FORT IRWIN, Calif. - A truck charges across the open desert toward 3rd Platoon, 562nd Engineer Company's morning convoy, is fired on and explodes.

The smoke billowing over the Mojave Desert begins 2nd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division's rotation into the box at the National Training Center.

Third Platoon's mission was to gather as much information about the route as they could to include dangers that exist from the opposition force acting as a local terrorist cell, obstacles that might hinder future operations in the area and general feelings toward American Soldiers operating in the area.

The platoon was eager to show off its ability to accomplish a route reconnaissance mission and demonstrate its teamwork. Over the course of the situational training exercise the combat trainers at NTC challenged 3rd Platoon with many different obstacles. The platoon reacted to situations varying from a complex ambush, including snipers and a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device, to encountering a civilian trying to fix a truck with a flat tire.

Hard lessons were learned during the first day of training. The unit continued to build on the skills they brought with them and took full advantage of the training here.

"I was quite impressed with my guys performance," said Sgt. 1st Class Shawn McGuire, 3rd Plt. sergeant. "The only training we have done as a platoon involved route clearance and it was on a very controlled route in a controlled environment. Today was a lot different. It's definitely different terrain than we are used to and different scenarios than a lot of us have dealt with as a team."

"It takes time to build a team and get into a grove," said Sgt. Matthew Chupp, leader of 1st Squad, 3rd Plt, "Just like everything in life, your not an expert at everything your first time out."

On the final day, opposition forces using rocket-propelled grenades and small-arms fire attacked the convoy during a complex ambush, as they stopped to check out a decoy IED.

"It's amazing how fast things can go wrong if your not paying attention," said Spc. Roy Carlton, a gunner with 3rd Platoon, "Complacency is the biggest risk; don't get complacent."

The platoon maneuvered to suppress the enemy and evacuate mock casualties as they set up a helicopter landing zone.

Communication and teamwork was essential in the successful ability to defend themselves as well as evacuating the casualties, Carlton said.

NTC provided the platoon diverse, realistic scenarios with equipment, terrain and opposition forces, creating a level of training realism unmatched at home station.

"This training area is very similar to what these Soldiers might experience while deployed," Chupp said, "The same techniques they use downrange are used here to prepare us."

At the end of the STX, the platoon gathered around the combat trainer and discussed what had happened during the day's mission.

"We have a very good base of knowledge to start from," McGuire said. "This was a learning experience for the leaders and Soldiers as to what we need to work on and how we are going to improve what we are doing already. This is day one and we will stay focused on what's important and build the team from here."