New LAV Variant for Light Forces

General Dynamics was to begin delivering this new vehicle, the LAV-AD, to Marine light armor units this fall. The Blazer turret includes a forward-looking infrared targeting sight, a laser rangefinder, and the option of employing either Stinger missiles or the rapid-fire GAU-12/U 25mm Gatling gun. The Marines are buying 17 of these systems for their extensive LAV fleet. elements of a corps support battalion. This allowed the fonnation of a lethal regimental combat team and the exercise of the complete wartime command and control structure. To the surprise of many, the regiment proved itself to be every bit as lethal as a heavy annored cavalry regiment, and executed one of the best deep battles seen at the NTC, destroying the lead battalions of the OPFOR regiment through the combined use of attack helicopters, CAS, and indirect fires far forward of the ground squadron's main defense line.

After the first of the year, the regiment began preparation for its deployment to Bosnia in support of Operation JOINT GUARD, under the command of the 1st Annored Division. As part of the preparation, Department of the Anny accelerated the move of 4th Squadron from Fort Benning to Fort Polk, reuniting all the units of the regiment on one post, greatly facilitating our train-up, and enhancing our ability to provide quality family support to our deployed troopers. All deploying troopers received individual readiness training (IRT) to train them on the skills they will need to operate in Bosnia. The final day of training culminated in the troopers running a base camp, complete with guard towers, barbed wire, gates, and situational training involving tasks ranging from dealing with media to operating checkpoints, observation posts, and coordinating patrols.

We then conducted troop STX lanes to exercise the command and control between the troops and squadron tactical operation center. The troop lanes focused on the essential tasks identified for Bosnia: checkpoint operations, handling of refugees, weapon storage area invento- es, as well as force protection issues.

The capstone of our deployment training was a mission rehearsal exercise (MRE) for the entire regiment. This was conducted at Fort Polk in July and was run by the Joint Readiness Training Center (JRTC). The two-week exercise tested the regiment in all areas of command and control, and challenged the troopers in the execution of required tasks. The base camps in Bosnia were fully replicated, along with the 24 realistic simulation of political and economic conditions which make this peacekeeping mission unique and challenging. Refugees seeking resettlement within contested areas, as well as personnel indicted for war crimes, were simulated to create the realism reflecting the conditions in which the 2d ACR will be operating. The civil military affairs elements were fully simulated, to include non-governmental organizations/international organizations and other agencies which are currently working in-country. This gave troopers and commanders the experience needed to deal with the nonmilitary portion of the mission. The level of conflict trained during the MRE ranged from peacekeeping through active faction fighting between the fonner warring factions.

The 2d ACR deployed into country in two main elements. The first elements departed for Tazar, Hungary, August 13-15, and deployed into Bosnia during the last two weeks of August. The second movement arrived in Tazar during the last two weeks of September and included the aviation squadron, regimental support squadron, and remainder of the deployed force. 1st Squadron remained behind at Dragoon Base, Fort Polk, to continue support of the JRTC and care for the families of the deployed soldiers. The notable exception to this deployment schedule is the regimental HHT, which flew to Frankfurt, Gennanyon 16 August for a command post exercise (CPX) and MRE in conjunction with the staff of 1 st AD at the Combat Training Maneuver Center in Hohenfels. MOUNTAIN EAGLE V was conducted from 17-28 August, integrating the staffs of 1st AD and 2d ACR in preparation for joint work in Bosnia.

The 2d ACR is now conducting peacekeeping operations in Bosnia. The remainder of the year will see us continuing to enforce the peace in Bosnia and keeping in mind the Regiment's motto, "Toujours Pret" (Always Ready).

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