, a tradition of the ODF.

Reveille was at 0700 with breakfast shortly thereafter. The battalions were called to assemble with full gear, paintball (or airsoft) and paintball safety equipment. Sunday would consist of two activities; battalions would be combined into 2 elements. 1 element would practice breaching and clearing an objective under stress. The other multi-battalion element would conduct a map & compass exercise, using skills put to use from yesterday's class. The elements would then switch.

The urban warfare objective utilized paintball equipment. Mind you we do NOT play paintball, we USE paintball. Contrary to Hollywood programming people do not die right away when they get shot. And that is the basis of our stress training; "Bad Guys" who are active role players in the scenario have a predetermined number of hits they will take before they slump over (no walk offs). The trainees never die, if they get hit they are explicitly told to keep going (while this may seem illogical at first, it is based on proven training put forth by experts in the field of Survival Stress Response. We are here to learn to win, not learning to lose). The training was further enhanced with some of the bad guys also using blank firing weapons. The AK-47 created a considerable report in an enclosed space, coupled with a few full auto paintball guns the training provided by the OPFOR was intense. After both elements had run the scenario and the map course, there was a general debriefing of the entirety of the training for the whole weekend. At 1400 hours the training was officially closed with several units breaking camp and making there treks home.

Members began arriving around 0900. Those who were there were put to work for an informal Corporal's hour; busting up pallets for firewood and gathering loose scraps for the weekend. At 1000 hours formation was called and a general info session was called regarding the weekend's intended training, the new team structures, the PIP Hatchet, and the battalion fund-raiser. After formation everyone geared up and did a 2 mile road march in 35 minutes, completing one of their PIP requirements. After the road march, the unit convoyed to Beaver Creek State Park, specifically Gretchen's Lock to conduct river rescue training.

In the past the NEODF has been activated several times by the Columbiana County Sheriff's Office to assist with disaster operations during flooding. The Unit prides itself on River and High Water training as being an integral part of the training evolution. Skills covered were how to use the grappling hook and or line to cross a river, how to set up a line to catch someone midstream, how to create a human chain, how to inflate a pair of trousers to create a personal flotation device, and general water safety issues. Several of the members found the neck deep water to be very cold even for July.

After drying out and returning to base, we broke for lunch using the intermission in training as time to get a hot meal in. Several members had chattering teeth - proof positive that hypothermia can set in at any season. The next order of business was a tactical hike to the CQB house. On the way the NCOs gave ample opportunity to practice patrolling skills through linear danger areas and around box danger areas. With copious practice in between for hand signals and formations.

At the Close Quarter Battle House. The members present from June reviewed the order of breaching and clearing to members who were not present. The battalion standard was set and the new members practiced breaching until they were thoroughly trained in the procedure (or thoroughly disgusted at hearing the words "do it again"). Senior members who were not involved were sent down to the barn to practice clearing a non-traditional structure and to practice that several times. After the basics were put down to memory. The teams were reassembled and the stress algorithm (crawl-walk-run-hyper run) was introduced into the training curriculum this. This meant that the teams that thought they had it down well were told t do it again the difference was that the people on the inside were told to make as much noise as possible (smack the walls with rulers, blow whistles, yell at the team, etc.). The added stress created a new dimension to the training that wasn't otherwise realized. After each team had several opportunities to do this the teams stood down for AAR and some good humored team building exercises prior to hoofing it back to base.

Dinner came and a OPORD and SMEAC were given for Operation Solitaire (a mid-level training/ scenario exercise). Solitaire was a covert night strike on an enemy electronic listening post using 2 main elements; Strike and Support. Concept of operations was to insert north of the target via vehicle and move to an ORP 1 terrain feature away from the target. At the ORP a GOTWA was issued/ OPSEC re-discussed and then the leader's recon commenced. The leaders determined it advantageous to change the initial plan based on their onsite assessment. The teams were assembled, plans were discussed to enhance the learning experience, and then the Support team moved out. After setting their positions Support signaled to Strike to begin operations. Strike moved into position, called for fire support, and then moved to their second objective. A flashlight burst from Strike signaled Support to shift fires. As Strike moved to breach Support then moved up to subdivide into 2 sub-elements; Inside and Outside Security. As Strike breached and cleared, Inside Security would move through and re-clear the areas behind them. Outside Security took up 360 degree perimeter. After the objective was secured the teams stood down and a general Admin session was used to do a focused AAR and to allow other members to clear the structure at night. After this an Administrative hike back to base was conducted.

0800 and the personnel were back up for breakfast and training. The order of the day was tracking and reconnaissance tracking to gather HUMINT. The first basis of tracking is to identify the red zone, and what human track is. The popsicle drill was done in pairs, with ample time applied to burn in what a track is. Also the track stick and how a tactical tracking team is set up. After this the buddy teams were worked together to practice identifying track signs in tall brush. The destruction of vegetation was a clear sign of movement even if the tracks were not able to be seen. After this the teams moved back to the area where the late night Admin hike came out of. The trainees practiced picking up the tracks and differentiating them. They also viewed how a track aged and ways to artificially age a track. Also aspects of escape and evasion were discussed. At the river the teams then identified a particular track, set their track sticks to it and followed it back to camp. After this they went back to their popsicle drill. At 1130 hours training was dismissed for the weekend. Some of the members took the opportunity to use the open range.

6. Tracking is a learned skill - you are not good overnight. Practice often.

With the completion of morning formation, members regrouped on the NEODF range for a CQB session with our Weapons Specialist who ran members through a series of drills on a �Hot Range� after reviewing general range safety rules, and giving some new members a quick run through on the drills with empty weapons.

Engagement of targets while in squad & team formations and while moving was practiced, including making multiple magazine changes also while moving. Once all members had the opportunity to run through this in teams of 4, the range was policed for stray magazines and re-loadable brass, the abbreviated battalion then reformed in the CP area to shed live ammo and re-gear for a trip to the abandoned farm house for further CQB assault run through drills for the rest of the afternoon. Repeated assaults were made with teams being rotated such that everyone had opportunity to breach in every position, and with different members.

Team debriefs were held each time a breach was completed, to give everyone the opportunity to ask questions and to critique the training and the purpose of each movement, and how best to overcome the changing dynamic of the mission being rehearsed.

Teams then were divided into two groups, one defending against an assault on the structure, and the other assaulting from afar. Much was learned after both groups each assaulted then defended the farm house. Barring the use of explosive devices, the defense of a structure, and assault on same, is very manpower intensive, with much responsibility on each team member to perform their assigned task diligently and quickly, as all of your teammates are relying upon you!

At 1630 hours, the teams boarded vehicles to travel back to the CP area for a late lunch/early dinner and a more in depth de-brief of the CQB rehearsal as we were scheduled to return to same after dark, to breach the structure using blank .12 gauge rounds to simulate breaching loads and flash/bang grenades!

1800 hours saw the introduction of Tactical Movements for teams in the form of the �Slalom� and the �Bounding Over-watch�. A break was taken at 1930 hours, giving members a chance to cool off in the humid Ohio evening, before re-gearing up for the nighttime CQB on the farm house. At 2100 hours vehicles were boarded and the remaining teams transported to the farm house for additional CQB in �Low Light Environment� with flash bang & breaching shotgun fire simulated with blank rounds.

Multiple assaults were made on the structure, again with the team roles rotating so that everyone had opportunity to experience all of the varied tasks involved in �Breaching� a structure. Especially educational was the opportunity to be inside the house while it was being breached, witnessing first hand the disorienting effects of the simulated flash bang and the intermittent use of weapon lights during the breaching OP in a No Light situation! Very disturbing to experience, as even if you were anticipating the armed assault, you find yourself helplessly frozen in place and unable to respond martially without great physical and mental effort!

After a de-brief and informal discussion on CQB OPs in particular, and Unit OPs in general, vehicles then transported the teams back to the CP where training was secured for the day and members retired to the campfire for a hot dinner and casual conversation before hitting their racks for the night.

After reveille, the remaining members gathered after morning chow to review Vehicle OPs and Vehicle Movement in Convoy. 360˚ security after dismounting, mounting and dismounting operations, and in transit security were all covered. Appropriate use of different types of vehicles was also discussed (SUVs, Pickups, Dump Trucks, and cars with and without trunks). Weapon handling in vehicles was practiced, with mounting and dismounting safely with weapons practiced.

Remember: when traveling in aircraft, it�s muzzle down in condition III; in ground vehicles, it�s muzzle up in condition III.

At 1100 hours this date, training was secured for the weekend, and members dismissed to break down tents and shelters, and pack their gear. Though heavy rain was experienced briefly, and typical Ohio humidity stuck around all weekend, the 2 day training cycle was very effective indeed!

1) Close Quarter Battle relies heavily on teamwork! Practice with your teammate!, Often!

2) Never take your eyes off the target when engaged with hostiles, even when reloading, moving, or even breaking contact!

3) You must be the master of your weapon! Never let it�s functions surprise you. Know it intimately. Never release the trigger after firing, until you are ready to fire again, or are making the weapon safe!

4) *** ALWAYS maintain muzzle discipline! Remember the safety circle! Never sweep anything you do not intend to shoot, unless directed otherwise! ***

5) When on patrol, always make intermittent eye contact with the teammate ahead of you and behind you every 3-5 steps. Be ready to pass on any hand signals at all times. Maintain proper interval for the terrain, climate, time of day, and OP specifics.

Members of 1^st BN, 3^rd BN, and 4^th BN began to gather at the bivy area of the 3^rd BN Range in Columbiana County prior to official check in time of 1100 hours for the 1^st annual Basic Infantry Course being offered to new (and existing) members by the Ohio Defense Force.

Due to a last minute snag, the training was divided up between 2 areas (3^rd BN & 5^th BN); instead of a single training site for the whole state originally to be hosted by 1^st BN. Accordingly, this caused some shifting of instructors and class schedules.

The first class of the day was a Navigation Course which had each member run a fixed compass course (basic orienteering) after completion of an overview of the various types of compasses, and how to get a bearing (azimuth), and find a reciprocal course. Members were able to practice their ranger pace count, and familiarize themselves with setting and maintaining a bearing.

Class then reconvened in the bivy area where the 4^th BN commander gave an overview of basic small unit hand signals and fire team & squad level movement formations. Differences were learned between team sized and squad sized movement on patrol, and during reaction to contact and breaking of contact. Placement of team and squad leaders was explained, and various positives and negatives to each type of movement was covered in some detail. Teams were divided up and followed a training circuit whereby instructors would give them a formation and they then hand to use the hand signal to get into formation and move through the circuit. During this time and throughout the remainder of the course new team leaders were rotated through so that everyone had the opportunity to give the commands and also be an assistant TL.

At 1930 hours, after a fortifying meal, members geared up for the night patrol to recon an area across the creek from the range. Full camouflage was affected with members taping noisy clips and other gear, painting exposed flesh with grease paint, and coloring bright metal to kill the shine. The jump test was required of every member before going on patrol and the team leaders were held accountable for noise discipline.

Once everyone was ready, the column moved out in a squad of multiple fire teams. As teams were made up by having everyone count off, members found themselves teamed up in different order than typical. And, as there were many new faces in attendance, new names had to be put with them.

Various squad movements were covered, including learning to cross danger areas by �bumping� (a sort of leap frog maneuver), halting, and learning to �freeze� in place with just a hand signal given.

The night patrol was completed by 2230 hours, and training secured for the day by 2300, when many sought the refuge of their sleeping bags, both in tents and under the stars.

0600 hours and reveille came early this clear Ohio morning, and members arose to a hearty breakfast before reporting to the 100 yard range for weapons familiarization.

Members were given the opportunity to handle and fire various weapons systems including the AR-15 platform in the form of a 16�bbl M-4 carbine, folding stock AK-47, SKS, an FN-FAL, a Mossberg .12 gauge pump shotgun, and a Remington 1100 auto-loading shotgun.

At 0900, a course in combat first aid including the basic principles of emergency treatment in the field of sprains, fractures, punctures, gunshot wounds, and other related combat lifesaving techniques. Members practiced patient assessment, bandaging and victim transport upon each other before breaking for lunch @ 1100 hours.

After the mid-day meal, the 3^rd BN chaplain conducted a class on map reading that complemented the navigation lessons with a compass learned the previous day. Some handy reference material was handed out for members to keep with their navigational tools. The five �D�s� were stressed: Descriptions, Detail, Directions, Distances, and Designations. Importance was also leveled at knowing the declination (or deviation) of the Magnetic North, from True North. At our longitude, in 2009, this variation is 8.4˚ west. Though some members had difficulty with some of the concepts, the overall value of map reading skills and proper use of navigational aids was driven home quite well.

Immediately following this the teams were assembled into a squad and given training on how to react properly to a near ambush and a far ambush. Each team had the opportunity to be in both the kill zone and the flanking support maneuver several times. By 1800 hours people were feeling the effects of fatigue from the near constant training. Evening Chow was then served, and the members had some down time until being called back on duty at 0200 hours for the Finishing Exercise of the Course. Some relaxed, some stayed busy, while others sacked out after a hot meal that included a cold salad and dessert.

Reveille was abrupt, and vocal this morning, as members were roused to get their gear together and assemble for a pre-exercise briefing. Fire Teams were assembled and given their assignments in the squad level recon / assault patrol mission that was handed down by the training cadre. The five paragraph SMEAC report boiled down to a Raid/ Rescue scenario where 2 friendlies were being held hostage in a nearby barn by at least 3 known hostiles. Intel suggested that the hostiles could be quickly supported with reinforcements on short notice, which demanded that the patrol move quickly, quietly, and be prepared to assault at a moment�s notice if they wished to save the hostages. Notional route security had been established for the window of opportunity as well as a notional trucked medevac if necessary to a predetermined pickup zone.

At 0330 the patrol moved out from the bivy area and crossed the creek into Indian Country. As it was a moonless night, movement was slow, with team members staying only an arm�s reach from another. The objective was reached quickly, from the south under heavy cover, after getting the entire squad up a very steep hill, safely and mostly quietly.

Once in position to reconnoiter the barn and it�s perimeter, a leader�s conference was held, and it was decided to move farther west and assault in 3 teams from the treeline, with the point team assaulting the barn and rescuing the hostages, team 2 providing left flank cover, team 3 covering the right flank and perimeter security.

On the squad leader�s command, a designated marksman took out the exposed sentry in the open barn door (a shot of only 80 yards), then the point team assaulted through to breach the barn, only to engage a mortar emplacement on the right flank!

Team 3 quickly took out the tube after team 1 shifted fire, allowing team 1 to take the barn, kill bad guys inside and secure the 2 hostages.

As our Rules of Engagement for this exercise precluded that any one with a weapon and not part of the patrol was to be considered hostile, an oversight left both hostages (training cadre acting as hostages) armed with their side-arms, which of course led to a friendly fire injury. All simulated of course, but a very important lesson nonetheless.

As support and security was notational for this exercise, the area perimeter was quickly secured, the Aid & Litter Team brought up, an ACE (Ammunition, Casualties, Equipment Status) check was performed, the wounded attended to, and a bug out initiated to vacate the area before enemy backup could be brought into position. Mission was completed, with all teams on the move back to base by 0558 hours!

