LIFE OF AN ARV DRIVER

By: Cpl Greg O’Neil
3 September 2009

One word that is often over used in the military is flexibility. When it comes to the position of ARV Driver it becomes your raison d être. Since arriving in FOB MaSum Ghar the four of us have been assigned a myriad of tasks, from OP duty, assisting the vehicle technicians with first line maintenance, and of course driving on Operations and as an integral part of QRF. Being traded between ARV crews more often than a minor league hockey player, has its own challenges as you are required to adjust to various Crew Commanders’ management styles and idiosyncrasies. With just a quick orientation course prior to arrival on the ARV 3, getting reacquainted with the recovery systems and handling qualities was not without its minor scrapes. However as time progressed confidence in our abilities and that of the ARVS, nicknames Brutus, and Calgary increased, and synergy between man and machine was achieved. In addition those of us who are fortunate enough to be qualified as TLAV driver have been tasked to drive on a variety of Operations for commanders such as the SSM, Maint Sgt, and EO/Wpns Techs. Being an ARV driver may not seem as dynamic a position as compared to those serving in the fighting troops. However it has its own unique set of challenges and personal rewards.