thedrifter
10-06-03, 02:52 PM
Training builds confidence, camaraderie
Submitted by: MCB Camp Butler
Story Identification Number: 2003101212031
Story by Sgt Jason D. Gallentine
CAMP KINSER, Okinawa, Japan(10/02/2003) -- A platoon of Marines travel through the jungle on a convoy. Suddenly the enemy attacks from the left and opens fire. What do they do? Are their Marines drilled so well they do not even think, just react and lay down suppressing fire?
These questions were just a few of the many asked by the Tactics Readiness and Training (TRT) instructors of G-3, 3rd Force Service Support Group, during a field operations training exercise conducted in the Central Training Area (CTA) by 3rd Marines of Material Readiness Battalion, 3rd FSSG.
According to Capt. Donn E. Puca, operations officer, Headquarters Company, this training was requested due to recent events in Iraq. 3rd MRB's areas of responsibilities encompass so much that their Marines get attached to many operations such as Operation Enduring Freedom, and many of these Marines' last field training was at Marine Combat Training, Puca said.
Due to the concerns of the command, 3rd MRB requested training from TRT on convoy operations, patrolling, defense and land navigation, providing them with the training needed during a real-world situation.
The company of Marines, formed from various units within 3rd MRB, arrived at the CTA for their five-day exercise June 9, and began to set up command posts, base camp and training areas. The next day the Marines awoke, split into four platoons and began receiving classroom instruction from four TRT instructors. Each instruction, approximately three hours long, refreshed the Marines' memories prior to practical application, ensuring each Marine understood his responsibility to the platoon.
Then the Marines began practical application scheduled to last 48 hours. With three areas of application, the four platoons rotated between each application station and the base camp. Once arriving at the station, a TRT Marine would give additional short period of instruction then send them out to accomplish their mission.
According to Gunnery Sgt. Rubin Carreras, staff noncommissioned officer, TRT, the primary job of 3rd MRB is support and this training will benefit the battalion by providing training on how to do their job in a wartime situation.
The Marines will walk away with a better understanding of what they are supposed to do in situations instead of just their job, the Harlingen, Texas, native said. They will have an understanding of actual tactical operations and know what people are talking about.
Lance Cpl. Bobby G. Mitchell, operator, Motor Transportation, Headquarters and Service Company, also felt this training will benefit his battalion in the event conflicts were to arise. According to Mitchell the training was a good experience to get the picture of what it would be like in the field while in a wartime situation.
Mitchell also stated that this training gave him more confidence in his Marines.
"It kind of brings you closer to your Marines," the Mobile, Ala., native said. "You work with them more and get to know them better."
Many others were also of the opinion that this training brought the Marines closer together and built confidence in each other.
"This gets Marines out of their regular routine and puts them in combat-like scenarios," said Sgt. Thomas J. Gordinier, floor chief, Ordinance Maintenance Company, and 4th platoon sergeant. "Marines get to spend time one on one and get to know each other."
"This is awesome," the Binghamton, N.Y., native, said. "But, I would like the training to be longer."
According to Puca, their unit plans on conducting this training twice a year allowing them to gain greater tactical knowledge. However, according to Gordinier and other Marines of 3rd MRB, this training also allowed them to learn about each other, leadership, security and accountability.
http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/image1.nsf/Lookup/2003101212722/$file/training-1.gif
Members of First Platoon, 3rd Material Readiness Battalion, provide cover fire and rush forward during convoy operations immediate action drills at the CTA. Several of the Marines said the training helped them, not only with their tactical readiness skills, but also become closer with the members of their battalion.
Photo by: Sgt. Jason Gallentine
http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/image1.nsf/Lookup/2003101214435/$file/training-2.gif
Sgt. Jeremy Harvey, telephone technician, Electronics Maintenance Company, 3rd Material Readiness Battalion, 3rd Force Service Support Group, and second squad leader, 3rd platoon, leads his Marines during land navigation training at the CTA.
Photo by: Sgt. Jason Gallentine
http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/image1.nsf/Lookup/200310122150/$file/training-3.gif
Lance Cpl. Irvin Stalls, motor transportation operator, Headquarters and Service Company, 3rd Material Readiness Battalion, 3rd Force Service Support Group, provides cover fire during convoy operations immediate action drills in the Central Training Area, Okinawa, Japan. The training evolution was designed to prepare the Marines in the event they had to deploy to help any in the battalion's area of operation.