With the sun only 20 minutes up, the enlarged squad and training cadre (some evacuated by vehicle) hustled back to the bivy area on a route march to de-gear, debrief, and grab some breakfast! The debriefing was thorough, with everyone given a chance to comment and ask questions of the cadre. As this was all a training exercise, members learned the value of training in this manner with Topical Based Training being used to prepare for Scenario Based Training (ie: this FinEx), so that they may be able to fall back on their default training, rather than have to rise to a situation.

Members then began to strike their bivy and load their vehicles for the ride home to a hot shower, clean clothes, and a real bed!

Our thanks to both the 3^rd BN Support Detail for providing the wonderful food service made available on the meal plan, and for their participation in the last minute planning to make the sudden change of venue happen as smoothly as it did!

Our thanks also go out to our 3^rd BN & 4^th BN Training Staff who wrote and oversaw much of the weekend�s training! A rousing OORAH to all who helped make this happen, and a hearty �Welcome Aboard� to all of the new faces attending this training event!

The April 18 & 19 Patriot's Day training weekend got started at the normal 0900 hours as members arrived on site. New information was passed on and a quick work detail to clear out the new command trailer was put together while the rest of the team conducted morning warm-up aka "Corporal's Hour". At 1000 hours formation was called, the day's training plans were discussed and members were issued sandbags for the long range shoot. Several families & pathfinders had also joined us for the training and a communal dining fly and several personal tents were set up as well.

Taking advantage of the fair weather and the fact that the crops had not been sown in the fields we were able to use the Upper Range for our long range shoot. With the laser range finder it comes out to 501 yards (hilltop to hilltop). Several team members were using their stock MBRs for this exercise while others were utilizing robust optics and paired ballistics systems to engage the targets; which included D targets and 2 liter bottles of soda. While the Upper Range is ideal for long range shooting it lacks sufficient rests common with most ranges. Furthermore, in order to shoot it requires that the rifle be held higher than the prone position. Most shooters found that using crossed poles, a spike, several sandbags, or even a buddy rest was necessary to achieve desired results. While one line was shooting the other line was spotting and coaching. Accuracy was far better than expected with several people on paper and in the black (4, 5, & V). Unfortunately most of the soda bottles would survive this part of the day.

After the Upper Range was torn down and targets put away members enjoyed a quick bite of lunch, and geared up to go on patrol. Prior to that the rules of patrols, hand signals, formations, and team functions were discussed. Members were organized into 2 patrol elements. Several key areas were drilled on including crossing a linear danger area, crossing a body of water, rally point, and the need to move slower than what you would normally expect for a patrol - the adage of Roger's Rangers Standing Order #3; "when on the march, move like you are sneaking up on the deer. See the enemy first".

Once we got to the point where are mock "kill-house" was we worked in an approach and room clearing exercise. With 3 elements working in tandem; 1 support element on the flank and 2 assaulting elements on the approach. These elements then planned and rehearsed their entry into the structure. This was repeated several times using the crawl, walk, run, and hyper-run training algorithm. They hyper-run being a discharged blank round fired into the air by the one and only Opfor adversary, close but harmless. Members were advised that during the drill and especially in close combat they should never in a training scenario "die". There is so much anecdotal and empirical evidence todisprove the video game fantasy that when people are shot they just stop moving and die. Never, ever give up!

After the raid, room clearing the patrol was joined by a 4th element; a detached scout-marksman buddy team decked out in full ghillie suits that was conducting overwatch training on the patrol's exercise. The entire team then worked out a short return vector and practiced a traveling over watch pattern back to the camp. At this time the unit was divided up - half for administrative detail and another half was left to the range to conduct some personal training and to use up the 2 liter soda targets. Somewhere in this break people found time for dinner as well.

As the light diminished and night fell the remaining unit members geared up for a night time patrol and recon by force exercise. The responsibility for the patrol was given to the First Sergeant to organize and set up the teams, protocols, and member functions. The patrol did a basic gear check for shape, shade, shine, and rattle; eliminating any found problems. The patrol then moved out. While movement during the day is slow going; movement at night is even slower and more complicated. Despite the darkness the patrol was briefed on several different drills in case of being spotted. Including how to use dead space, and what areas to avoid. The patrol then moved into the ORP, where a leaders recon was planned, a GOTWA was issued and OPSEC protocols developed (sign/ countersign, running password, etc.). The leader's recon revealed that the target was a 2 story farmhouse on the crest of a hill with several barns and outbuildings. There was a single sodium bulb security light illuminating the immediate vicinity. At this time the Training Officer provided the ROE that any open doors were to be searched; but if it was a locked door it was to be treated as a wall of the structure - no forced entries.

The team then moved to the objective and slowly worked there way clearing structure after structure. After the recon by force exercise; the patrol rallied on the First Sergeant for an AAR. Several advantages, disadvantages, weaknesses, and strengths of the patrol, real life considerations, security & defensive concerns and how to do this again in the future were addressed. The training was then secured for the evening and return to base camp was admin march. Several members enjoyed the down time and camaraderie around the fire with their friends and families. Others took the opportunity to sack out.

Training resumed the next day at 0800; with a review of March's training. Several drills were conducted on moving forwards, backwards, and lateral while engaging to a "threat" response. Team members then practiced a drill that emphasized moving in and around cover in a forward position; slaloming through team members in a line. this was then done backwards as well as several times forward. After this there was more familiarization on the use of the pressure bandage with unit personnel having to apply it to themselves and while also giving family members an opportunity to practice with them as well. Last on the agenda was some H2H training. The day ended around 12 noon. Next month is the Findlay-Hancock Military Vehicle Show detail followed by the Basic Infantry Course in Zanesville.

With members arriving in a steady stream, the cool of the Eastern Ohio morning made itself felt, and as gear was assembled the anticipation of the coming day�s activities was evident in the smiles of all present. By 0930 hours, targets were being erected on the range for the Close Quarter Battle Training (CQB) that was scheduled for today. Formation was called at 1000 hours, with important announcements concerning changes in the training schedule and general announcements concerning the Economy and Political Issues affecting our region and daily lives.

1045 hours saw the commencement of training in the parade area with our CQB Instructor beginning the training cycle with a safety overview, and a primer of range instructions for operating a �hot range� where weapons are kept loaded and there is movement on the firing line. Special attention was paid to such conditions as �muzzle sweeping� and the �safety circle� to instill an inherent sense of �awareness� on the range and whenever handling firearms (loaded or unloaded)! We then progressed to practicing a variety of tactical positions, and attempting to master movement while training a weapon on target. Not an easy task!

1830 hours brought a break for hot chow, with a large pot of beef stew on the stove summoning tired and hungry members to relax and recharge while awaiting the coming darkness to resume training on the �hot range� under night firing conditions! About 1945 hours, it was dark enough to re-gear, reload, and then proceed to the range for instruction on the proper use of the tactical flashlight, and the importance of your �battle buddy�! Shoot/don�t shoot engagement of targets was demonstrated and practiced with live fire of both MBR & sidearm. The culmination of the day�s training was a massive live night fire, with all remaining members lining up prone at approximately 75 yards from the CQB targets used all day, and then emptying their rifle magazines en masse upon command! WOW! This was a sight to behold, with the night briefly turning to day with the help of a 500million candlepower spotlight, and the multiple muzzle flashes on the firing line! Weapons were then made safe, and brass policed as best as conditions allowed, then all returned to the parade area being used as a bivouac, for a debriefing of the day�s full training cycle. It was during this debrief, that it was determined that ALL of the scheduled training objectives had been accomplished, and it was put to the members that we strike our bivvy, and secure training for the weekend, rather than retire to tents and resume without planned training objectives on Sunday. It was unanimous that we secure! All were tired, sore, and still processing all of the information presented today. Our immense thanks go out to our instructor for his time, patience, and expertise on and off the range! We certainly look forward to more interaction and training with him!

At approximately 2000 hours, Friday, February 20 elements of 3^rd BN, the NEODF, rendezvoused at the residence of the Battalion Commander, to pour over topographical maps and aerial photos of the intended Area of Operation, a rural property in Columbiana County. Additional elements of 3^rd BN were scheduled to arrive Saturday Morning to commence the exercise: the reconnoitering, securing, and defending of a remote location in a post catastrophic emergency scenario, where friendly groups are headed to link up with the ODF after making radio contact to arrange relocation from reportedly unsecured (lawless) locations.

As unidentified armed groups are suspected to be operating in the vicinity, Listening Posts/Observation Posts needed to be set up in strategic locations to be able to identify and interdict all persons approaching the AO as either friend or foe. With members of 4^th BN, the NWODF acting as an unidentified armed group (or OPFOR, for the purpose at hand), due to arrive and commence probing operations of our security perimeter also on Saturday Morning, much was required to set up the defensive zone; LP/OPs, a Command Post, and hardwired field phone lines, to make all operational before 4^th began to test our defenses.

An initial recon of the area Friday night showed several occupied structures (by persons not participating in this exercise), and many outbuildings on this former working dairy farm. The large metal barn to the south west was chosen as the CP and bivouac area, and the tree line was investigated for topographical features not readily evident on the topos. The advance party then set up a staging area in the green barn (CP/Bivvy) and assembled cots, portable lights and cooking stoves to heat a warm dinner, before settling into cozy sleeping bags on the chilly February Ohio night (12˚ Fahrenheit overnight, -5˚ with the wind chill!).

Waking @ 0730 to a very crisp but sunny day, the advance staff bundled up appropriately, and prepped gear & weapons for the exercise, while awaiting the arrival of additional members. By 0900 hours, a formation was called to organize all of the teams present (minus the OPFOR element, who were staging elsewhere), and perform a daylight recon to establish the overwatch & LP/OP locations, and run communication lines.

By 1100 hours, a light snow was beginning to fall, the teams were fully briefed on the mission and the listening posts manned as was a security checkpoint on the access road. As new members were anticipated to arrive throughout the day, this provided a realistic opportunity to perform interdiction in a secure, but non threatening fashion, to quickly determine who was an area resident, who was a new member, and who didn�t belong.

The scenario was run using patrol weapons & blank ammunition, after of course everyone was double searched for live ammo prior to commencing the OP. Security pistols with live ammo were maintained by most members as a matter of SOP. The First Sergeant gave the briefing on Blank Safety.

Things got underway pretty quickly just after noon, when a 3^rd BN recon patrol made contact off the East Perimeter with an advance party from 4^th BN. A brief but sporadic firefight ensued, with the probing team withdrawing into the heavy tree-line. Not having adequate assets available to pursue, the 3^rd BN recon team was ordered back to the CP for debriefing, and reassignment. Recon patrols continued throughout the day, with on and off snow making the �over-whites� and snow camouflage some members had deployed, alternately an advantage and a detriment. With the OPFOR scheduled to link up with friendly forces for a hot dinner @ 1730 hours, a decision was made to send out another deep recon patrol to try and locate the OPFOR by drawing their fire to expose their positions.

At 1600, a 4 man team headed south and across the creek into the wooded area and up the hill. Evidence of recent human activity was noted, and after halting the patrol on the first rise, a short wait yielded contact with a 2 man patrol low crawling from the south slope, in a north westerly direction. Less than 20 minutes after leaving the CP, the recon team was engulfed in a firefight, then broke contact and retreated to the safety of the security perimeter. Attempts by the OPFOR to determine our location by trying to get us to return their fire failed, because the 1^st Sgt was able to maintain squad fire discipline, and kept us on the move until we were safely back at the green barn, and among friendly forces!

It was quickly realized upon our return that 4^th BN had seized upon our chance contact with their 2 man team, and prosecuted an assault on the base CP simultaneously. They were detected by our LP/OP, and fired upon, but did manage to penetrate and compromise 3^rd BN�s defensive perimeter!

Timing was such that there was time for debrief with all of the teams involved, while the chili dinner was being delivered to the CP. Members enjoyed fruit salad and some delicious homemade cookies as the hot dinner was slowly heated on individual mess tins and in canteen cups over the various heating devices, ranging from sterno stoves to a makeshift kerosene heater turned stove. A more thorough debrief and after action review was performed once members were sated with a hot meal and a chance to shed their personal gear & weapons and relax.

At 2000 hours, the teams secured from training for the day, and retired to their respective bivvy areas to relax. 3^rd BN HQ managed to locate and energize electric power to the green barn, permitting overhead lighting and the use of a torpedo heater, proved to lessen the extreme effects of the cold Ohio winter weather we are in the midst of.

Members who arrived this date set up their sleeping bags, with the 4^th BN Raiders, opting to sleep atop hay bales at the open door of the barn, while the 3^rd BN, made good use of their newly acquired heat source in the enclosed former milking area. A watch was set up with 2 man teams providing inside / outside security overnight while others huddled into their bags to rest up for Sunday�s activities.

Aside from the short circuit found arcing in a clipped power cord when rain commenced early in the evening and began to drip through the leaking roof (the correct breaker was identified and shut off, then the wire trimmed and insulated for safety), there were no irregularities to report. Snow commenced after 2200 hours, relieving worries about water finding its way to stowed gear, the deployed sleeping bags and cots. Additionally, several openings in the walls and ceilings were temporarily secured with materials at hand and duct tape! A single roll of OD or black Duct Tape can be worth its weight in gold!

By 0830 hours members were awake, dressing warmly and removing the Blank Firing Devices from their weapons, before gathering for morning formation and the dreaded �Corporal�s Hour� of PT (Physical Training); 20 minutes of stretching, followed by a brisk patrol (road march) with full gear and weapons, was more than enough to get the blood flowing, loosen stiff joints, and warm the soul on a very brisk and snowy 18˚ morning!

Standardized Training consisting of contact shooting drills, squad drills (assault on a fixed position), application of a pressure dressing and review of the S.A.L.U.T.E. Report, filled the rest of the morning.

At 1145 hours a final debrief was held, and then the units dismissed at 1200 hours, completing a very full weekend of intense inter-unit training in winter conditions. A final policing of the area to leave it in better condition than it was encountered was conducted, and the location was then vacated by the ODF.

Probably one of the more bitter January weekends of the 2008/09 winter season. The ambient outside temperature for Northeastern Ohio in the morning was around -4 degrees Fahrenheit. Several members had trouble starting their vehicles and had to cancel. All in all the battalion had a low turnout and no-one stayed the night (though a few were prepared to do so regardless). Later we found out that our sister battalion NWODF also had limited success mobilizing this weekend as well.

Physical Training, "Corporal's Hour", began at 0900 with slow callisthenic exercises and lots of stretching then finished with a 2 mile warm up hike along Lower Elkton Road. When the troops returned from the hike the range was set-up by the training team for standardized training. The first drill out was the patrol to contact left exercise. The teams would move in a 4 man patrol until the Range Safety Officer would yell �contact right� at his own discretion. The team would then turn, drop, and engage the targets on the range. After the teams determined that the enemy was �put to rout� they would scan the area and do an ACE check (Ammo, Condition, Equipment). This drill was done several times, from both sides by all teams.

After this drill the teams went through their Battle Drill of assaulting positions from a linear formation. This required two man buddy teams to coordinate with other buddy teams to make the leap frogging work in sync. The biggest and most difficult part of this and any battle drill is to know what is expected to happen and what each member is responsible for. Furthermore, communications has to be standard across the line otherwise you can expect things to get fouled up in a hurry. After doing this several times we had it nearly perfect.

After running through the battle drill, one of our newer members who has had extensive firearms and tactical training, provided a primer on high speed weapons training covering specific topics such as; weapons handling and safety; shooting stances from standing, kneeling, prone; movement forward, backwards, and lateral; mag change drills; and transitional drills from MBR to pistol.

