This kind of terran is not good for any kind of infantry attack. This is for armored vehicles. I think those officers just wanted to have the soldiers to run with carry-on weapons and shoot some bullets, just like have them carry some weights and run a Marathon. Did you see at least two reporters in this group? This is just party time, not real. If it is for real, they should drive armored vehicles to pass such plain areas (rely on human's feet? No way -- either your speed would be extremely slow if you try to protect yourselve or you would risk being slaughtered on the open plain.