Photo by: Sgt. Jason Gallentine
Sempers,
Roger
Submitted by: MCB Camp Butler
Story Identification Number: 2003101212031
Story by Sgt Jason D. Gallentine
CAMP KINSER, Okinawa, Japan(10/02/2003) -- A platoon of Marines travel through the jungle on a convoy. Suddenly the enemy attacks from the left and opens fire. What do they do? Are their Marines drilled so well they do not even think, just react and lay down suppressing fire?
These questions were just a few of the many asked by the Tactics Readiness and Training (TRT) instructors of G-3, 3rd Force Service Support Group, during a field operations training exercise conducted in the Central Training Area (CTA) by 3rd Marines of Material Readiness Battalion, 3rd FSSG.
According to Capt. Donn E. Puca, operations officer, Headquarters Company, this training was requested due to recent events in Iraq. 3rd MRB's areas of responsibilities encompass so much that their Marines get attached to many operations such as Operation Enduring Freedom, and many of these Marines' last field training was at Marine Combat Training, Puca said.
Due to the concerns of the command, 3rd MRB requested training from TRT on convoy operations, patrolling, defense and land navigation, providing them with the training needed during a real-world situation.
The company of Marines, formed from various units within 3rd MRB, arrived at the CTA for their five-day exercise June 9, and began to set up command posts, base camp and training areas. The next day the Marines awoke, split into four platoons and began receiving classroom instruction from four TRT instructors. Each instruction, approximately three hours long, refreshed the Marines' memories prior to practical application, ensuring each Marine understood his responsibility to the platoon.
Then the Marines began practical application scheduled to last 48 hours. With three areas of application, the four platoons rotated between each application station and the base camp. Once arriving at the station, a TRT Marine would give additional short period of instruction then send them out to accomplish their mission.
According to Gunnery Sgt. Rubin Carreras, staff noncommissioned officer, TRT, the primary job of 3rd MRB is support and this training will benefit the battalion by providing training on how to do their job in a wartime situation.
The Marines will walk away with a better understanding of what they are supposed to do in situations instead of just their job, the Harlingen, Texas, native said. They will have an understanding of actual tactical operations and know what people are talking about.
Lance Cpl. Bobby G. Mitchell, operator, Motor Transportation, Headquarters and Service Company, also felt this training will benefit his battalion in the event conflicts were to arise. According to Mitchell the training was a good experience to get the picture of what it would be like in the field while in a wartime situation.
Mitchell also stated that this training gave him more confidence in his Marines.
"It kind of brings you closer to your Marines," the Mobile, Ala., native said. "You work with them more and get to know them better."
Many others were also of the opinion that this training brought the Marines closer together and built confidence in each other.
"This gets Marines out of their regular routine and puts them in combat-like scenarios," said Sgt. Thomas J. Gordinier, floor chief, Ordinance Maintenance Company, and 4th platoon sergeant. "Marines get to spend time one on one and get to know each other."
"This is awesome," the Binghamton, N.Y., native, said. "But, I would like the training to be longer."
According to Puca, their unit plans on conducting this training twice a year allowing them to gain greater tactical knowledge. However, according to Gordinier and other Marines of 3rd MRB, this training also allowed them to learn about each other, leadership, security and accountability.
http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/image1.nsf/Lookup/2003101212722/$file/training-1.gif
Members of First Platoon, 3rd Material Readiness Battalion, provide cover fire and rush forward during convoy operations immediate action drills at the CTA. Several of the Marines said the training helped them, not only with their tactical readiness skills, but also become closer with the members of their battalion.
Photo by: Sgt. Jason Gallentine
http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/image1.nsf/Lookup/2003101214435/$file/training-2.gif
Sgt. Jeremy Harvey, telephone technician, Electronics Maintenance Company, 3rd Material Readiness Battalion, 3rd Force Service Support Group, and second squad leader, 3rd platoon, leads his Marines during land navigation training at the CTA.
Photo by: Sgt. Jason Gallentine
http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/image1.nsf/Lookup/200310122150/$file/training-3.gif
Lance Cpl. Irvin Stalls, motor transportation operator, Headquarters and Service Company, 3rd Material Readiness Battalion, 3rd Force Service Support Group, provides cover fire during convoy operations immediate action drills in the Central Training Area, Okinawa, Japan. The training evolution was designed to prepare the Marines in the event they had to deploy to help any in the battalion's area of operation.
Photo by: Sgt. Jason Gallentine
Sempers,
Roger