MELANIE D. SCOTT


The Detroit Free Press


July 31, 2009

The dusty white Ford Explorer traveled slowly up the dirt road, headed directly for the armed Michigan Army National Guard soldiers.

“Stay in the car,” one soldier told the Arabic-speaking driver and his passenger, both agitated and demanding that they be allowed to pass. Seconds later, a large explosion was heard and smoke wafted from the vehicle.

“You’re dead!” an officer shouted. The “dead” soldier and driver shook hands. The exercise ended.

It was the first time the 1,500 guard officers at Camp Grayling could take part in the training using Exportable Combat Training Capability, which uses Global Positioning System technology, laser-guided weapons and other technology to simulate war scenes.

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