By this time in the day most everyone was pretty cold and it was determined that the Medical & Topic drill could be done at the Twp. Hall instead of in the field. Unfortunately, a SNAFU was encountered when the hall was locked (apparently another vehicle problem) and we reconvened to a local diner. We didn�t get nearly as much as we wanted to cover done. But as it seems to be par for this weather we�re lucky to get any training it all. We�ll be back next month at Capt. Eckhart�s for our annual winter FTX. Contact your team leader for details.

Winter has arrived in Northeast Ohio, and with it comes the uncertainty of cold weather conditions. While the temperature was down in the high 20's on Saturday Morning as members of 3^rd BN arrived at the Lower Elkton facility to commence the day's training at 0900 hours, predicted snowfall had not yet made it's appearance known. The day's activities commenced with the ubiquitous �Corporal's Hour�, and Red Team Leader leading the BN in a � mile walk to warm up, followed by stretches and calisthenics, before setting out on a road march with full gear and weapons. Some members remained to do additional push ups and other exercises, before double timing out to catch up with the column already well ahead of them, and then finishing the march as part of the staggered patrol column.

At 1000 hours, and properly �warmed up�, the BN split into 2 groups: Red Team & a temporarily reformed Blue Team to practice cold weather survival tactics, including the treatment of hypothermia (assess the victim's condition, treat accordingly by stripping off his excess gear and wet clothing, wrapping in a blanket, poncho or sleeping bag, and warming by whatever means may be at hand: chemical heater, fire, body heat, et al...), and how to prevent same. The teams then separated to engage bowling pins at various distances on the rifle range with their rifles, while the other team practiced �React to Contact� and �Breaking Contact� drills as a patrol unit, then changing places.

The bowling pins proved a true challenge, as they had been effectively camouflaged with cut up BDU sleeves and other subdued materials! Magazine changes were incorporated as well, as mags were limited to 4 rounds/each, and there were 10 pins! Not many picked up the spare!

The React to Contact drill involved movement in patrol formation, usually staggered column, and taking fire (simulated), making a skirmish line to engage and return fire, then assessing the situation before breaking contact in an orderly bounding over watch to cover the squad's withdrawal from the line of fire. By repeating this maneuver several times, the body and the mind begin to assimilate the activity, and it becomes easier and more natural to react in a more uniform and precise manner when the order is given to break contact and return to the last rally point when taking fire!

At 1230 hours, the teams then de-geared to embark in vehicles for the trip to the indoor training held inside the Wayne Township Hall, including CPR, self defense, and administrative activities.

A light lunch of pizza and cookies was provided @ 1300 hours, while awaiting the arrival of the rest of the Battalion Staff and other members that had not attended the morning's outdoor training sequence to resume the afternoon's indoor training.

The first order of business after catching up with payment of dues, and other accounting issues, was the presentation of new rank certificates for members receiving promotions. Our congratulations and best wishes go out to these fine individuals for their hard work and dedication in earning these promotions! Upon completion of these administrative duties, a video course in CPR and use of the AED was presented by the Training NCO. Members divided up into 3 groups to practice the life saving techniques presented in the American Red Cross program. Participation and hands on practice using the training manikins provided a very instructive class that had members asking for the scheduling of a certification course to be scheduled in the near future!

The Battalion 1^st Sgt. then gave an overview of the CERT program (Certified Emergency Response Teams) as administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, or FEMA, a Cabinet level Federal agency charged with public assistance during natural and man made emergencies or disasters. As the mission statement of the ODF is similar to that of CERT, it is only natural that members be made aware of the mission particulars of that organization.

At 1700 hours, a class in self defense including Jiu Jitsu techniques, was presented by a guest instructor. Various techniques of escape and defense were demonstrated, and the attending members had ample opportunity to practice same indoors, and also added their own input to these lessons. Training for this date concluded at 1830 hours.

For the members and guests who had assembled for the weekend�s qualifications and training they knew straight out that the weather was going to be wet and cold. And that�s pretty much how it remained with the only variation being whether the wetness was rain, sleet, or snow (as the euphemism goes; �bad weather makes for good training�). Training pretty much got under way around 1015 hours with newer members who needed to sight in doing so at 25 yards. Of the other members present between the 3^rd NEODF and 4^th NWODF battalions, were summarily split up into 3 operating groups. Two groups would work the range getting each other qualified while the other group would shoot through the Jungle Walk. This years� jungle walk was different than last in that you had to first engage pins from the ruins of the old Miller Brewery in the valley area. Then you moved down to the right and worked your way through the creek engaging silhouettes that were sometimes hidden until you were right on top of them. Pins on the left of the creek, that were still standing, could be re-engaged from their oblique. What made the course challenging was that it had rained all night and the leaves on the ground were very slick. Traversing the course was a hazardous affair. Despite the terrain, everyone found the course invigorating.

Despite the high plans for the weekend several events (Familiarization drill, MEUSOC, Vehicle shoot, and long range) were scrapped from the schedule due to sunset being at 1700 hours, a snowstorm moving in on Sunday, and the large amount of shooters who had to go through the qualification process. For these reasons, Qualifications weekend will probably take place earlier in the Fall or late in the Spring of future years. Nonetheless, after everyone had time to catch a bite to eat, put on drier clothes and warm up around the bonfire we moved out for the night time ambush shoot. Lacking dedicated night vision equipment civilian light infantry must rely on illumination flares. For this exercise we were using 26.5mm white parachute flares and green aerial flares. Teams were then divided up into equal members, each team had two chances with the night shoots. The training was stepped up by the 1 BN Training Officer who was on hand to provide the teams with troop leading procedures (ORP, GOTWA, leader�s recon, etc.) on both a hasty and a deliberate ambush. This training helped to reinforce information learned from prior training sessions in August and September. After the night shoot, the troops returned to the base camp, watches were set, and the night remained fairly uneventful until 0700.

Reveille came sooner than everyone expected. After morning chow and wake up for most of the unit we were back on the range to get the remaining members through their qualification strings. Overall the battalions did well - with 85% of all members qualified. The Top Gun this year goes to Striker who shot a 237, followed by Kratos with a 232, and a new member with a 231. Outstanding! Several members mentioned that their scores could have been better if the visibility had been better and their trigger fingers weren�t so numb. Which shows that poor weather does have an effect on ability, but makes for strong troops � not just sunshine soldiers and summer patriots. After the qualifications we cleaned up the targets and broke camp for our drives home.

Fall in Ohio has a way of reminding you of what is waiting around the corner, and Saturday morning was no exception with the temperature a crisp 38� Fahrenheit as 3^rd Bn members arrived at the training property in Lisbon. The chill was slow to burn off as at 0900 hours, �Corporal Punishment� as we now call �Corporal's Hour�, commenced with members stretching and limbering up before gearing up to embark on a road patrol, a staggered column �hump� with full fighting load and weapon. Sweat quickly warmed aging joints that minutes before were shivering while assembling equipment.

Some 2 miles later, after turning back to retrace our steps, the truncated unit took a few minutes to adjust gear and strip excess layers of clothing that had suddenly become redundant in the warming sun after their brisk morning �constitutional�, before falling in for morning formation, and be briefed on the day's training regimen.

At 1010 hours, both teams began MOUT (Military Operations on Urban Terrain) operations on a simulated single story residence, taking turns breaching and clearing, and observing the other team breaching from outside the mock up. Teams then separated for further scout / recon tactics, such as approaching a building prior to attempting a breach of the structure.

Different techniques in reconnoitering while securing the exterior of a structure, and assessing threats around corners were practiced, including tactical use of a mirror, the risky �quick-pop� and �slicing the pie� whereby you divide an area into quadrants and advance obliquely while moving away from the building, to see what is waiting around that blind corner all the while maintaining tight unit security, prepared to engage any hostile encountered.

The teams then took turns assaulting the clearing the two-story building, by breaching through different access points, and clearing room by room. This culminated in a combined Red / Blue Team assault of the residence at 1155 hours, with Blue Team providing security over watch, while Red Team breached. The teams approached from the west, and seized the AO by stealth. A twist was thrown at the breaching team, when they found the rehearsed entry barred from the inside, forcing them to attempt entry from another point. A hasty repositioning of the breaching team was performed, then the breach proper was executed. Red Team entered and cleared the structure, but experienced several casualties during the operation. Hostiles were found in clever hiding places that team members failed to clear. Difficulty was encountered in clearing the basement area especially. (Blue Team also experienced problems here during their run through earlier in the morning.) The stair treads to the basement did not have solid risers, making a secure entry almost impossible without the use of stun grenades or flash bang devices. More training in CQB will be committed to the 2009 TY.

At 1300 after the surviving Red Team members exited the house, the over watch team secured, and a debrief was held. The morning's actions and training were discussed as well as improvements to team efficiency during urban Ops. The teams then shed gear and boarded vehicles to travel to the Gaver's Township Hall for a class on Combat LifeSaving, presented by the 3^rd Bn Training NCO.

The Staff Sergeant's presentation used a laptop computer and a large TV monitor to allow viewing of both US Marine Corps video and other US Military & Law Enforcement Training Materials, to illustrate the procedures for treating wounded individuals during combat operations. Each section was followed by a hands on demonstration of the techniques shown in these CLS videos.

Assembly and use of the IFAK or Individual First Aid Kit, was covered, with various members turning out and displaying the contents of their personal IFAKs. Use of the Asherman Chest Seal or ACS, was shown, along with field expedient chest wound dressings allowing the controlled ventilation of a �sucking chest wound� or tension pneumothorax. Members then practiced applying these on each other.

The �Golden Hour� of emergency medicine was discussed, with the importance of the Platinum 10 (the first hour after being wounded will decide the survival of the victim, and the first 10 minutes being crucial in emergency aid) stressed and the following Golden 50 minutes of survival. Being Volunteer Militia Light Infantry, we cannot depend on helicopter medevac capabilities, so land transport via an Advanced Life Saving Paramedic Unit was discussed, including how to set up a rendezvous with same and transmit important information in a timely fashion.

Ideas were brought forth on dispersion of medical equipment throughout the unit, so that teams would not have to rely on a single medic (or Corpsman) for medical assistance beyond the capacity of the IFAK, The application of a nasopharyngeal airway (NPA) was demonstrated, with two volunteers allowing a specially shaped and lubricated plastic tube to be inserted into their nasal cavity demonstrating how to induce an airway in a conscious victim when an oropharyngeal Airway (OPA) is not possible, or contraindicated.

Videos of various rescue evacuations were shown and then practiced by the members, including use of the fixed litter or rigid stretcher, the BlackHawk Tactical Stretcher, two man lift or buddy carry and the Fireman's Carry. Even the basic rescue pull was covered, one member being dragged about the room by his load bearing Armor Plate Carrier with fighting load!

Emphasis on the acronym �DCAP-BTLS� was stressed, which stands for: Deformities, Contusions, Abrasions, Punctures/ Penetrations, Burns, Tenderness (instability), Lacerations, Swelling. All important items to check for during the secondary patient sweep. Upon completion of the class and a short debrief of the day's activities, the unit dismissed from training.

Lessons Learned: In MOUT, having a plan, a backup plan, and a backup, backup plan are paramount for team survival. Complete reconnaissance is essential to gather necessary intel to frame your operational plan(s)! There is no substitute for training. A small statured team mate with a flashlight and a sidearm is good insurance for small space clearing! (Can you say, Tunnel Rat!). Communication, good communication, should be maintained at all times with minimal chatter, and limited use of voice, using hand signals where appropriate. No communication, or sloppy communication, gets team mates killed! Know the contents of your IFAK. Have it accessible on your person at all times when on Ops. Know who and where your team Medic is at all times. Remember, �special equipment is never a substitute for tactical savvy!� Train hard, study hard, survive.

For the last training of the summer season it was absolutely gorgeous. The day began at 0900 with the Corporal�s Hour � a new initiative in the battalion training regimen, run by the corporals, which includes physical fitness and hand to hand combatives. During this time the Training NCO was putting the finishing touches on the tracking exercise.

At 1000 hours the unit was formed up and general announcements were made. Two members were promoted. The NEODF has also adopted a new policy of Rifles at Hand. Similar to 4^th BN; all members are now required to carry their rifle with them wherever they are (unless indicated otherwise).

Immediately following formation we went to reviewing the Enemy Prisoners of War (EPW) standard operating procedures (SOP) covered at the FTX. When taking someone as prisoner the first priority is to disarm and search them for weapons, identification, and intelligence. In order to do this an unarmed Searcher works with a covering Security team to properly execute this SOP. The way it works in the NEODF is you are first searched and then you search someone else. An extra benefit to this training is that it makes for a complete shake-down inspection of your LBV and patrol equipment. Also, the topic how to conduct an appropriate pat-down search on a female EPW was addressed.

Following EPW was a review on the troop leading procedures (TLP) from the start of receiving a mission; through the formulation of a plan to the operation order. The review also covered the elements that go into the OpOrd; with specific attention to METT-TC, civilian disaster operation response, and OCOKA. After the OpOrd, initial movement and/or rehearsals are done (as time and situation permit) to prepare for the objective. The unit is then led into the area that is the objective rally point and then the leader�s recon is initiated. From here specific attention was applied to the GOTWA & contingency plans in the ORP. Lastly, the actions on objective were covered including security, ACE reports, and exit strategies (exfiltration, return to ORP, or pick-up on objective).

After the TLP review and a quick lunch the Tracking Exercise began. The Training NCO briefed a 2 man �fugitive team� on how they were to proceed for the operation. The OpOrd was then given to the Platoon Leader. The plan was to insert the �fugitives� into an area where they would then E&E east for 3 miles to a phase line and from there they would turn around. They could then start �hunting the hunters�. Though armed with rubber training knives this would still be a monumental task. The fugitives were given limited equipment for the exercise (a radio - for emergency use, bottled water, and a compass, and 1 item of their choice from their equipment). They were then inserted into the AO.

The tracker team was then transported to the fugitives� insertion point half hour later. Immediately a trail was picked up, noting foot length, width, and stride. Unfortunately due to the dry weather in the past week there was almost no track found on the upper hills and the windstorm had done well to disturb the area so much than secondary track signs could not be detected either. The team opted to then move to the next low terrain feature where there would most likely be water and more opportunity to find a crossing track. This proved to be a valuable tactic for the trackers since a two man trail was easily detected moving through the valley and creek. The trail went back up to the hilly portion and unfortunately it became impossible to find where the trail went. The team then moved eastward in a skirmish line trying to pick up any sign of a recent track.

At 1855 hours the exercise was shutdown as the fugitives had stated that they had doubled back to the insertion point. Had there been a vehicle mobile element they could have watched the roads for the fugitives exiting the woods on either side of the AO. Nonetheless, the team realized that it is much harder to track people who don�t want to be found (and who also have some E&E training under there belt) as opposed to a SAR exercise. Personnel debriefed after this and were dismissed at 1930 hours.

August 16-17 2008; FTX Operation Nametaker

On Saturday, 16 August 2008, members from 1st Bn (SODF), 4th Bn (NWODF), and 3rd Bn (NEODF), rendezvoused at 3rd Bn�s training grounds to participate in a multi objective training cycle that included Military Operations on Urban Terrain (MOUT), Raid Planning and Execution, Prisoner of War Handling, and Sentry Removal.

