This is a odd collection of information. Most of it is for our internal use. We post links we want to share with each other in efforts to make what we do more accurate, or to tell a story that helps explain in a particularly poignant way why we volunteer to do this .

Below are links to articles that relate to military training issues, and the importance of the OPFOR role.

The Marines Step Up Training for the Complexities of Iraq
US News, Feb 21, 2008, Anna Mulrine

Adapting Military Education to the Lessons Learned in Iraq
US News, Aug 3 2007, Anna Mulrine

973rd in the news
KEZI coverage of the school shooter training we did with the Eugene police Department.

These are link used by the 973rd COB to train and inform our new volunteers. These links can sometimes be offensive, and are not posted to promote the content or the message contained within them. Instead they are used to guide us in behaviours, costume,tactics, attitudes, and mechanics of the enemy our troops face. Not every role we play is hostile, so we also study the general customs of the people who live in the areas of operation. Dealing effectivly with the civilian poulation is just as important as dealing with an enemy.

Costume Sources
Al Hannah - Online Islamic Clothing Store
Simply Islam - Online Islamic Clothing Store
Nightmare Factory - beards, blood, teeth, props

IEDs
IED article
IED Concealment article
IED training
IED Hunter - a gag video done by Army Engineer, good information
IED Attack on Marines
Double IED attack
Convoy Attack

TCP (Traffic Control Points)
TCP and neighborhood patrol
TCP

Insurgents
Insurgent sniper training - click the links on left colum to advance slides
Insurgent produced video of american deaths - Very disturbing

If you are joining us for a dril weekend for the first time, you will need to read over this information. This is not comprehensive, but will give you some guidelines as to how to pack, what to expect and what kind of attitude you will need to bring. Thee is also a link to a 'foul weather guide' to clothing if you are coming in the fall or winter.

You will also need to print and sign the waiver that is linked below. This is mandatory for participation.

First Time participant guide - Very helpful info - please read
Foul weather guide - critical if the weather is bad
COB waiver - Mandatory

Most of us find this a pretty inspiring and emotionally moving experience. We are all here for different individual reasons, but all of us consider it an honor to serve our contry and these soldiers. Below are personal reflections of some of our 973rd COB members.

The Devil's Sandbox - The story of the 216-2 first deployment to Iraq
Excerpts and photos from his book
John Bruning

Feb, 08, Rilea, TCP training
Mark Farley

Reality is a Grim teacher
Mark Farley