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thedrifter
07-11-04, 07:24 AM
Honing combat command
Experienced generals mentor today’s warfighters in simulated battle scenarios
Submitted by: MCB Camp Butler
Story Identification #: 20047822044
Story by Lance Cpl. Joel Abshier



CAMP COURTNEY, OKINAWA, Japan — (July 1, 2004) -- About 800 Marines, sailors and soldiers stationed on Okinawa completed the 2004 Marine Expeditionary Force Exercise July 2 that placed servicemembers into a weeklong, simulated combat scenario here.

The MEFEX brings in experienced, retired generals to teach today’s warfighters how to successfully maneuver troops, aircraft and land vehicles during wartime scenarios, according Maj. Robert D. Redmond, exercise planning officer, III Marine Expeditionary Force.

“MEFEX ’04 was an exceptionally successful training evolution for the MEF and major subordinate commands,” said Lt. Col. Christopher T. Mayette, a III MEF operations planner involved in orchestrating the exercise. “The focus of the MEFEX is to prepare to fight and win (in various scenarios), and this type of training provides the MEF an opportunity to focus on our warfighting skills.”

Commanding generals through staff noncommissioned officers received evaluation, mentoring and advice from other senior leaders, including retired general officers; former Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps General Richard Neal, the III MEF senior mentor; Lt. Gen. Bruce Knutson, the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing senior mentor; and Lt. Gen. George R. Christmas, the 3rd Marine Division mentor.

“The MEFEX provides academic instruction and practical application in the areas of operational planning and execution,” said Mayette. “The Marine Air-Ground Task Force Staff Training Program provides response cells simulating higher and adjacent headquarters, and a simulation to provide the MEF the most realistic and challenging training necessary.”

According to Mayette, trainers from Quantico, Va., with the MAGTF Staff Training Program are senior mentors who provide insight and aid with discussions at the general officer level.
Because of the MAGTF’s integration of command, ground combat, aviation and combat service support elements, the MEFEX is a great learning tool that is safe due to the controlled environment it’s held in, according to Redmond.

“The way the Marines and sailors conduct themselves during the MEFEX is the way they will do things in battle,” said Redmond.

Within tents and buildings here and on Marine Corps Air Station Futenma and Camp Kinser, servicemembers worked together to destroy an artificial enemy created by the MAGTF instructors. The participants were required to react to ever-changing battlefield scenarios that were placed on fictitious maps using projectors, plasma screen monitors and computers.
The group of MAGTF instructors monitored their battlefield decisions, and different battle scenarios were used throughout the week, said Redmond.

“The training taught each individual how to handle any situation that may happen in combat,” he said.

http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/image1.nsf/Lookup/2004782359/$file/Release0326-2004-02low.jpg

CAMP COURTNEY, OKINAWA, Japan – A Marine stands at the entrance of a tent surrounded by concertina wire here during the 2004 Marine Expeditionary Force Exercise July 2. Approximately 800 Marines, sailors and soldiers recently completed the weeklong, simulated combat scenario here and on Marine Corps Air Station Futenma and Camp Kinser. The MEFEX teaches servicemembers, consisting mostly of officers and staff noncommissioned officers, how to successfully maneuver troops, aircraft and land vehicles during wartime situations. Photo by: Lance Cpl. Joel Abshier

http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/mcn2000.nsf/main5/94F7F8FDF66603D085256ECB0022DB99?opendocument

Ellie