The training evolution was planned and implemented by the 4th Bn Commander and was ably assisted by the 1st Bn Training Officer, to help the integrated battalions learn to coordinate effectively in combined operations, and develop leadership skills while practicing Light Infantry Tactics.

After Morning Formation and Roll Call, the assembled units were briefed at 1000 hrs on the upcoming scenario to be rehearsed, then geared up for patrol out to the Urban OPs area, where a �Kill House� mock up of a residential structure is under development. The units were organized into 3 teams for an assault on the mock up to rescue civilian hostage(s) being held by an outlaw gang.

The process of planning an operation from the field, was reviewed in the rally point area designated for this OP. Then a support team was sent into a position to cover the approaches to the Kill House, and well as engage any hostiles within range at the predetermined signal. Two assault teams were designated, Red & Blue. Blue was the breaching team, and Red was the follow on team, providing perimeter security before leapfrogging the Blue Team in room clearing.

At 1100 a walk through was performed several times, prior to a live fire run through with blank rounds. At 1215 the teams were rotated so that different teams had the opportunity to breach. At 1315 hrs, a debrief for the MOUT Rehearsals was held with much positive feedback from the teams. New tactics and skills were discussed in detail, and it was determined that the repeated rehearsals were abundantly important to mastering this new skill set of house breaching with multiple teams. The teams then humped back to the bivvy area.

After a leisurely lunch break, the teams boarded vehicles to another operating area, where an assault on a back woods Methamphetamine Lab was planned. This was followed by a Mock Warning Order of the planned raid. By 1530hrs, teams were in place in an area similar to the objective�s terrain, to rehearse the assault by the numbers. A walk through was made first under the auspices of the training team, then repeated assaults were run to include such movements as the �Bounding Overwatch�, until the team leaders and HQ staff were satisfied that the units were properly rehearsed to be able to move out to the Area of Operations (AO) and assault the objective.

At 1750 hrs, vehicles transported the teams to a clearing well away from the AO, where they then moved ranger file towards their Operational Rally Point (ORP), which, for simplicity, was taken by force, rather than by stealth. Once the ORP was secured, and the teams deployed for defense of the small clearing some distance from the objective, a Leader�s Recon headed out to devise the plan of attack on the illicit chemical still and the perpetrators of same. Some 45 minutes later, the Commander, the Support Team Leader, the 2 Assault Team Leaders and the training officers returned to brief their teams on the assault, and check gear and weapons. A Fragmentary Order (FRAGO), was then issued to the team leaders.

Again, this assault was with blank rounds against paper silhouettes, but muzzle awareness and controlled fields of fire were stressed repeatedly for safety. Once gear and weapons were checked and found to be ready, the teams moved out to penetrate the area, with the support team leading to get into position first. Red Team and Blue Team moved out in a southerly direction to approach the objective from a low area to the right of where the support team was positioned on higher ground.

Red and Blue then awaited for support to take out visible hostiles and then shift fire away from the assault teams planned route from their cover and concealment. A very quick attack was then prosecuted on the mock up lab, the immediate objective secured, and multiple soft targets destroyed. An ACE check was made (Ammunition, Casualties, Equipment) of each team, then the support team was called in to reinforce the assault teams on the objective while the lab was destroyed; denying any surviving members of this criminal element their illegal income.

An informal debrief was held at 1930 hrs. in the AO to cover the lessons learned in this exercise. As this was a raid, once the main objective was achieved (destruction of the meth lab), the teams immediately began a mass pullout to the vehicle rendezvous location (all the while maintaining security) for the return trip to the bivouac area and a more thorough debriefing.

After a dinner break, the members assembled in the encampment area to attend an informal but very thorough and interesting debrief of the day�s Ops at 2100 hrs. Our training staff gave their professional assessment of our field operations, including the planning stages, and fielded questions and comments from individuals. What gave this a very unique spin, was that we had input on both the official U. S. Army Doctrine, and the U.S.M.C. Doctrine, of MOUT, as the 4th Bn Commander has extensive Fleet Marine experience in MOUT training.

Much insight was gleaned with this varied input, and with the repeated rehearsals of the day, the debriefs, and the Q&A, a great deal of information will be retained for future tactical use and further training by the units in Military Operations on Urban Terrain.

Sunday, 17 August 2008

After a very cool and pleasant Ohio summer night, members not already enjoying a morning fire and breakfast were awakened at 0800hrs with the Reveille Gun. The day�s activities commenced at 0830hrs with a class in hand to hand combat, specifically, sentry removal without a weapon. Members paired off to take turns attacking, and being attacked by having direct pressure applied on their carotid arteries simultaneously (simulated). Then, a knife was used to the same purpose. The skill of stealthily approaching an armed sentry was practiced, and members learned how difficult it is to be �quiet enough� to accomplish this task without being detected!

At 0930hrs, on receiving a Mock OPORD, the remaining members geared up for a review of the MOUT & Raid Techniques, by physically performing all of the tasks in the open area of the bivvy, rather than �hump� all the way back out to the AO. The Warning Order was issued, the teams moved to take the imaginary ORP, and once secured, the Leader�s Recon deployed upon advising GOTWA, and upon their return, a FRAGO was issued. The teams then checked gear and weapons, and finally moved out to the objective after being briefed by their respective team leaders. The operation was executed, the objective prosecuted, the area secured, the teams checked ACE, and then hightailed it to a mock rally point for imagined transport out of the AO. A verbal run through of all of the tasks involved in planning and executing an attack, was made with review of all of the key points necessary to make any operation successful: METT-TC.

METT-TC is mandatory for all mission planning. The acronym stands for: (M)mission, (E)enemy, (T)terrain, (T)troops - (T)Time available, (C) civilian concerns (Urban Ops for example) Another important consideration, especially during activities such as Leader�s Recon, a GOTWA order must be generated for the troops remaining in the ORP, or at the FOB (Forward Operating Base), CP (Command Post) or wherever.

GOTWA stands for: (G) where I'm Going, (O) Others I'm taking, (T) Time of my return, (W) What to do if I don't return, (A) Actions to take if I'm hit or Actions to take if you're hit (5 point contingency plan)

All of these are mission essential. Not having a Plan �B�, �C� and more, can place an entire unit at risk, when involved in any operation. Prior to de-gearing, a class was presented with 4th Bn demonstrating proper EPW (Enemy Prisoners of War) handling techniques, including surrender, disarming, searching, and prepping for movement and /or isolation.

The members then divided up into groups of 3 with one member acting as a surrendering hostile. The procedure requires that the team member performing the search (#1) shed his weapon, gear, and any extraneous clothing, to deny the hostile any means of using the searcher�s property against him. While the second team member (#2) covers the hostile with his weapon trained on him at all times, the #1 disarms the hostile, placing his weapon(s) out of reach, then removing his gear, again out of reach, then commencing a methodical search of the hostile�s clothing and person.

The #2 maintains constant surveillance of the hostile ready to shoot him at the first sign of non compliance or offensive movement. The hostile is then placed on his knees with his hands on his head to await further movement, while the #1 initiates a search of his gear for further intel.

A most illuminating seminar, as the experience of being forcibly strip searched while glaring down the barrel of an M-4 carbine, is most degrading, even if only in a mock training exercise! Upon completion of the EPW class at 1130, a break was taken for lunch, and to begin knock down of the bivouac area.

At 1200 the Kill House was reset for next month�s drill, and extraneous gear stowed until needed again for unit training purposes. At 1230 a final debrief was held before dismiss at 1245hrs, with 4th Bn leaving for home in NW Ohio, and 3rd Bn heading their separate ways. (1st Bn had left immediately following the Raid Review at 1015hrs.)

Our heartfelt thanks go out to the Training Staff, whose input and candor over the 2 day cycle was most appreciated. And for arranging a well planned and executed training evolution! And thanks also go out to all of the other units for attending and to the personnel who made this weekend possible.

Roll call formation was at 1000 hours. A heavy schedule was on deck for 3^rd Battalion this date. Training commenced immediately after roll call with a 3 plate shoot incorporating 2 squads alternating in patrol formation, then as a combined patrol. Much discipline was required to engage these hostiles quickly and accurately. Snap shooting skills were practiced over and over at varied ranges of distance with discipline of fire control, muzzle safety, and rapid and accurate target acquisition stressed. Everyone had an opportunity to see where their hits were on the target and redo each phase to heighten skill levels. And then adding to the variety of training, a new wrinkle was tried. All shooters loaded 10 rounds in a magazine (or stripper clips) next to their weapon, then everyone moved down one position to load, shoot, and safe his neighbors' weapon! As several semi auto M-4 carbines (civilian variant) were present, along with the AK models, SKS auto-loaders, and even a Finnish Mosin-Nagant 91/39 Bolt Rifle, some members had the opportunity to fire an entirely unfamiliar rifle system at combat ranges. A very fine twist that adds to the realism of the training. What if your teammate goes down, and you need to use his weapon, and it is not like yours? Can you operate it safely and use it effectively?

At approximately 1130 hours, the Red Team and Blue Team boarded vehicles for transport to nearby Raccoon Creek State Park for a Water Crossing Exercise. As the rains had quit much earlier this week, the water levels were down, and a Fast Water condition was not present. However, the mid stream current did provide a sense of faster water while both teams practiced crossing as a team using both a line to guide each member across the chest deep river, and a human chain. Water safety was stressed, and due to the rising ambient temperature of mid July, the immersion in the cool water was found to be therapeutic, and most enjoyable. This was a great opportunity for many members to experience swimming and navigating in water fully clothed with boots on!

A return trip to the training site provided the chance to mostly dry off and then change into drier clothing when the teams broke for lunch at approximately 1300 hours. At 1330 hours, the teams then geared up with empty weapons and light patrol gear, for a short combined reconnaissance patrol to the urban mock up. Red Team led Blue Team to a vantage point above the Urban Mock Up (still under construction), and then both teams separated for a multi pronged assault on the structure. Once access was gained and the building exterior & interior was secured, a series of urban entry drills were performed, with teams taking turns running each scenario and allowing every team member to be in a different position each time.

Hostile armed occupants were encountered occasionally, as were unarmed �bystanders�, throwing a twist into each entry. The drills proceeded for Military Operations Urban Terrain (MOUT) from 1430 until approximately 1730 hours when a class on tracking was given, with both teams being tasked with finding the XO�s path back to base some 15 minutes after he left the urban mock up. New skills were introduced, and old ones put to good practice.

A very educational experience, and most appropriate considering the last operational call up for 3^rd Bn! (The Belmont County Manhunt, assisting 3^rd Platoon, 1^st Bn). A thorough debrief was held back at base @ 1815 hours, and the day�s activities reviewed in detail with much discussion. Finally dry, and mostly exhausted, the 3^rd Bn was officially dismissed @ 1845 hours. Another fine outing for The Home Guard of Northeastern Ohio!

In spite of typically unpredictable spring Ohio weather, members of 4 of the State's 5 Battalions, converged on the State Training Facility in Zanesville to participate in the Statewide Field Training exercise, and compete in the Super Squad Events.

Friday Evening saw the initial gathering of various Battalions, in their respective bivvy areas. Tents and shelters ranged from mere tarpaulins spread on the bare ground, to an elaborate Medieval canvas tent, and included everything in between. Old acquaintances were encountered, and new friends were made, as individuals arrived and located their respective units. As no official events were scheduled until Saturday morning the 21^st, an air of relaxed camaraderie permeated the humid air that night as toasts with various beverages were made by those not on duty.

By Saturday morning formation at 0900hrs, roll call declared that members from 1^st, 3^rd, 4^th and 5^th Bns were present in varying numbers. After breakfast and morning formation, the units gathered in the dining hall to hold a breakout meeting on battalion communications. A very lively discussion, for most, was held concerning the call for more units to have members obtain amateur radio licenses to augment the communication needs of the Force as a whole and improve inter-unit communication capabilities. Lunch provided an opportunity to speculate on the upcoming afternoons exercise, with much scuttlebutt about.

However, before the afternoon's activities commenced, a very solemn task was at hand. A special formation was held for members of the family of the late Mr. Joel Hardbarger, a co-owner of the property leased by 1^st Bn as both their HQ and Statewide HQ, who recently passed. The family in attendance was presented with an ODF Challenge Coin, and a framed American Flag, in remembrance of and as a tribute to, his generosity and service to the �Home Guard� and the sympathy of the entire organization.

The FTX scheduled for Saturday the 21^st, was a Multiple Objective War Game (M.O.W.G.) designed to test the small unit skills of the various groups attending with �Operation Balkan Thunder�. The operation, commencing at [1230 hours] with an HQ briefing of Officers, required units to perform reconnaissance, secure an operating area, maintain AO patrols, link up with with friendly units, rescue and escort operations, resupply, and opposing force action.

Teams were taking the field by 1300 hours, as Ohio began to show it's famous ability to change the weather at will. From a humid [80� F.] to a wet, stormy cool afternoon, then back to hot and humid, only to continue again with off and on rain the rest of the evening. Except for some communications difficulties due to an abbreviated HQ personnel roster, the primary missions were mostly completed, including the safe link up and escort of a civilian surgeon through �Indian Country� to a patient in dire need of medical attention.

The unscheduled presence of a �rogue� unit added to the varied stimuli of the scenario for all, when a team from 3^rd BN was unable to communicate with their own �forces� and arrange a rendezvous after serving the requisite 30 minute �time out� when they were KIA with blank fire by OPFOR in the Dunes area. Rain began to let up by 2200 hours, and the exercise was wrapped up by 2300 hours with a debrief by HQ personnel, and an opportunity to warm up with some hot coffee, good chili and crackers. Members then filtered back to their various bivouac areas to de-gear, clean & secure their weapons, and dry off. Sentry duty was adroitly overseen by 3 BN's Corporal of the Guard, who set up the schedule to provide gate and perimeter security for the duration of the weekend's activities.

Sunday morning brought with it, along with the return of the humidity, the excitement of the impending Super Squad Competition. Sunday's SSC consisted of 4 stations that earned each 3 man team points in aggregate, and wrapped up with a Navigational Training Exercise that was not scored for competition.

4^th Bn, the NWODF with their very sharp and distinctive Woodland MarPat Utilities showed they may have been least in numbers, but not in skills, having won the Super Squad Competition by aggregate score, on Sunday!

After a light lunch of fresh fruit, leftover chili and meatloaf sandwiches, the winners of SSC were announced and presented with the trophy and an exotic libation, then a debrief was held, goodbyes said, and members began to dismantle their tents and collect gear, with promises of seeing everyone again at the next scheduled Statewide Unit event!

Thanks go out to all who made this all possible. A special thank you goes out to the cooks, the security details, and administrative staff that made this FTX a reality.

May training weather was a bit unpredictable. The morning started with some sun turning to partly cloudy by mid morn, then bounced between showers and sunshine in the afternoon hours. Temps were in the mid fifties in the A.M. and in the mid sixties by the early P.M. Hours.

The Pathfinders were present for the May training and seemed to enjoy themselves. They gave the trampoline and swing set a good workout and also provided plenty of play and attention to the neighborhood cats. They were also instructed on safe and responsible fire starting skills that would be needed in an emergency and took a couple of hikes within the training area. One thing is for sure, the kids got a whole lot of exercise and were still going strong at 1900 hrs.

