thedrifter
05-17-06, 07:32 AM
MARINE CORPS AIR-GROUND COMBAT CENTER, TWENTYNINE PALMS, Calif. (May 17, 2006) -- The training exercise known as Mojave Viper provides realistic combat situations and
advanced knowledge of enemy tactics to the Marines who participate.
But before Marines can tackle this rigorous training schedule, it's back to the basics.
The Marines of 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, spent their initial week (May 8-12)
of the combined-arms exercise aboard Marine Corps Air-Ground Combat Center Twentynine
Palms, refreshing their basic skills as an infantry battalion.
"We essentially took a week at the front end of Mojave Viper and put in training to
knock the rust off," said Master Sgt. Luis H. Hernandez, operations chief for the battalion.
The training focused on individual skills as the companies set out to let each Marine fire
his respective weapon system.
Machine guns, rockets, mortars, service rifles and pistols were all tested and fired
aboard the ranges.
"Every weapon organic to the infantry battalion, short of the TOW missile system, was
exercised," said Hernandez, a 48-year-old native of Coral Gables, Fla.
In addition to the individual skills training, the Marines also familiarized themselves with
convoy operations, squad attacks, and integrating armor into their operations such as tanks and
amphibious assault vehicles.
By the end of the training cycle, many of the Marines found the group exercises to be
the most rewarding.
"The tank integration and squad training were most valuable," said Gunnery Sgt. Dennis
J. Dodd, company gunnery sergeant for Company C. "We don't get many opportunities to
integrate with tanks and learn how to operate beside them. It's also important for the squads to
develop confidence in each other and in their squad leader's ability."
Though repetitious of the training that they conduct year round, the Marines of 1st Bn.,
6th Marines found the training to be an essential step in Mojave Viper.
"Without the basics, you can't move forward," said Lance Cpl. Cameron S. Golden,
squad leader for Company C. "Your Marines have to crawl before they can walk, and walk
before they can run."
With more than three weeks remaining and the difficulty of the training ever rising, the
Marines known as "1/6 Hard" feel more than ready to meet the challenge.
"My Marines are prepared for it," said Golden, a 21-year-old native of Jessup, Md.
"Between the training we've done here and at (Camp Lejeune), we're ready to go."
Ellie
advanced knowledge of enemy tactics to the Marines who participate.
But before Marines can tackle this rigorous training schedule, it's back to the basics.
The Marines of 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, spent their initial week (May 8-12)
of the combined-arms exercise aboard Marine Corps Air-Ground Combat Center Twentynine
Palms, refreshing their basic skills as an infantry battalion.
"We essentially took a week at the front end of Mojave Viper and put in training to
knock the rust off," said Master Sgt. Luis H. Hernandez, operations chief for the battalion.
The training focused on individual skills as the companies set out to let each Marine fire
his respective weapon system.
Machine guns, rockets, mortars, service rifles and pistols were all tested and fired
aboard the ranges.
"Every weapon organic to the infantry battalion, short of the TOW missile system, was
exercised," said Hernandez, a 48-year-old native of Coral Gables, Fla.
In addition to the individual skills training, the Marines also familiarized themselves with
convoy operations, squad attacks, and integrating armor into their operations such as tanks and
amphibious assault vehicles.
By the end of the training cycle, many of the Marines found the group exercises to be
the most rewarding.
"The tank integration and squad training were most valuable," said Gunnery Sgt. Dennis
J. Dodd, company gunnery sergeant for Company C. "We don't get many opportunities to
integrate with tanks and learn how to operate beside them. It's also important for the squads to
develop confidence in each other and in their squad leader's ability."
Though repetitious of the training that they conduct year round, the Marines of 1st Bn.,
6th Marines found the training to be an essential step in Mojave Viper.
"Without the basics, you can't move forward," said Lance Cpl. Cameron S. Golden,
squad leader for Company C. "Your Marines have to crawl before they can walk, and walk
before they can run."
With more than three weeks remaining and the difficulty of the training ever rising, the
Marines known as "1/6 Hard" feel more than ready to meet the challenge.
"My Marines are prepared for it," said Golden, a 21-year-old native of Jessup, Md.
"Between the training we've done here and at (Camp Lejeune), we're ready to go."
Ellie