thedrifter
05-17-04, 06:27 AM
Marines go on the attack before Iraq
Submitted by: MCB Camp Pendleton
Story Identification #: 2004514112845
Story by Pfc. Lanessa J. Arthur
MCAGCC TWENTYNINE PALMS(May 13, 2004) -- MCAGCC TWENTYNINE PALMS, Calif. — It's not combat in Iraq. For one, the enemy is a phantom.
There's no shrapnel flying around — at least not in the good guys' direction — but you're sure to get pelted by desert sand blowing around.
Otherwise, the near-100-degree temperatures, the relentless sun, sand, rocks and not much else as far as the eye can see ... it could be Iraq.
Then there's the heavy weapons, the booming sounds and dust that fills the air after live ammunition pounds the barren landscape.
Even more like Iraq.
But it's just another training exercise for 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, which is preparing to use the live-fire training at this combined arms exercise to tune up for an eerily similar — but real — war theater half a world away.
The unit stayed in the field for 11 days rehearsing and re-rehearsing their tactics and techniques.
After rehearsing, 3/5 will endure the Combined Arms Exercise. CAX encompasses all the skills a Marine Air Ground Task Force has to perform in a real-world operation.
With more than 950 square miles of desert, the MAGTF Training Center offers large training areas and challenging terrain.
"Perfection is the goal when it comes to live rounds," said Lance Cpl. Justin G. Ross, a machine gunner with Company I, 3/5.
The idea behind the CAX is to get the companies working together with different weapons, including machine guns, mortars, M-16A2s and squad automatic weapons, as well as the anti-personnel obstacle breaching system — explosives designed to keep the infantry moving despite natural and artificial barriers.
"By doing the CAX, we are getting acclimatized, working together, displaying platoon leadership, doing firing maneuvers and taking over objectives," said Lance Cpl. Seth L. Randlett, an infantryman with Company K, 3/5.
Seven days into the training, Marines, while navigating Range 400, had a clear idea of some of the hardships they'll face in Iraq.
Weighed down by flak jackets, kevlar, ammunition and weapons, they pressed on in the face of dust, swirling sand and searing heat.
But those harsh conditions could be magnified in western Iraq — with a lurking, enemy to boot, Randlett noted.
The heat was a huge obstacle. But by hydrating and drawing on their physical fitness, the Marines had little trouble performing the assigned tasks.
The range was conquered many times over a few days in a quest for perfection before introducing live rounds.
"Safety is paramount" exits the mouths of everyone on the range. Earplugs, flak jackets and kevlar are worn at all times.
"This is especially important for those new Marines that just got here," Ross said. "They need to be able to hear the rounds and to learn muscle memory. We give them the chance to do this by getting them behind the weapons."
Pfc. Hurt W. Scovill arrived with his unit, Weapons Co., 3/5, on April 7. He thinks the hands-on training is essential for anyone — like him — who has not faced real combat. "It's a new experience and takes a while to get used to," Scovill said.
Exhaustive training like the CAX is designed to ensure Marines are on top of their game when it's time for the real thing in Iraq.
"There is no way to ever fail with all the best training," said Sgt. Major John L. Estrada, Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps, who was on hand to present awards to combat veterans here.
"We don't even know the meaning of the word fail," said Estrada.
http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/image1.nsf/Lookup/200451411319/$file/Lead-storm01low.jpg
Lance Cpl. Charles C. Shipman, 20, a Corinth, Miss., native and machine gunner from 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, aims his machine gun downrange for a practice run at Range 400 in Twentynine Palms. Photo by: Cpl. Robert M. Storm
http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/mcn2000.nsf/main5/466DD9FDDEF2810385256E94005507D1?opendocument
Ellie
Submitted by: MCB Camp Pendleton
Story Identification #: 2004514112845
Story by Pfc. Lanessa J. Arthur
MCAGCC TWENTYNINE PALMS(May 13, 2004) -- MCAGCC TWENTYNINE PALMS, Calif. — It's not combat in Iraq. For one, the enemy is a phantom.
There's no shrapnel flying around — at least not in the good guys' direction — but you're sure to get pelted by desert sand blowing around.
Otherwise, the near-100-degree temperatures, the relentless sun, sand, rocks and not much else as far as the eye can see ... it could be Iraq.
Then there's the heavy weapons, the booming sounds and dust that fills the air after live ammunition pounds the barren landscape.
Even more like Iraq.
But it's just another training exercise for 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, which is preparing to use the live-fire training at this combined arms exercise to tune up for an eerily similar — but real — war theater half a world away.
The unit stayed in the field for 11 days rehearsing and re-rehearsing their tactics and techniques.
After rehearsing, 3/5 will endure the Combined Arms Exercise. CAX encompasses all the skills a Marine Air Ground Task Force has to perform in a real-world operation.
With more than 950 square miles of desert, the MAGTF Training Center offers large training areas and challenging terrain.
"Perfection is the goal when it comes to live rounds," said Lance Cpl. Justin G. Ross, a machine gunner with Company I, 3/5.
The idea behind the CAX is to get the companies working together with different weapons, including machine guns, mortars, M-16A2s and squad automatic weapons, as well as the anti-personnel obstacle breaching system — explosives designed to keep the infantry moving despite natural and artificial barriers.
"By doing the CAX, we are getting acclimatized, working together, displaying platoon leadership, doing firing maneuvers and taking over objectives," said Lance Cpl. Seth L. Randlett, an infantryman with Company K, 3/5.
Seven days into the training, Marines, while navigating Range 400, had a clear idea of some of the hardships they'll face in Iraq.
Weighed down by flak jackets, kevlar, ammunition and weapons, they pressed on in the face of dust, swirling sand and searing heat.
But those harsh conditions could be magnified in western Iraq — with a lurking, enemy to boot, Randlett noted.
The heat was a huge obstacle. But by hydrating and drawing on their physical fitness, the Marines had little trouble performing the assigned tasks.
The range was conquered many times over a few days in a quest for perfection before introducing live rounds.
"Safety is paramount" exits the mouths of everyone on the range. Earplugs, flak jackets and kevlar are worn at all times.
"This is especially important for those new Marines that just got here," Ross said. "They need to be able to hear the rounds and to learn muscle memory. We give them the chance to do this by getting them behind the weapons."
Pfc. Hurt W. Scovill arrived with his unit, Weapons Co., 3/5, on April 7. He thinks the hands-on training is essential for anyone — like him — who has not faced real combat. "It's a new experience and takes a while to get used to," Scovill said.
Exhaustive training like the CAX is designed to ensure Marines are on top of their game when it's time for the real thing in Iraq.
"There is no way to ever fail with all the best training," said Sgt. Major John L. Estrada, Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps, who was on hand to present awards to combat veterans here.
"We don't even know the meaning of the word fail," said Estrada.
http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/image1.nsf/Lookup/200451411319/$file/Lead-storm01low.jpg
Lance Cpl. Charles C. Shipman, 20, a Corinth, Miss., native and machine gunner from 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, aims his machine gun downrange for a practice run at Range 400 in Twentynine Palms. Photo by: Cpl. Robert M. Storm
http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/mcn2000.nsf/main5/466DD9FDDEF2810385256E94005507D1?opendocument
Ellie