While the Pathfinders were doing their thing, the adults were hard at "play" also. The morning began with formation and the Captain informed the unit on the current events. After formation, a few members needed to sight in their rifles and qualify at the AQT range. Other members drove out to the CQB area and practiced Vehicle Ops and room to room clearing with paintball. During the Vehicle Ops, the vehicles were peppered with paint markers inside and out! Good thing paintball markers are water soluble!

At 1200 hrs everyone broke for a half hour lunch. Following lunch new members were shown how to craft an expedient ghillie shield to be carried on their backs for concealment using a green sapling, twine, and surrounding vegetation. Then all members were given time to build their own ghillie shields to be used for the upcoming long patrol exercise.

Approximately 1330 hrs everyone had their ghillie shields finished and were ready to practice their pace count. 100 meters were measured on the ground and each person was able to count their paces twice to get a general idea of their pace count number. Once everyone had their pace count figured out, it was time to put the teams pace counts to the test.

1400 hrs it began to rain and members were split into two teams to start the long patrol. The long patrol exercise would challenge members to use orienteering skills and good patrolling tactics. Each team had to find five of the same caches hidden throughout the training site. Each cache container contained a card with the teams� azimuth and distance in meters to the next cache to be found. Both teams started at the same starting point but would begin patrolling in opposite directions and would eventually meet head on engaging in a paintball skirmish. Teams were told that cache number three not only contained a directional card, but it also some prizes for the first team to reach the cache. Red Team was the first to reach cache number three however it was being guarded by two OPPFOR snipers that they did not know about. Red Team had a tough time getting to the cache. The snipers were on a 30 foot cliff firing paint on Red Teams heads. A few minutes into the fire fight Red Team requested a cease fire because of fogging face masks and rain. Blue Team had crested the opposite side of the ravine and was developing their plan of attack just as the cease fire was called. Both teams were given the opportunity to finish finding cache three without taking sniper fire and got to partake of the prized Dum Dum lollipops found in cache three. The teams then patrolled on to their remaining caches. Blue team was first to find their last cache and they were given orders to set up an ambush on Red Team. 15 minutes had passed and two of Red Teams members became victims to Blue Teams hit and run ambush.

By 1600 hrs most folks were pretty well soaked but ready for more paintball. The rain had quit and the sun was shining. Both teams were able to engage in three more patrolling and ambush scenarios. Just as the third scenario started, a short thunderstorm popped up and a cloud burst of rain drenched the countryside again. This sudden storm did not stop the war game. Everyone was drenched from head to toe and did not seem to mind, we all had our mission and it was going to be completed. By the end of the third scenario, Blue Team had won the first two scenarios and Red Team was able to fend off Blue team by eliminating two of Blue Teams members while the others bugged out of the area.

1800 hrs the Battalion Medic gave a basic first aid review and afterward the 2nd LT gave instruction on setting up and operating both Swiss and German made field phones. Just a word of caution when setting up the field phones, make sure the unit clown is not cranking the receiver while you are hooking up the wires or else you might find some shocking results on your end! Unfortunately, by the end of field phone training, it was getting late and we were unable to start any training with heavy equipment or the farm machinery as was planned. Debriefing was at 1900 hrs and members were dismissed.

April training began with plenty of sunshine and a warm 65 degrees F with some threat of possible showers in the P.M. As usual everyone paid dues and caught up with the latest current events. Formation was called at 0930 hrs and members were briefed on the days training. The day's training began with CQB & Pistol Training

At 1000 hrs Red Team was sent to the pistol range and introduced to RC, their pistol instructor. RC is a Safety Officer (SO) at a local gun club and has participated in International Defensive Pistol Association (IDPA) shoots and has trained as an NRA pistol instructor. RC set up a 50 round introductory pistol course that incorporated IDPA skills which all members participated in. In no time, RC had everyone shooting multiple threats while on the move and while taking cover with deadly accuracy. This was great pistol training that broke down the basics of defensive pistol handling and will likely become a permanent training block for NEODF.

While Red Team was at the pistol range, Blue Team was at the CQB Area. Following up from March's training we drilled down how to approach and secure a structure. The teams learned to divide a building into two sectors for over watch-security elements and then the best routes to approach a building for a dynamic entry. Other topics addressed teamwork, room clearing, and clearing the fatal funnel. Once, these issues were covered the teams were given the objective to clear a trailer and rescue a CPR mannequin child hidden somewhere within. While this training was a non-shoot trainer, everyone was exposed to entering a building alone vs. entering the building as a team. To which many agreed that going it alone is a deadly mistake if there are any bad guys hiding inside. The trailer was set up with mirrors in rooms that would trick a person in to believing someone was in the room. We found that a mobile home is not a good place to be if there were any shooting. There is virtually no cover or clearance to move quickly and efficiently.

By 1500 hrs the combined teams began training on Patrol Formations and Ambush/Counter Ambush tactics. Class began with the review of all patrol formations and the hand signals that members needed to know. After review, the teams broke off and practiced the movements and hand signals in the open field. Once practice was over, everyone mounted up and drove to our post apocalyptic playground "The Junkyard" for more practice on immediate action drills.

1620 hrs the teams arrived at the junkyard. By then rain had began to spit on us as we suited up in our paint ball gear. Fortunately the rain did not last long and Red Team was sent into the junkyard to set up an ambush. Blue Team was given orders to patrol into the junkyard using proper formations and communication and eliminate the OPFOR. Within five minutes Red Team was spotted on a hill and Blue Team split into two man fire teams. One team pressed forward while the second team flanked. Even though Red Team had the advantage of high ground, Blue team through good communication and cover fire were able to divide and conquer. Afterwards, both teams reloaded and Red Team was given another chance to redeem themselves.

Once again Blue Team was on the offensive and had to patrol along a known enemy path expecting to be ambushed. One Red member was spotted by Blue Team on a hill with several junk cars before they entered the ambush area. Instead of Assaulting through, the Blues decided to flank right of the junk cars where plenty of trees gave cover. Blue Team was able to make their way up the hill using the trees as cover, but Red had dug in behind a maze of cars and was able to pick off the Blues just as they reached the first line of junk cars. Red Team redeemed themselves by being patient and holding their line of defense.

Debriefing of the days training took place at 1730 hrs. All members expressed satisfaction with the training they received. Every now and again we all need to go back to basics, whether it be for firearm handling, communications, patrolling tactics, or survival skills. Reviewing the basics provides repetition to seasoned personnel so they can stay sharp and provides the needed introduction of knowledge and skills to new members as well. Many thanks to RC and the HQ Staff for the �Back to Basics� instruction. Thanks to all who participated in the day's training.

The training day began with some fog and a nippy temperature in the mid thirties and it ended overcast with a high temperature of 46 degrees. After everyone paid dues the training started with a map and compass review at 10:00 hrs.

The map and compass review covered basic map reading skills and an explanation of Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) coordinate system. The compass training included knowing and understanding the parts of the Orienteering Compass and hands on exercises that taught how to use the compass to obtain an azimuth on a distant point, walk an azimuth, and how to return to a starting point.

At 11:00 hrs HQ briefed the Platoon Sergeant and his Task Force Indigo on the vehicle convoy mission that was to follow at 12:30 hrs. The scenario for this training exercise began like this:

It is March 15, 2009. Ominous change is taking place all across America. Anti-American sentiment has been rising, not only in the Middle East but also here in the United States. Islamic terrorist sleeper cells have begun to terrorize many U.S. cities. The U.S. Federal government has pulled all U.S. Military troops out of the Middle East. Martial Law has been declared in Ohio and most all other states. All municipalities have locked down their corporations� limits, even good old Lisbon. NEODF HQ has called up its members to rally at the designated area with their families and supplies.

HQ has gone through the roster and has found that a new member (MIA) is 2 hours past ETA. MIA was to pick up an extra propane tank and extra food and medical supplies at two separate locations before arriving at the designated area. HQ has plotted the route that MIA should have taken. HQ is sending out a convoy to find its missing person and to pick up said supplies at the designated pickup sites.

HQ gave the Platoon Sergeant a package of METT-T reports and road maps. The road maps included the MIA's designated route to their home from HQ, along with the supply pickup points and an alternate return route the MIA could have taken. The maps were dispersed to fire team leaders and they had until 12:30 hrs to set up their convoy and eat a quick lunch.

The convoy mission objectives were; to follow the route designated on the maps, pick up said supplies at designated control points, search for the MIA, return back to HQ with the supplies and MIA, and oh yea... look out for the terrorist bad guys.

The convoy consisted of an HQ vehicle, the Platoon Sergeant vehicle, a Red team vehicle, and a Blue team vehicle. The HQ vehicle would be testing radio communications via CB transceiver to two separate HQ base stations while the rest of the convoy concentrated on the mission objectives. FRS transceivers were used for inter-convoy communication while the CB transceivers were used for communicating to the two HQ base stations. In this training operation, paint ball guns were used at the designated control points to help the teams perfect their maneuvers under live fire.

At 12:00 hrs the teams loaded up and their convoy set out on its patrol. As the HQ vehicle passed through a series of control points on its map, it tested the communication range of both the base stations. The HQ vehicle RTO would radio to each HQ base station with a radio check and record if either HQ base responded. By 13:25 hrs the convoy reached control point eight (CP8).

At CP8, the teams had to see if the MIA had picked up the one package containing food and medical supplies. The convoy pulled into the drive and set up a 360-degree security perimeter around their vehicles. Once the coast was clear, Red team was given the order to locate the package while Blue team covered them from the convoy. Red team located two packages and loaded them into the Platoon Sergeants vehicle and realized that MIA had not made it to CP8. Before starting to the next control point, a debriefing of the objective was completed. The teams learned that they had not considered positioning their vehicles for a hasty retreat out of the drive (which had a 45 degree bank on its east side and a 20 foot drop on its west side) and that they picked up two packages instead of one like the METT-T report had said. After the debriefing, the teams made some changes to their procedures for the next control point.

At 14:00 hrs the convoy was ordered to stop along a rural road for extra compass training. This stop was a good location to practice obtaining an azimuth on distant objects. There was a church, a house, several outbuildings, and a few distant hilltops scattered along the valley that allowed the teams to acquire many azimuths. Once the compass exercise was complete, the HQ vehicle left ahead of the convoy to set up the next scenario at CP11.

The convoy arrived at CP11 at 14:35 hrs. This time the drivers dropped off their passengers and found a place to turn their vehicles around before proceeding with the next objective. Once the convoy was secure, the drivers joined their fire teams. The teams� objective was to search for a 60# propane tank that a support member had hidden near a blue car in a junkyard. Red team moved along the west side of the junkyard inspecting cars as the Blue team moved along the east side. As Red team made their way up the hill, they were fired upon by an unknown paintball gunman. Blue team then tried to flank the unknown gunman but ran into two other gunmen, which they had to deal with head on. The battle raged on for 20 minutes. Red team was able to pin down their enemy gunman hidden between some junk cars while the Blue team was able to exterminate their two gunmen and flank the remaining gunman that Red team pinned. When the fight ended, three gunman terrorists identified by their green armbands were killed and two of the members of Red team were also eliminated with head wounds while one member suffered a leg wound. Blue team was able to finish their search of the junkyard and retrieve the propane tank and found no sign that MIA had been there. Debriefing took place before proceeding to the next CP. The drivers dropping off their passengers and turning their vehicles around was considered a success and the teams did a great job in maneuvering together and eliminating the opposing force. However, this exercise left us with the sobering thought that if we choose to stay and fight in a real situation there is a good chance that we will loose a few comrades.

At 15:30 hrs the dead team members were given their health back and the convoy proceeded on with its route. At 16:00 hrs the convoy found its way to the MIA home. As the convoy neared the MIAs home, the convoy was fired upon by another terrorist gunman, who was standing on the MIAs front porch. The gunman then ran inside the house and disappeared. The convoy personnel secured the perimeter of the house and proceeded to enter the home. Blue team was left outside to provide outside security while red team was to search the home. Red team found themselves searching room-to-room looking for MIA. The first floor was secured and Red team began to search the basement. Once down in the basement they found the MIA unconscious and beaten from terrorist interrogation. The MIA was noted to have multiple bruising, a broken arm, a detached ear, much blood loss, and was in shock. Red team worked to stabilize MIA and had to immediately EVAC her to HQ for proper care. Just before they were ready to take her out of the house, the terrorists fired upon Blue team members from a nearby wood line. Blue team returned fire and was able to suppress enemy fire while Red team moved MIA out of the house and into a convoy vehicle. Blue team and a Red team member were able to flank the terrorist and eliminate all three without any casualties or losses.

By 16:30 hrs the convoy was back on the road and headed back to HQ with their objectives met. At 17:43 hrs HQ radioed that the base had been compromised. Not much information was given to the convoy by the short HQ transmission. The Platoon Sergeant planned a RECON on the HQ base from a concealed hill top located just east of the base. He was able to spot four terrorists roaming the HQ grounds and coordinated both his teams to try and take out the enemy trespassers. He had Red team with him and had Blue team pull back to a position just northwest of the base. Red team was sent down the hill toward the base while Blue team made a bold crossing of a flooded creek area with their vehicle out of sight of the terrorists. Red team was immediately spotted by the terrorists as they made their way down the wooded steep hill. The terrorist began to set up a defensive line to engage Red team and then the saw Blue team maneuvering toward them. The terrorist had not anticipated that anyone would get across the creek. The terrorist had no where to go as the two teams converged on their position. A 30-minute battle took place before all terrorists were eliminated. Both fire teams suffered no deaths and only one hand casualty from an enemy paint ball.

The days training ended around 18:30 with a final debriefing. The training for the most part was a positive one. A few mistakes were made but that is what training is all about. Practice makes perfect and it is better to make mistakes in practice than make mistakes in an actual event where lives are at stake. The teams made some impressive maneuvers that brought confidence to themselves and to those in HQ. It is always good to know that you have people next to you that are competent and trustworthy.

Good job everyone!

February 16, 2008 marked the NEODF 2nd Annual Winter FTX. Several members of the 3rd Battalion along with members of the NWODF and SWODF joined together to challenge the elements and themselves. The weekend training consisted of winter survival skills, navigation, disarming persons of their rifle or sidearm, radio communications, RECON, butchery of chicken and, most importantly, camaraderie.

On Saturday, February 16 at 0900 hrs, members began arriving to the Elkton training area bright eyed and bushy tailed. The temperature was around 22 deg and climbed to 40 deg by mid- afternoon. There was 3-5 inches of wet snow on the ground, which allowed some members to wear their snow camo and also get their feet wet. By 1000 hrs all were in formation and briefed on the weekend events. After formation, Team leaders for the Green, Blue, and Red teams assembled in the HQ Command tent and were each given a colored flag and a confidential envelope. Each envelope contained topo and aerial maps of their area of operations (AO), a partial Morse code message and a GMRS/FRS frequency. The team leaders were informed that they were to use these items while engaging in a winter survival RECON competition with one another.

The RECON mission consisted of each team being given ample time to patrol undetected to their AO, find a place to set up camp, radio HQ of their base camp UTM coordinates, and build shelters to sleep in overnight. They were given until 1400 hrs to complete these tasks before returning to HQ for additional winter survival training. Teams were instructed to set their flag in their base camp and to leave their Morse code message in the shelter nearest their flag. Back at HQ, the RTO and Navigator coordinated all the team communications, conducted well-ness checks on each team and plotted team base camp locations as the information was radioed in. Once all team base camp coordinates had been plotted, HQ produced control points with corresponding azimuths and distances that would be radioed to each team RTO and then be given to the team Navigators for map plotting. At 1330 hrs, HQ began calling in the teams one by one for further winter survival training.

