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thedrifter
02-21-04, 06:29 AM
Corpsmen learn field tactics during Vernal Tide


Submitted by: MCB Camp Butler
Story Identification Number: 200421816469
Story by Cpl. Ryan D. Libbert



CAMP HANSEN, Okinawa, Japan -- "Scalpel, clamp, spongeM-16." Doctors who serve in uniform are expected to perform countless responsibilities in different locations across the globe while under the dangers of combat - something their civilian counterparts never worry about.

While spending all day in a hospital or clinic patching up broken Marines, Navy corpsmen sometimes need a period of instruction to freshen their field skills so they can perform their job under fire.

Sailors from 3rd Medical Battalion, 3rd Force Service Support Group and U.S. Naval Hospital, Okinawa received their training in this area during exercise Vernal Tide '04 at the Camp Hansen parade deck, Jan. 26 - 30.

"The purpose of this exercise is to get medical augmented personnel to understand their purpose within a combat environment," said Lt. Curt Quick, operations officer, for 3rd Medical Battalion. "They all know their jobs within a hospital. Our goal is to train them in the standards of operating in the field."

Twenty-three Sailors from both units participated in the exercise. The training included tent exercises, day and night land navigation, anti-terrorism and force-protection classes, rear area security classes, and mission oriented protective posture (MOPP) training.

The exercise was also geared towards developing skills within each Sailor for the tasks Marines are expected to accomplish.

"I think it's good to do this type of training, it gives us a chance to hone our field skills," said Seaman Dustin L. Berry, field corpsmen, Company C, 3rd Medical Battalion. "Some of us had a hard time with the night land navigation. I've got a better appreciation now for the things Marines have to do."

Participating in the exercise is a great opportunity for the corpsmen, according to Lt. Perry Leonard, camp commander for Vernal Tide.

"It's a good thing for medical augmented personnel to exchange knowledge during the training portion," Leonard stated. "I think everything taking place during this week will greatly benefit Navy medicine as a whole."

Learning how to operate and survive in a field environment is the primary goal of the exercise. However, benefits from participating in the exercise range from understanding validity to camaraderie.

"All the folks from the hospital are understanding why we do what we do for the Fleet Marine Force," Quick concluded. "I also think the exercise will bring the units together as a whole and develop better cohesiveness."

http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/image1.nsf/Lookup/20042181742/$file/Release0045-2004-01low.jpg

CAMP HANSEN, Okinawa, Japan - Medical personnel from 3rd Medical Battalion, 3rd Force Service Support Group perform a litter carry during Exercise Vernal Tide '04 at Camp Hansen, Jan. 29. The week-long exercise was designed to enhance the field skills of Navy corpsmen. Photo by: Cpl. Ryan D. Libbert


http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/mcn2000.nsf/main5/BD9E6AC1A45538A385256E3E007794F4?opendocument


Sempers,

Roger
:marine: