thedrifter
06-15-06, 06:35 AM
MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. (June 14, 2006) -- A squad of Marines from 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment and 3rd Battalion, 10th Marine Regiment, stand ready in a tactical column preparing to start another patrol through the Military Operations in Urban Terrain facility here June 8.
These Marines participated in one of the last aspects of a week long training exercise at MOUT, a night patrol.
“This course provides basic skills for Marines in the urban environment.” said Cpl. Joel Wrinkler, a Basic Urban Skills Training instructor. “I’ve already experienced many of these scenarios, and it helps me when we train these Marines.”
During the week long training exercise, the Marines trained in infantry tactics for an urban environment. They learned proper patrol techniques for an urban environment, cleared different sized buildings and used different techniques while maneuvering in a closed environment. These skills will be used in future deployments.
“During the first two days of training, the Marines learn the basics of how to maneuver in urban terrain,” said Cpl. Richard Cruz, a BUST instructor. “Starting on the third day the Marines apply everything they’ve been taught. They are put into different situations they might come across.”
“During the last two days of training, the Marines shoot simulation rounds,” said Cruz.
Sim rounds, as they are called, were used to simulate combat allowing participants on both sides to be more realistically challenged. The Marines also learn how to reload their weapons and conserve ammunition in combat.
“They are kind of like paintball rounds, but more painful,” said Pfc. Dustin Butler an assaultman with 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, who received the training along with about forty-five other Marines.
“Use everything you’ve been taught this week. Be ready for anything,” said BUST instructor, Cpl Ralph Febus.
Each of the four squads who participated in the exercise came under enemy fire at one point in the patrol.
“We received enemy fire and moved into action immediately,” said Lance Cpl. John G. McElwee, a rifleman with 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, who deployed to Iraq July 2005.
The Marines then make their way toward the enemy occupied building in an attempt to clear it.
“Go through the window,” Febus yelled at his squad as they prepare to enter the house.
“My training and experience give me the confidence I need to lead these Marines,” said McElwee.
A Marine breached the door and hurled an M-67 practice grenade inside. The practice grenade is painted blue and is designed to simulate the M-69 fragmentation grenade.
After a few seconds the grenade went off and the Marines rushed into the house. They moved from room to room trying to clear the house with as few casualties as possible.
“If a grenade goes off in front of you, or if you get shot, go down. You are a casualty,” Febus told his squad.
The squad took on six aggressors in the confined space. Marines had to post security to ensure aggressors didn’t leave the building and try to re-enter.
“Communication is key. We’ve all got to know what’s going on and where everyone is,” said Butler. “Everyone has a position in the assault. If someone becomes a casualty, the Marine behind them has to be ready to take their place.”
The Marines were taught to push on even after they saw the members of their squad fall from getting shot.
“Everyone at some point is going to be a leader,” said Wrinkler.
The training was valuable to the Marines who participated in it.
“This training gives the Marines the skills they need for an urban environment. They will be able to take it and use it to survive when they deploy,” said Cruz
Ellie
These Marines participated in one of the last aspects of a week long training exercise at MOUT, a night patrol.
“This course provides basic skills for Marines in the urban environment.” said Cpl. Joel Wrinkler, a Basic Urban Skills Training instructor. “I’ve already experienced many of these scenarios, and it helps me when we train these Marines.”
During the week long training exercise, the Marines trained in infantry tactics for an urban environment. They learned proper patrol techniques for an urban environment, cleared different sized buildings and used different techniques while maneuvering in a closed environment. These skills will be used in future deployments.
“During the first two days of training, the Marines learn the basics of how to maneuver in urban terrain,” said Cpl. Richard Cruz, a BUST instructor. “Starting on the third day the Marines apply everything they’ve been taught. They are put into different situations they might come across.”
“During the last two days of training, the Marines shoot simulation rounds,” said Cruz.
Sim rounds, as they are called, were used to simulate combat allowing participants on both sides to be more realistically challenged. The Marines also learn how to reload their weapons and conserve ammunition in combat.
“They are kind of like paintball rounds, but more painful,” said Pfc. Dustin Butler an assaultman with 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, who received the training along with about forty-five other Marines.
“Use everything you’ve been taught this week. Be ready for anything,” said BUST instructor, Cpl Ralph Febus.
Each of the four squads who participated in the exercise came under enemy fire at one point in the patrol.
“We received enemy fire and moved into action immediately,” said Lance Cpl. John G. McElwee, a rifleman with 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, who deployed to Iraq July 2005.
The Marines then make their way toward the enemy occupied building in an attempt to clear it.
“Go through the window,” Febus yelled at his squad as they prepare to enter the house.
“My training and experience give me the confidence I need to lead these Marines,” said McElwee.
A Marine breached the door and hurled an M-67 practice grenade inside. The practice grenade is painted blue and is designed to simulate the M-69 fragmentation grenade.
After a few seconds the grenade went off and the Marines rushed into the house. They moved from room to room trying to clear the house with as few casualties as possible.
“If a grenade goes off in front of you, or if you get shot, go down. You are a casualty,” Febus told his squad.
The squad took on six aggressors in the confined space. Marines had to post security to ensure aggressors didn’t leave the building and try to re-enter.
“Communication is key. We’ve all got to know what’s going on and where everyone is,” said Butler. “Everyone has a position in the assault. If someone becomes a casualty, the Marine behind them has to be ready to take their place.”
The Marines were taught to push on even after they saw the members of their squad fall from getting shot.
“Everyone at some point is going to be a leader,” said Wrinkler.
The training was valuable to the Marines who participated in it.
“This training gives the Marines the skills they need for an urban environment. They will be able to take it and use it to survive when they deploy,” said Cruz
Ellie