At 1400 hrs, all teams rallied back at HQ. The Training NCO conducted a fire starting class with a smorgasbord of fire making materials and some demonstrations on how to use each one. After the demonstrations, all members were given the chance to start their own fire using the methods just demonstrated. Most found out that it takes very dry material and a lot of patience to start a fire. While one half of the personnel were at the fire starting class, the other half were with the Lt. learning how to find and purify water and also learn how to look for and prepare sources of food for consumption such as pine needles, corn, oats, and other various plants in the wild.

About 1500 hrs teams were given some hot chili thanks to the Wolfgang family before they were sent back to their base camps one by one to begin the RECON mission. As each team radioed HQ upon their arrival, HQ transmitted their control point information to them. Team leaders were given time to plan the most direct patrol route to each of their control points without being detected. At each control point the teams were to find the opposing teams base camp and radio to HQ the flag color found, The UTM coordinates, and a S.A.L.U.T.E. report. They also had to search for the Morse code message and the team RTO had the responsibility of copying and decoding it.

By 2200 hrs, Blue team had successfully found both opposing base camps, returned to HQ with RECON intelligence, and decoded their Morse code message. The exercise ended at 2300 hrs with Red and Green teams still on patrol. At 2310 hrs, teams were dismissed from the exercise and returned to their base camps to prepare for a nights sleep in their shelters. After this exercise, we all found out just how important it is to work as a team and how much we may or may not have known about land navigation and good radio communication.

At 0600 hrs Sunday morning, we awoke to 35 degree temperatures and light rain showers. Some members discovered that their shelters were not quite waterproof and headed back to the command tent to keep dry and get something hot to drink. By 0730 hrs, hot oatmeal, donuts, and coffee were served for breakfast. Following breakfast, a few members took the time to sight in their rifles at the 100 yard range while the remaining members learned proper techniques in disarming persons carrying rifles and pistols from Training NCO.

At 1200 hrs the temperature was in the 40's and the rain was starting to clear out. It was time to start thinking about lunch and - fresh chicken was on the menu! The Lt. escorted two teams to a nearby chicken coop where each team had to bag two roosters. He then instructed the teams on the proper techniques of handling chickens without suffering too much 'chicken acupuncture'.

Once all roosters were bagged and brought to HQ, 5 BN Training Officer graciously instructed everyone on how to skin and gut a chicken. He then provided instruction on different ways to prepare the birds and demonstrated different spit techniques using branches and twigs from green trees. When we finished our feast of fresh chicken, corn, corn bread, and home-made bread, everyone began packing up - taking with them a better understanding of themselves, their team-mates and a weekend to remember.

Thank you to 3 BN NCOs for their instruction and thank you to all those in the NEODF. that make the extra effort to dedicate their time to the unit every third weekend despite their busy schedule. By attending training we can only better ourselves and our unit. I am proud to say I am a member of the Ohio Defense Force and I am proud of the men and women whom I have befriended.

"An ice storm has rocked the county and the Sheriff�s Office is seeking volunteers to do welfare checks on people (there have been reports of people suffering hypothermia and even freezing to death after there power went out a few days ago). You and your team went to Summitville, you passed three streets to the end of the neighborhood, and you recall seeing a sign that said Market St. a few minutes before you disembarked. You are at your 3^rd house, you have knocked on the door and gotten no answer so you peer in through the window and see someone wrapped up in the living room chair. You bang on the window, they don�t move, you are concerned for them so you break one of the window panes in the back door and let yourself in. The house is freezing. The person in the chair is an elderly woman in severe hypothermia. Your team mate checks and finds that the house number is 519. You will be working from your vehicle�s SSB CB radio on Emergency channel 9. Set up and transmit your 9 Line Medevac".

And that's how the training went as the unit was split into focus groups and given a scenario whereby they had to identify a patient and set up a Nine Line Medevac report. Each situation was different and each focus group was given the opportunity to talk it over, plan it, write it out and then broadcast it in person. After the groups had finished their first Nine Line, they geared up and headed back out into the cold evening to do another Nine Line from the field this time with the twist of having to coordinate to an actual location and all the while speaking to a Command Center on the other end of the radio. The Command Center volunteers had the less enviable job of fielding two sets of incoming radio traffic over two different types of radio. The radio section began with a primer on available radio systems, operation, and functions of radios. Members will recall that FRS/ GMRS radios are ideal for in-team communication but that Citizen Band (12w SSB) radios are the ideal for inter-unit operations since they have greater range and do not require an operator's license. On hand were different types of radios and equipment to run the radios (solar panel, 21 foot man-portable antenna). After the lecture team members took an open book test on radio characteristics, best operating procedures, and the phonetic alphabet.

Other training aspects of the day were on Responding to Medical/ Trauma emergencies (Before you get involved in any situation always make sure the scene is safe - One Victim, Not Two). Which was a hands on workshop on understanding and assessing what health care professionals call the ABCs of Life (click the link for the document). In any emergency, whether medical or trauma, learning the condition of the patient and being able to relay that information to the right people is part of the patient's Golden Hour of care. Team members practiced assessing a patient by checking for level of consciousness (AOx3 / AVPU), checking for an open airway, breathing and assessing circulation. This training was an ideal segway into the 9 Line Medevac Exercise.

Earlier in the day members went over the basics of compass & map use and then a new component on GPS use. In the past we have done several orienteering exercises and everyone is fairly well off using a map & compass - but with the advantage of GPS technology we intend to use more of these in the future. All members were given time to familiarize themselves with the utilization and the plotting of way-points with the GPS unit. A few members have their own GPS and 3BN has purchased one for member use also. Other topics of the day consisted of general administrative policies within the 3rd Battalion; uniform, team assignments, basic unit organization, customs, safety & security policies. During lunch there was an overview on how to develop a platoon logistics pack for in-field resupply (this is posted in the link section). Next month's training will be the 2nd Annual Winter FTX & Survival Training.

On November 18^th at 0900 members of the unit converged on the NEODF Range, despite the chilly weather and the anticipated rain/snow drizzles, to begin our annual rifle qualifications and firearms training appropriately dubbed �Weapons Weekend�. The unit divided into 3 elements; Red Team, Blue Team, and Staff. Staff ran two different courses of fire - each team would then rotate through the rifle range for qualifications and the valley below the old diesel shovel for combat shooting. The 1st range was the standard qualifications course (4 strings on 100 yards & 1 string on 200 yards); we had 12 people shoot the qualification course this year. The high score was 245 (taken by 1Sgt. Flory who had 25 Vs) the lowest score was 167. Everyone qualified and the battalion average was 215. We considered this a major improvement over last year's scores. This overall improvement was attributed to us shooting Fred's AQT earlier in the year.

While the qualification course was going on the other team occupied itself on a �jungle walk� in the valley that was run through with buddy teams and then fire teams. The course of fire was based on the scenario that our teams were intercepting an aggressor unit that had taken prisoners. We had to go in and neutralize the enemy while negotiating the terrain and not hitting the prisoners during the shooting. The target rich environment consisted of rectangular odd shaped silhouettes and bowling pins . Some of these were painted orange to identify prisoners that should not be engaged. While maneuvering the course the range officer would trail the teams watching for safety issues and also coaching the teams with admonitions to �stay low�, �move from cover to cover�, �call your targets and kills�, and communicate with your team members. The jungle walk was considered to be one of the highlights of the training by all the participants.

After all three units were through the qualification course, dinner (chicken wings, potato salsad , pigs in a blanket, and hot coffee) was brought in by the Mess Sgt. There was also hot turkey soup and the battalion enjoyed a hot meal in the cold air until the night sky was in full effect. Then the teams reloaded magazines and readied themselves for the night shoot exercise. This exercise required all personnel to move to the 200 yard range area, which also meant crossing a semi-disabled, iced over bridge that was a team building exercise in and of itself. As soon as everyone was at the 200 yard side. A brief primer was given on the use of the 26.5mm flare gun and its respective ordnance. And then the teams engaged targets by the light of overhead flares. Some timing was needed to determine the optimum distance and apex to fire in conjunction with the flares. After the teams engaged targets with overhead flares the next night fire technique was run with teams engaging an enemy that had opened fire on their position by targeting off center of the enemy's muzzle flash. The muzzle flash was simulated using cyalume light sticks attached to the targets. Overall, everyone did well (and much better than the last coordinated night shoot at February's FTX).

After the night shoot, personnel were dismissed for the night and watches were set. Some members hit their bunks immediately while others spent time around the campfire enjoying a cigar or a cup of coffee. The next morning reveille was called at 0700 and breakfast was hot coffee and muffins. Then we were led through morning PT (to get the blood flowing) and hand to hand exercises. After this we then reviewed the use of field phones, giving everyone ample opportunity to try out and play with the German field phone set. In a pinch we could wire up a large geographical area with multiple field phones and a switchboard system. Following the field phones, it was back to the tactical range for more team drills and shooting. While this occurred we also video taped several portions for stream video on the website and YouTube. The 500 yard shoot had to be abandoned as the ground near the target setup area was to soft for 4x4 vehicles. We'll have to get this at a later date. Lastly, members who wanted to reshoot the tactical course were given time to do so and then we cleaned up the area and dismissed all personnel. All in all it was a very good qualifications and weapons training FTX.

Approximately 30 days ago, an EMP attack occurred over the East Coast, taking out all communications, public transportation, sea and air travel. Since then, people who weren't prepared have exhausted their food, fresh water, fuel, medical supplies, etc. - and have begun leaving the large cities. Drug addicts, thieves, and roving gangs have also moved into the countryside. In our area these gangs are moving south along major routes (Rt. 11 & Rt. 7) , south from Youngstown and north from East Liverpool. Our mission was to conduct scouting operations to ensure that enemy elements had not encroached outside the perimeter the secured compound area.

This was the briefing that we received prior to the commencement of Operation Gang Bang; a convoy exercise that would test our abilities to scan designated routes for known enemies, gather intel, and to either proceed through an enemy position or to take out the hostile parties. To keep things interesting our convoy had to consist of a scout vehicle, two gun trucks, and a rear security vehicle. We had to move at 25 +/- mph, maintain a 20 yard space between vehicles, and never stop. Radio communications would be conducted on FRS Channel 8 & CB radio 28/ Alt. 23. We were given a predetermined route that would recon a 10 mile area.

The operation got underway with a few false starts due to unfamiliarity with the terrain and the lack of street signs. Which further emphasized the need to spend adequate time reviewing the routes and learning the directions inside and out. After this, we had to devise an action plan if we encountered a road block. Being that this was the first exercise we had ever done, deciding on a plan of action boiled down to 2 very basic options; dismount and attack or bust through and then attack. We opted for the latter. As one participant put it; �the exercise really drove home some of the aspects of real warfare - hours of boredom, punctuated by seconds of sheer adrenaline filled terror�. When we finally rolled up on the OPFOR we busted through with the scout vehicle and the 1st gun truck which then dismounted troops to counterattack. While this was happening the 2nd gun truck and security vehicle simultaneously came through the road block fast and also dismounted troops into the area. After a few minutes of paintballing back and forth we called the exercise and debriefed.

Prior to the convoy operation the unit ran through practice strings on the qualification targets. Competition this year for the 3 BN �Top Gun� looks fierce as many people were shooting really well!

For the past 16 years the Ohio Defense Force has maintained a vigil at White Cottage's Annual Community Days Festival & Parade. From the very beginning on Friday night to Sunday morning ODF personnel keep a watchful eye on the festival grounds and its patrons. We also maintain control of the parade route security so that the parade can proceed uninterrupted. We are in uniform, we are visible, and the villagers of White Cottage are thankful for our service � (so much so that many of the churches & vendors opened their doors and kitchens to us if we were hungry). This mission is at the heart of the ODF; a core principle that defense of the community comes first. If we only conduct 1 community service mission a year (White Cottage) and its not for a crisis then we can say that its been a quiet year � which is good for everyone.

This year we continued our watch on the hillside overlooking the Fire Station with our GP Medium Tent, American Flag, Ohio Burgee, & our Unit Flag proudly displayed. Security Patrols went on throughout the nights without much fanfare. There were relatively few incidents. The parade was shorter this year than it has been in other years and the duration of the vendors was less than usual � with most of them leaving by Saturday evening. The White Cottage Community Chairperson informed us that the Fair has diminished over the years but there are plans to bring it back with greater enthusiasm for future years to come.

On Saturday after the parade, personnel were dismissed until later in the afternoon. Around 1700 hours we had some pickup training on conducting security approaches, how to interview suspicious persons, aggressor-defender tactics, conducting pat-downs and searches, escorting people, and understanding the legal ramifications/consequences of citizen arrests and detainment. We broke camp early on Sunday giving members the opportunity to get back home to enjoy the rest of their weekend. Plans are already being discussed for next year's White Cottage Detail and how to make it into a massive training experience as well as a community service event.

Due to unforeseen circumstances a large portion of the Unit was not in attendance for this training. The convoy operations section which for the most part is personnel intensive was put on hold for a later date.

When life hands you lemons what do you do? Obviously, you make lemonade. Nonetheless, we were able to tackle a variety of projects and administrative issues that otherwise detract from the more intense training dates.

Notable tasks included dropping some trees that were blocking the 300 yard range and selecting the site and laying out the planned Shoot house and Urban Scenario Training area. A rough outline is shown below.

The Vehicle Operations course was taught by visiting SWAT Instructor Dick Wolf. Mr. Wolf provided a thorough briefing on the basics of Vehicle Operations. This included planning missions, organizing vehicles & gear, weapon selection, and executing defensive maneuvers. He first explained how a maneuver would take place, what the key ideas were and then how each team would walk through it to make sure they understood what to do. After this they would pick up the pace a little more and add speed to the drill. When the team was comfortable with the maneuver they would kick it into high gear with blanks.

The OPFOR would also run with blanks to keep things realistic. Additionally, the opponent was allowed to adapt and improvise in the situation as training is supposed to be a two way learning experience. The first combat drill was on how to rapidly deploy from a vehicle as a team, into a security formation. With rifles pointing downward and gear secured or positioned in such a way so that a team could rapidly exfil the vehicle, the driver was responsible for all verbal commands to the team. Upon determining that the vehicle needed to stop and the team set into a holding position, the driver would shout: �360 Security�. Each person would exit the vehicle and take up a kneeling position watching a predetermined vector. This way the team had visual security to the front, rear, left, and right quadrants of the vehicle.

The third team drill was a rescue detail using a minivan, a 3 man security element, and a 3 man medic element to secure and �scoop up� a downed comrade. The minivan ambulance would roll up as near as possible to the downed person. The passenger and two gunners from the back would take up security positions forward of the casualty. Two medics would move up and if their was time put the casualty on a drag bag or if things were hairy use an extremity lift and move the casualty back to the van whereby another medic would pull the casualty to the back of the van. The 3 gunners would then advance backwards taking up their respective positions. A medic not working the patient would be responsible for physically holding on to the 2 gunners in the back while the van got under way.

