thedrifter
09-08-06, 08:22 AM
Marine gets lost during exercise
September 08,2006
CHRIS MAZZOLINI
DAILY NEWS STAFF
A Camp Lejeune infantry Marine disappeared in the field for two days last week after failing to return following a land navigation exercise aboard the base, Marine Corps officials said.
The Marine, whose identity was not made available, went missing Aug. 29 when he did not return after the exercise, said 1st Lt. Barry Edwards, a 2nd Marine Division spokesman. The Marine serves with 1st Battalion, 2nd Marines.
“Basically, he was unaccounted for at the completion of the course,” Edwards said.
Every exercise has a “drop dead” point when all Marines must return and check in, Edwards said. If they don’t return by then, a search is launched to locate missing individuals. When the Marine failed to return, a search party went out to the immediate area and the greater training area, Edwards said. He was eventually located the morning of Aug. 31.
“From what I understand, he was found through a battalion-wide search in the training area,” Edwards said.
The Marine was not seriously injured or ill when he was found, said Edwards, and the Marine Corps did not release specific information as to why the Marine became lost or where he went.
Land navigation exercises teach troops how to navigate through terrain by maneuvering through a course that includes a number of checkpoints. Marines must go from point to point using geographic features and other direction-finding skills, and they are graded on how well they can navigate.
Since land navigation training often includes Marines working alone, units employ numerous safety precautions before they embark on such exercises, Edwards said. Marines are briefed on various emergency procedures, including what they should do if they become lost, before they begin a training course.
Marines are also issued survival gear including basic items such as food rations and water before training, along with other equipment such as a flashlight, whistle, map and a compass so they can find their way back or alert their comrades if they are in danger.
Contact staff writer Chris Mazzolini at cmazzolini@freedomenc.com or 353-1171, ext. 229.
Ellie
September 08,2006
CHRIS MAZZOLINI
DAILY NEWS STAFF
A Camp Lejeune infantry Marine disappeared in the field for two days last week after failing to return following a land navigation exercise aboard the base, Marine Corps officials said.
The Marine, whose identity was not made available, went missing Aug. 29 when he did not return after the exercise, said 1st Lt. Barry Edwards, a 2nd Marine Division spokesman. The Marine serves with 1st Battalion, 2nd Marines.
“Basically, he was unaccounted for at the completion of the course,” Edwards said.
Every exercise has a “drop dead” point when all Marines must return and check in, Edwards said. If they don’t return by then, a search is launched to locate missing individuals. When the Marine failed to return, a search party went out to the immediate area and the greater training area, Edwards said. He was eventually located the morning of Aug. 31.
“From what I understand, he was found through a battalion-wide search in the training area,” Edwards said.
The Marine was not seriously injured or ill when he was found, said Edwards, and the Marine Corps did not release specific information as to why the Marine became lost or where he went.
Land navigation exercises teach troops how to navigate through terrain by maneuvering through a course that includes a number of checkpoints. Marines must go from point to point using geographic features and other direction-finding skills, and they are graded on how well they can navigate.
Since land navigation training often includes Marines working alone, units employ numerous safety precautions before they embark on such exercises, Edwards said. Marines are briefed on various emergency procedures, including what they should do if they become lost, before they begin a training course.
Marines are also issued survival gear including basic items such as food rations and water before training, along with other equipment such as a flashlight, whistle, map and a compass so they can find their way back or alert their comrades if they are in danger.
Contact staff writer Chris Mazzolini at cmazzolini@freedomenc.com or 353-1171, ext. 229.
Ellie