After-Action Report

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 teams 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. SSgt Vandersall 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 Lt. Wolfgang 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 Lt. Wolfgang and 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 SSgt Vandersall and Cpl Schweitzer.

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! 2Lt. Wolfgang escorted two teams to a nearby chicken coop where each team had to bag two roosters. 2Lt. Wolfgang 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, 2Lt. Fields 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.

Many thanks to 2Lt. Ken Fields of SWODF for his instruction, and to 2Lt. Stanley and his team for making the trek to Elkton to train with us. Also, thank you to 2Lt. Wolfgang, SSgt Vandersall, and Cpl Schweitzer 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. -1Sgt. Flory

"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 Ssgt. Diane Eckhart. Lt. Wolfgang also brought out 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 by Pvt. Menousek. 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 Tom Brooks. Mr. Brooks 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. Brooks 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, Pvt. Menousek gave 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 Lt. Wolfgang 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 2LT. Wolfgang 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 put on by CPL. Schweitzer (thank you!). 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. LT. Wolfgang, having 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 communiqués 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, Tom Brooks 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. Brooks. This class included a lecture and hands-on training of striking, counter striking, blocks, and parries. Mr. Brooks 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. Lieutenants Eckhart and Wolfgang acted as spotters by marking the targets with bright red stickers that were easily seen through binoculars at the other end. SGT. Waugh 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 SPC. Sherry, 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. Wolfgang 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 taught by LT. Eckhart. Thanks go out to 1st SGT. Flory, 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 CPL. Mash 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 taught by SPC. Sherry.

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) - SPC.4 Matthew Sherry 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, - SSgt. Diana Eckhart
	CPR training and AED training - SGT. Vandersall
	Small Unit Tactics and basic movement - CPT. Eckhart
	Use of Force Principles; Elements of defense, legal expectations, requirements for deadly force, safe carry and conveyance of weapons. - 2LT. Wolfgang
	Weapon Familiarization and Range Safety; Nomenclature and field stripping of the Mosin Nagant, Mauser, AR15, AK47, SKS, and FN/FAL. - 2LT. Wolfgang
	Tactical rigs; Load bearing vest and ALICE gear, pack loads, individual gear requirements, equipment items, optional items, and survival gear. - LT. Bruce Eckhart
	The psychology of disasters - victim and rescuer reactions to disaster situations - CPL. Schweitzer

	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.

	Lt. Wilson conducted 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.
	SGT. Waugh conducted 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.
	CPL. Mash taught 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.