After the team drills concluded, Mr. Wolf walked us through individual scenarios of combat from vehicles for individuals who might be pursued by aggressors. The days training concluded with an open debriefing on the subject of vehicle operations and team maneuvers. Prior to the section on Vehicles, the Unit put to use skills learned in the Evasion course taught last month. After the obligatory 2 mile gear hike team members who had been at the Evasion course paired up with those who had not been there and they worked together to assemble a �ghillie-flage shield�. Once the shields were put together those who had been at the Evasion course went into the bush and set up an ambush. The non-attendees then moved to find and destroy this group. Though finding would prove extremely difficult for the well camouflaged ambushers. After a short engagement with a few of the ambushers the exercise was called and the camouflaged element was asked to stand up and reveal their locations. Even when they did this, some of them could still not be seen until they began to move. The shocker was that a new cadet, who had only shown up with jeans and a red t-shirt, had gone out with them and yet while wearing his shield he was nearly camouflaged so well that he looked like a bush. Coupled with face paint and an upper ghillie suit someone could literally disappear before your very eyes. After this exercise we briefed the S&D team on back-tracking, using dead space, and other tricks of the evasion trade. Following the camouflage training, the unit was given a primer on hand-to-hand combat. All in all this was one of the better sessions in the 2007 Training Schedule. We intend to keep up the pace for future sessions.

July 21; Survival & Evasion Course

This extra long course, hosted by the staff of the Northeast Ohio Primitive Living and Wilderness Survival School (www.medicinescout.com) covered in depth material on the priorities of evasion and survival. These priorities break down into four distinct topic groups; Awareness (psychological training, scout perception drills, searching for booby-traps), Camouflage (expedient ghillie suits and clothing, improvised facial camouflage, use of �dead space�, avoiding human detection), Stealth Movement (how to outsmart tracking dogs, physical movement techniques, route selection, terrain considerations, hiding your tracks and trail, and travel patterns) and Survival Skills (making smokeless fires, shelter systems, survival gear, food procurement). Other topics included defeating FLIR & pulse radar, booby traps that would make Rambo envious, counter tracking, anti-tracking, and much, much more. You had to be there to truly grasp the course material. Although this course ran for nearly 12 hours it was well worth the time and money. The skills learned in this course will be put to use in further training sessions throughout the year.

June 22 - 24; State Wide Field Training Exercise 2007 Field Training Exercise� what can I say? It was probably one of the more ehausting, yet rewarding, training exercises that I have been to in a long time. The topics of this FTX was on defensive maneuvers; fighting positions and security issues. Tough? Heck yeah! It was further complicated by the maddening seesaw between boredom and adrenaline that takes place after we had dug in and were waiting for the OPFOR to probe and assault our position. But I�m getting ahead of myself.

The weekend festivities started on Friday at 1700 when members of 3^rd Battalion began to arrive at the State Training HQ to find that 5^th Battalion had beaten us there and were already set up. They had also set up a portable radio antenna to take advantage of the yearly HAM Radio Operators� Field Day (this is when the HAMs of the world take to the great outdoors to practice disaster communications) and catch some traffic during the down time. After arriving and getting our personal tents set up we began to clean out the mess hall and help the chef get set up. Some members were asked to �look at� at a base vehicle that needed some mechanical help. At 2100 Security shifts began and members from both battalions alternated staffing on the front and back gates until 0700 hours.

FTX doesn�t officially start till 1200 so 3^rd Battalion members began a training refresher on 2006 super squad stations. This was a useful primer for new members and a welcome refresher for later members. Formation immediately followed, and the training moved out afterwards. This exercise began with us patrolling to a location, setting up a perimeter, building fighting positions, clearing lines of fire, and camouflaging our positions. This was like a living classroom that would be the basis for the rest of the training. Because after we returned from our patrol, had dinner, were briefed on Proper Security Issues and Night Fighting Basics we moved back out to a set up a reverse slope defense on a hillside and then to hold it against an aggressor force. As before we dug in new fighting positions and started our long wait � for those of us who were operating on around 3 hours of sleep it was tough. I keep a pack of Jolt Gum (caffeine gum) in my butt pack for just such occasions � I shared part of it with the guy next to me. It helped.

Sometime after 2200 hours there was distinguishable human movement forward of our position. We gave the challenge twice and received no response twice, so we chucked a flash bang down the hill and opened up with blanks and 26.5mm illumination flares. The fight was on! It got crazy for well over half an hour or more especially when an enemy combatant slipped through our line and start going from position to position �knifing� people! At about 2300+ hours the exercise ceased and we returned to base for debriefing and ODF Chili. Security shifts were posted and lights were out till 0700.

After breakfast & formation, the next phase of FTX was the annual Super Squad Competition where teams from the battalions compete to see who is the most proficient squad in the Ohio Defense Force. The competition consists of a biathlon, a field strip relay race, and a series of Go/ No-Go stations. The stations for this year�s competition included; drill and ceremony formations, patrol formations, field phone operation, Swiss seat and rappelling knots, use of force/ legal requirements, and uniform inspection. The results of the competition are still out but we should know sometime within July.

Following the competition we were back out in the field for another defensive exercise. Capt. Eckhart led our combined force to a patrol base that we had used in a war-game scenario 3 years ago. It was a secluded glen between two hills with a road on one side and a footpath on the other. We dug in again and waited for the opfor to find us. This time they hit us on a flank our six� o�clock. Learning from the previous night�s error � we allowed a small assault force to move out of our perimeter and take out the enemy patrol. As this happened one of the aggressors moved down the road hoping for a quick way around to our flank and was �hit� by the entire nine to twelve o�clock fighting positions. It was a resounding cacophony! Lastly, as we were called in to debrief, we steamrollered a lone aggressor in classic textbook fashion with the Blue and Red fire teams working in perfect synchronization.

The training ended with a short overview and critique by all members present. Ideas for next year�s statewide training were given consideration. Lastly, a light lunch of leftovers and sandwiches was served and then everybody began to tear down camp and head for the long drive home. Another successful FTX! Thank you to everyone who was there and made this training a reality!

May 19; Small Unit Tactics II May�s training was a continuation of Small Unit Tactics. Everyone was onsite and heading out for the Two-Miler by 1045 hours. While the morning was brisk, the rest of the day was warm with temperatures approaching 75 degrees (a welcome change from many months of 30 degree temps). After the morning warm up we moved to the range where targets had been set up at 100, 200, and 300 yards. Though due to the recent foliage we had to hold up training to drop a few trees so that the 300 yard range was made visible. After the minor deforestation project, shooters were on the line and putting lead down range. What we found was that despite a month�s lull in the training, shooting Fred�s AQT produced a noticeable increase in the scores, especially when we moved out to 200 yards.

After the range we moved back to the main training area to gear up for tactical training. This is where we use paintball gear in lieu of rifles, because in the dense brush it creates a sense of realism that is hard to find elsewhere. The training consisted of Red Team and Blue Team being ambushed, reacting, and then counter-attacking Green Team. The hard part was coordinating the efforts of two separate teams to work in tandem against an unknown opposition force. Several scenarios were conducted and while the training was positive we are still in the tweaking process to make this training meaningful.

One of several key things to consider is how to treat the �walking wounded�. Theoretically, a hit to the extremities (arms & legs) is not considered a �true kill (body/ head shot)�; therefore shouldn�t these wounds be treated with some type of field medical care? What about evacuating the wounded? While simulating firefights with paintball helps to build tactical expertise it still leaves some of the operational issues �up in the air�. The other problem is that paintball lenses also fog � which was a real problem with several people�s goggles. So while we will try to keep the training as realistic as possible, we�ll also continue to use blanks and rifles throughout the yearly training evolution.

April 21; Small Unit Tactics I A battalion of riflemen (and women) that�s what we are aiming for (no pun intended) and that�s why we are shooting Fred�s Quick & Dirty 25 yard AQT Course. If you were present for Small Unit Tactics I you�ll understand the exhilarating feeling of watching your simulated 100 yard target scores and groups go up considerably after you sighted in your rifle on the 1�x1� square (especially after we rule out any mechanical problems with your rifle). If you didn�t make it for S.U.T. I there is still an opportunity to sight in on the AQT at Small Unit Tactics II on the next training, May 19^th. It�s also a great way to introduce friends and family members to the Unit as this a definitive �take home skill� that everybody wants to improve on.

Between shooting the AQT and doing the customary Two Miler the teams also practiced shooting short range with low-light simulation goggles (welding goggle with a shade 9 lens insert). These goggles are pretty dark, but with the bright sun - eventually your eyes adapted and soon the close range appeared to be like night time with a hunter�s moon. We�ll try this again on an overcast day and see what effect the goggles provide. After everyone had done the Two Miler, the low light, and the AQT we retired to the command tent for lunch and an informal briefing on the use of small unit tactics and flanking maneuvers. It can�t be stressed enough that when an OPFOR is encountered, slugging it out in two lines of fire will be almost worthless. The winner will be the one who can out maneuver the other force and pin him between two angles of fire.

To practice this more efficiently, we put our rifles away and used paintball gear. Emphasis should be noted here that we use paintball, we don�t play paintball. That means that you only carry 30 paintballs in your hopper and your reload tubes. Paintball hits to the extremities only render the extremity useless as the person can still operate in a limited capacity. Gun shots only ruin guns � so you can use someone else�s. Cover for paintballs is not the same as cover for bullets, and paintball range is limited to usually 50 yards. Lastly, it proved that things can go FUBAR very quickly. In S.U.T. II we�ll work harder on immediate action drills and fire team coordination, while conducting pre-set scenarios.

The day ended with reopening the 100 yard range to conduct a statistical research project on whether a rifleman must have their own rifle or whether they can use an unfamiliar weapon with similar accuracy. The project was being conducted by the 2Lt. for a college class. Shooters would fire their personal rifle with 5 rounds at a target and then they would fire 5 more rounds from an M39 Finnish Mosin-Nagant at another target. Scores were tabulated based on grouping size and scored points on the target. Results will be available at the next training.

The Kid�s Pathfinder Unit (children between 3 and 11) also had their first session, despite the small turn out the kids enjoyed being out in the great outdoors. Between general play time, snacks, and projects they also did plaster casting of animal tracks. Other future activities include geo-caching hunts and kids small caliber shoot.

March 17th: Operation Eagle Down, a humanitarian search and rescue mission, began with an informal three stage training. The first stage was an observation exercise that was reminiscent of �Where�s Waldo[�s gear]?�. The second stage was on learning how to use the Infrared Heat Seeker units, and the third stage was an opportunity for everyone to recheck their pace counts. After this we went over the planning aspects for the mission (who? what? where? when? how?). While the planning session was going on our pilot slipped into the area of operations and �got lost�.

February 2007; Operation Frigid Strike - Overnight FTX

Operation Frigid Strike commenced on February 17th at the N.E.O.D.F. Range despite the winter weather conditions (this is training, right?) Several members and guests assembled in the command tent where the 2Lt. was stoking up a fire (after a few minutes the tent became so hot that we had to open some of the windows). The weather was around 19 degrees and there was a good 3 to 6 inches of snow and ice on the ground. In retrospect, this training might have been more aptly dubbed "Operation Snowshoe" - everyone who attended got a killer workout; since travel in the snow required something of a high stepping march.

The days activities began at 0900 with a primer on winter operations; members would have to be sure that they conducted frequent health checks to make sure that everyone was maintaining adequately. This health check consisted of making sure the other was alert / observant / functioning. In cold weather its important to make sure that no one slips into hypothermia or exhaustion. We started the training with the two-miler and then hit the range to conduct cold weather shooting drills. The targets were white on white and at times were very hard to see. This training consisted of engaging plates at different ranges and while wearing heavy cold gear it wasn't easy to hold on target. Overall, the shooters did OK - not great, not bad though. We also field tested some new 26.5mm green star flares and smoke grenades.

After lunch, the 2nd phase of training consisted of a lecture and Q&A session hosted by SPC. Sherry, LPN. We went over the different types of cold weather injuries (hypothermia, frostbite, trench foot, snow blindness, etc.) and how to prevent and treat them. Very informative and very necessary for operating in this type of environment. After this the unit geared up to go back out and practice patrolling while the night shoot was being set-up.

While patrolling, topics covered included how the patrol is set up, who the major players are (point, slack, drag, flank, tail, main company), and how to use cover and concealment to our advantage. Also, the team worked the box technique several times to cross a linear danger area (open roads / trails). While initially easy to understand it takes a few times to do it right. The big downside to winter operations is that when planning any type of operation you should immediately cut all of your foot travel times in half. Moving on anything but paved roads is hard work, there is limited cover, sounds travel further than normal and people tire out quicker than they normally would. Furthermore, troops expend more water and food than they would otherwise do so in regular climates. One other element of winter training that is often not considered is the vehicle angle. Despite the number of 4WD vehicles - we still had to push a few of the smaller cars out of ice divots and snow banks. After a few times of extricating 2WD vehicles we became very proficient at this. Which, I am sure that the lovely couple that went down the training area's unplowed lane to frolic were especially glad that we would help push their car out for them (though I bet they weren't expecting to be found by an armed patrol!).

The capstone of the training was a night time ambush exercise that was set up on the ridgeline. The team patrolled to the area and deployed on-line. Then, using rocket illumination flares, they lit up the night and engaged an "enemy camp" where target silhouettes were set up (easier said than done). After this event we returned to base camp for the cold weather exercise. a few intepid members braved the cold by laying out their sleeping bags on pads / ranger rolls. Others stayed in the tent. Morning came and a few members who spent the night at home returned to continue with a two man tactical shoot through the "enemy camp". At around 1200 hours we cleaned up and headed home. While this was one of the toughest FTX's I have been on, it was also the most memorable. We didn't get to do everything that we planned for, but it was a great learning tool for next year's Winter FTX. Nonetheless, everyone learned a lot about themselves and their own capabilities and it was a great kick-off for the 2007 training cycle.

January 2007; Technical Training What was probably the coldest day of this year's winter was also the 3rd Battalion's scheduled training day. Fortunately, we were indoors at the Wayne Township Community Hall where the unit conducted its technical classroom training. There were also several new members in attendance. After dues were paid and general announcements were made the training got underway. The following classes and discussions were given over the course of the training session :

November 2006 Observation and Live Fire Theoretically, the last official training of year 2006 began as a full house with many familiar faces, as well as new members, and old members not seen for awhile. We were also fortunate to have on-hand a guest contingent from the Unorganized Militia of Champaign County (from way down by SWODF). Furthermore, the weather was dry as the monsoon rains had abated - some would even say that the day even felt warm.

The days training commenced around 1030 hours with the initial warm-up hike and then on the way back the teams were directed to an Observation and Live Fire exercise set up on the lower range. The teams got on line with "soldier cutouts" posted on the 100 yard frame and then had to use scopes and field glasses to determine the size, activity, location, uniform, time, and equipment of the enemy targets. This information was then relayed back to "base" via a SALUTE Report. Once the reports were in, the teams were given the go ahead to engage the targets. After a brief, but violent cacophony of gunfire, weapons were put on safe and the targets were surveyed for damage. The next order of business was to replace the targets with the proverbial "snowman targets" - for the 3 plate / 3 position shooting exercise.

Following lower range activities, members and guests grabbed a quick bite to eat while they switched from live ammo to blanks and then assembled at the Command Tent for a brief overview of compass and map basics. The teams were then divided up again and participants were briefed on how the orienteering-code course would function. Teams would start by opening a coordinate canister that contained an azimuth and a yard distance which would lead them to a code canister whereby they had to decipher a code (instructions were provided). Codes included basic substitution ciphers, acrostics, and encryption algorithms. The code would provide a clue to a landmark on the property. Teams would maneuver to this landmark and then find another coordinate canister which led to a code canister (and the process would repeat several times). If this wasn't interesting, the idea that there were two OPFOR elements also working in the area provided for more stimulus. After some confusion and a few firefights, the days events closed out with an AAR done by both units.

