HEAT readies Marines for rollovers
Across the horizon, a humvee makes its way along a ridgeline when suddenly the ground under it begins to give way. The vehicle immediately tips down, crashes into the dirt and begins rolling into a ravine. No one inside sees daylight because of the dust and debris that seems to come from everywhere.
http://www.op29online.com/articles/2006/07/28/news/news01.txt
Sgt. Robert L. Fisher III
Combat Correspondent
But the Marines inside are prepared to handle exactly this kind of scenario. They brace themselves when they feel the humvee start to roll over and do their best to keep from being injured on the way to wherever gravity is taking them. When the vehicle finally comes to a stop, each Marine checks themselves, their buddies and their door. Fortunately, everyone is able to escape without delay and there are no injuries.
In contrast to this scenario where everyone escaped without injury, more than 70 percent of service member deaths in Iraq are due to vehicle rollovers, according to the U.S. Army's Ground Accident database. Now, however, there is a new way to reduce potential injuries by familiarizing Marines and sailors with what to expect during a vehicle rollover.
The prototype Humvee Egress Assistance Trainer was brought to the Combat Center by a project team from the Marine Corps Systems Command and tested here at 3rd Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment's motor pool July 20.
The HEAT enables service members to experience a controlled vehicle rollover, enabling them to make potentially life-saving decisions based on real experience.
“It's basically the cab of a humvee - the front and back passenger sections - and they've stuck it on a rotisserie like a chicken,” said SSgt. Hector Viramontes, Combat Center HEAT and Virtual Convoy Combat Instructor. “All that is attached to a hydraulic motor that spins it around.”
The cab is slowly pitched beyond 360 degrees, stopped either on its side or upside down, and the Marines inside must escape safely. To add even more realism, the training staff periodically selects one or two Marines to suffer a simulated injury such as blindness, an impaired limb or unconsciousness.
HEAT helps people understand the disorientation they will experience when you go into a rollover, said Master Sgt. Nick Formosa, Combat Center modeling and simulation staff noncommissioned officer in charge. More than just teaching muscle memory, it also teaches Marines and Sailors confidence in their vehicle and safety gear and ensures they will be better prepared in the event of a vehicle rollover.
“Unless you practice it, you don't know,” said Formosa. “That's why we're doing this. This way at least they have half a chance.”
During the prototype's July 20 test-drive, the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat center commanding general and sergeant major came to the 3/11 motor pool to speak to the project officers and trainers and take part in the HEAT training with the Marines standing by.
“It's a confidence builder,” said Brig. Gen. Douglas M. Stone, Combat Center commanding general. “It wasn't fun, but it was a learning experience. Guys could panic in this situation if it was real. This training is going to save lives.”
“My leg got caught up because I was in the driver's seat,” said Sgt. Maj. William Johnson, Combat Center sergeant major, after their first run through. “It was good training. We all made it out.”
When a humvee goes into a rollover, the passengers and driver should immediately put their arms up to keep themselves in place. Through practice in the HEAT, they learn lessons like this in addition to things like which door is the right one to open and escape from and how to handle injuries and casualties sustained during the rollover.
“We've had units come through here and say, not only is it a good military tool if these Marines are ever in a humvee rollover, it's also a good civilian tool if they're ever in a vehicle rollover with their POV [Personally Owned Vehicle],” said Viramontes Thursday when asked how the training was progressing.
A person who undergoes the training stands a better chance of survival in a rollover than an untrained occupant, according to a document released by U.S. Army Forces Command in Fort Gillem, Ga., where the first HEAT trainer was developed.
“Vehicle accidents are the second leading cause of death in Iraq,” Viramontes said. “If we can help give a tool to the Marines in case they're ever in a rollover accident, this thing is doing its job.”
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