The next unit activity will be the Holiday Dinner party to be held at Bad Frog's Bar & Grille (We'll be using the Navy SEAL lounge on the 2nd floor) on December 17th at 1600 hours. We hope to see everyone there.

October 2006 Fall FTX
The Fall Field Training Exercise and Super Squad Competition took place at the Ellis Dam Training Facility on the third weekend of October. Despite the cold weather (hint: get your Poly-Pros for winter!) the training went fairly well. The overall training was on coordinating teams, tactically and strategically, to link up during a disaster scenario. Especially, when a known OPFOR was working in the immediate area. Some of the specifics of this training included a forward peel to counter a linear danger area and platoon security while in a larger position. The capstone of the training was a nighttime move-to-contact exercise. During which we had opportunity to use our new infrared heat seekers and an AN/PVS-7 Night Vision Monocular (WOW!).

The Super Squad Competition this year was similar to last year except that it was a lot stricter and units were expected to actually know what they were doing in the different stages. Scored stages included; Swiss rappel seat, hand signals, parade formations, field phones, principles of force, AR-15 / AK-47 field strip relay, and the biathlon. Despite having the best biathlon score, we were bested by SGT. Cultrona's (1st BN) fire team.

September 2006 Anti-Sniper Training
On 18 September 2006, NEODF training began at 1000 hours. The days training began with a warm up road march on the perimeter of the training facility. To be an effectively mobile light infantry unit we need to move with full patrol gear and equipment at around 20 minutes a mile. We were able to keep this record with coming in around 45 minutes for 2 miles. Though we were slightly bogged down by helping a neighbor retrieve their dog. It never hurts to help someone in need - after all that's what our unit exists for.

Nonetheless, after the hike we moved to the rifle range to work on our tactical shooting at close range and intermediate ranges. Practicing marksmanship drills that start on the move and go to prone, kneeling, and standing helps to develop reflexive shooting skills. No scores were taken but unit members were able to gauge their own ability at hitting paper plates at varied distances. There were a few people who had trouble with their guns and aftermarket parts. This is the time to get out and try out your equipment before TSHTF and you need it.

The 3rd training phase focused on developing hand to hand skills that were learned at the previous August training. Members worked on instinctual defensive skills in combination against an attacker with a knife and an empty hand. While things got mixed up and at times it was hard to tell who the attacker was and who wasn't - it was a good training op. This is something we will practice more in the future.

After lunch, we began our next training phase which covered patrol tactics Vs. a hidden sniper, who had considerable knowledge of the training grounds, was given the role of the sniper who would go out and try to shoot patrol elements. The sniper was given the benefit of the doubt that whatever he shot was a given kill. The patrol would then have to react to his fire and search & destroy. The hardest part of the whole maneuver was that the sniper would only fire if he had a clear shot therefore there were long lulls where the patrol would be looking for the sniper with no avail. Some lessons learned from this training were :

All in all the days events went well. The unit was dismissed at 1700 and the range was open for informal shooting.

August 2006 Operation Rain Dance
On August 19th, elements of 3rd and 1st battalions (Scout Operations Unit) were covertly inserted into a remote area of Columbiana County to conduct search and surveillance on an unknown group of criminals dubbed "Raiders" operating within the area. Their primary responsibilities were to gather intelligence that would assist Command in the development of a larger action at a later time. After they had conducted their reconnaissance they would exfiltrate the area and be picked up at rendezvous point. As quick as the weather changed, so did the parameters of the mission; Command staff became aware that there were pre-staged drop point that locals were using to send coded communiqu�s to the "raider element".

Based on this new information Command became very desirous of what was in those neatly camouflaged canisters and thus it became necessary for the Scout Operations Unit to retrieve these message canisters at all costs. Unfortunately for the Scouts, the Raiders were very aware of the presence of an "official unit" operating in their A.O. They reacted quickly by retrieving their 1st coded message canister, transmitting the message to their six, and setting up an aggressive counter-ambush for the Scouts.

After the battle, moderators sorted out casualties from the counter-ambush. Command then called in to the Scout Team to retrieve a 2nd canister at the far end of the training area. The Scouts would have to E&E all the way around the "Raider AO" and ascend through the soybean fields, which provided awesome concealment, to capture this second objective. When they secured this canister Command advised the Scout Team make this rendezvous and return to Base Camp. As luck would have it the Raiders who had been monitoring all frequencies, moved to intercept the Scouts. This prompted the Scout Team Leader to call for a hasty retreat and for his personnel to move on foot back to Base Camp in the foggy night

After all participants were accounted for at the Base Camp they were entreated to a catered meal of rigatoni and hot coffee while they were debriefed on the scenario events. Many parties agreed that the scenario was well developed and provided a realistic training opportunity. The Command / Base Camp Staff was also ran by the support and instruction in running an Operations Center. Everyone who was involved in the scenario gave their 100% effort to make this training op run smoothly, despite the soggy, humid weather. Thank You.

Prior to Operation Rain Dance, the NEODF's 2nd Annual Open Training commenced at 1000 hours. This year's training included several members from SODF and NEODF, as well as Guest Instructor, Dick Wolf from the Kentucky State Militia. Immediately following Formation personnel were divided up into 3 groups that would run through the following training stages:

Stage 1 was an hour and a half Hand-to-Hand course taught by Mr. & Mrs. Wolf. This class included a lecture and hands-on training of striking, counter striking, blocks, and parries. Mr. Wolf reviewed H2H fundamentals such as stance and movement and then allowed students to free flow through the techniques until they developed the beginning of muscle memory. Once students felt comfortable with the open handed techniques they transitioned to knives and fighting drills. All students who participated received a certificate of completion.

The 2nd stage was a CQB / Tactical Carbine course of fire on the Lower Range. This course enhanced raw skills that were taught at the Spring FTX by allowing personnel to use them in a live fire course. Specifically the course focused on moving forward, backwards, and laterally while engaging multiple silhouettes. Using geometric angles to see the target (before the target saw you) and engaging multiple targets at varying distances. On Sunday the course was run with pistols. Sergeants Flory and Vandersall were the RSOs.

The 3rd training stage was on the Upper Range. Personnel were given the opportunity to practice their long range shooting at 500+ yard targets. Our Lieutenants acted as spotters by marking the targets with bright red stickers that were easily seen through binoculars at the other end. The 1BN Training NCO was the RSO on the shooting platform. This exercise was ran earlier in the year with poor shooting scores. This time around the scores picked up and personnel showed a marked improvement.

Sunday Training consisted of a H2H course for the Range Officers who were not able to attend the 1st. day. As well as a Mystery Wound Theatre taught by the Red Team Leader (also an LPN). The Lower Range was also open for informal shooting. While several invitations went out for this year's training, only a few new faces were seen. NEODF had 2 new interested persons who were very excited after the end of training and requested applications. We looked forward to seeing them in the future. Special thanks go out to everyone who made this year's Open Training a reality through your hard work and dedication.

June 2006 Small Unit Tactics For a week that had been otherwise rain, rain, rain - it was a nice sunny day - though a bit more humid than most of us would have wanted. Nonetheless, NEODF Members arrived for training at the customary time and formation began at 1015 with a general briefing of the day's intended training. At 1030 2nd LT. led the unit on a 2 mile road march. Our goal was to complete this march in no more than 40 minutes. While this seems like a tall order, it's actually a pretty easy standard (Pro Hikers state that the average person should be able to set a pace of 1 mile in 15 minutes).

Immediately following the hike, the fire teams moved down to the 75 yard line on the range and each member engaged a paper plate with 10 rounds while prone. They then moved up the to the 50 yard line and engaged another plate while kneeling. Then they moved up to the 25 yard line and engaged a 3rd plate while on the move. The scores were interesting to say the least. Overall this was a decent shooting exercise and after training was finished for the day several people went back to the range to re-shoot this drill.

Following this exercise, a break was called for people to re-hydrate and load up with blanks and BFAs. During the break session hand signals and squad movements were covered. After this, the teams moved out to practice ambush reaction doctrine (or "what do you do when someone shoots at you and you didn't see them?"). Techniques covered were Assaulting Through and Australian Peel. In retrospect, a lot of members found out that the best response was not to be a "good victim". When moving through areas it was better to spread out as much as possible and avoid being in a line as a unit. Staying low and staying alert also hindered an ambushing force from springing an offensive. Each fire team was given 2 go-arounds at ambushing and being ambushed.

The days training finished with a briefing session on booby-traps & awareness. Thanks go out to the First Sgt. for kindly providing cold Gatorade & ice during this class. Members were then dismissed at 1700 hours, and the range was reopened for informal shooting.

May 2006 Spring FTX

Despite the small turnout for the Spring FTX the training schedule was packed with an extensive list of programs and exercises. The weekend activities began Friday afternoon as a few intrepid members of the 3rd battalion arrived early to set up tents and the training hall. For the remainder of the night security watches were set and a slow trickle of members began arriving at different hours. By 1100 hours Saturday, the majority of the personnel were on site. Formation and Flag raising was at 1200. Immediately afterward training began with the following 3 stage exercises.

These exercises terminated around 1700 hours and members were dismissed to the chow hall. Immediately afterwards an Operations Order was called and 1st and 3rd Battalions were assembled into 2 elements to search for and destroy enemy forces (HQ staff) in the eastern training quadrant. The S&D strategy was to use each battalion in a long L pattern to sweep the area. 1st BN was the base and moved towards the quadrant while 3rd BN spread out on the road and entered into the quadrant from different positions. Enemy scouts were eliminated and the main force was found occupying a bunker area. They were also eliminated.

The night training then started at 2130 it was a two stage kill house scenario. The 1st exercise was run by a CQB Instructor who supplied Airsoft weapons to participants. This was a team function whereby a 4 man breaching team would kick in a door, move into a room, use flashbangs, and eliminate an unknown number of terrorists without injuring a hostage. The 2nd kill house was a live fire room clearing exercise conducted by LT. Wilson. This was done individually and participants used a handgun and a flashlight to spot and shoot targets. At 2400 hours personnel were debriefed on the days training, treated to SGT. Major White's famous chilli, and then dismissed to their bunks and night watches. Breakfast and reveille were at 0700. Formation followed at 0800. The remainder of the days activities included a rappelling and knot tying exercise conducted by LT. COL. Long, and an informative lecture on Battlefield First Aid.

APRIL 2006 Small Unit Tactics The weather was warm, the sun was shining, and the rain had abated. Furthermore, everything was in blossom and it was good to get out and get some training without having to wear layers of clothing and winter boots. Formation began at 1000 hours and the days events were quickly outlined for the days training.

CQB Course The first exercise was to be a CQB (Close Quarters Battle) / Run and Gun course of fire. The shooter was permitted to use whatever weapon they wanted with unlimited ammunition and unlimited number of magazines (the only requirement was no more than 10 rounds per magazine). The shooter would start with a quick jog to get the heart rate up and then would lock and load, and move from points of cover while engaging multiple paper targets. Once they reached the bridge they had to engage a target on the move and shoot a bowling pin before crossing. On the other side the shooter would then low crawl to a place of cover and cross the next creek (however they wanted). On the other side they had to engage 6 pins, alternating from left and right. The course of fire showed us a lot about how our gear worked... or how it didn't. Some people found that they're gun gadgets were just fancy toys; others learned that their gear didn't fit well when low crawling; others found that they needed to work on their cardio (like myself).

Hill to Hill Shootout
The next course of fire was hill to hill shooting. You never know when you'll get in a long range shooting match, so 3BN NCOs had set up targets on the hill above the range and the teams set up on the hill next to the abandoned diesel shovel. Estimated range was somewhere between 500 - 550 yards. Different rifles were tried and it was found that the heavier grain loads were much better suited for the task as they didn't drift in the 20mph winds. One of the more exotic firing positions was done by specialists Sherry and Schweitzer using buddy rest. One shooter would shoot kneeling while the other person would shoot while resting their rifle on the kneeling shooter's shoulder. It also helped to cover your eyes and ears when the person fired (especially with 7.62x54r & 7.5mm ammo). This proved to be the most effective firing system.

Search & Destroy
The last exercise was a combined search and destroy mission where teams had to maneuver towards a fixed position to take out a crew-served weapon. Never mind that this crew-served weapon was also protected by a crew and had several snipers put out to shoot at us as we maneuvered towards it. All in all this was an excellent primer for us to practice patrolling, camouflage, communication, and small unit tactics to get prepared for FTX. The days training concluded at 1800 hours, though a few members hung around to do some informal shooting.

The NEODF Range Qualifications were held this year at the NEODF range. Thanks to several members hard work, new range improvements include; extra target holders and an outhouse. 2006 qualifications were held over the entire weekend allowing members to shoot either on Saturday or Sunday, or both days. Of the majority of the 14 members this year that shot the Rifle Qualification Course, most qualified on Saturday. Of the overall scores, 3rd Battalion's overall average score was 193, over half of the scores were above 201. The battalion had 3 members qualify as Expert (220 - 250) - The Red Team Leader took Top Gun with 240 points. Six members qualified as Sharpshooter (190 - 219) - with their average score being 205. Three members qualified as Marksmen (160 - 189) - their average score was 177. Only 2 members were unqualified and they were both 1st year/new members. Taken as a whole, the battalion did well.

	O.D.F. Regulations; O.D.F. Mission, composition, rank structure, uniforms, customs and courtesies, flag etiquette,
	CPR training and AED training
	Small Unit Tactics and basic movement
	Use of Force Principles; Elements of defense, legal expectations, requirements for deadly force, safe carry and conveyance of weapons.
	Weapon Familiarization and Range Safety; Nomenclature and field stripping of the Mosin Nagant, Mauser, AR15, AK47, SKS, and FN/FAL.
	Tactical rigs; Load bearing vest and ALICE gear, pack loads, individual gear requirements, equipment items, optional items, and survival gear.
	The psychology of disasters - victim and rescuer reactions to disaster situations

	Move from cover to cover with you next location already in mind.
	The sniper always has the advantage
	Scan the trees as well as the ground. The sniper was once located in a tree. In an urban scenario this is much more plausible.
	Snipers that don't relocate are asking for trouble.

	The 1st stage, Basic NRA pistol and instruction course. The sequence of fire included firing at 25 yd. target; strong hand unsupported, strong hand supported, weak hand unsupported and then under stress by engaging targets in timed intervals. Members less familiar with the pistol received a thorough regimen in handgun shooting.
	The 2nd stage; Combat rifle / pistol "jungle walk". The course began with shooting a coffee can at 110 yards and then moving down the range engaging targets to the left and right of the shooter. At this point the shooter would move to the next area where they had to pickup an unknown weapon and engage 3 stationary targets. The weapon had a cycling problem, so it had to be manually re-cocked after each shot. Easier said than done.
	The 3rd stage; a course in CQB and room clearing. This course covered basic techniques of clearing a room, using distance and geometry to see the "bad guy", movement forward and backwards, covered areas, and clearing strategies. After the training, members were tested in a kill-house scenario using Airsoft guns. Everyone agreed this was an element of training that was very worthwhile.