thedrifter
07-27-07, 08:02 AM
When Marines enter a combat zone, they often waste little time engaging their enemies with overwhelming force. But sometimes the mission requires a clandestine force focused on avoiding contact.
To enhance this ability to operate covertly, Marines of 2nd Platoon, Bravo Company, 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion, conducted concealed weapons training July 19-20 on Camp Hansen’s Range 18.
The training, designed to improve the Marines’ ability to operate armed while wearing civilian clothes, was part of a larger five-week Maritime Strike Force Reconnaissance and Surveillance Course. Led by III Marine Expeditionary Force’s Special Operations Training Group, the course covers the use of reconnaissance operations in urban environments, according to Gunnery Sgt. David Jarvis, the course’s chief instructor.
Urban reconnaissance missions require the Marines to conduct covert surveillance on high value targets and their surrounding area. The R&S platoon has a mission that, in a best-case scenario, avoids enemy contact completely, Jarvis said.
The concealed weapons portion of the course is a way of preparing the Marines for the worst possible scenario — one in which their cover is compromised and they have to engage enemy forces.
During the training, instructors refreshed the platoon’s muscle memory on the M-9 9mm pistol and M-4 carbine through firing drills on stationary targets. After a brief period of familiarization firing, the instructors taught the Marines how to carry and draw concealed pistols.
The five-week R&S course will also require Marines to conduct simulated missions on Camps Schwab, Courtney and Foster. SOTG conducts the course twice a year when an R&S platoon rotates into the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit pre-deployment training cycle. The platoon will soon serve a six-month tour with the 31st MEU, replacing the current R&S platoon.
To enhance this ability to operate covertly, Marines of 2nd Platoon, Bravo Company, 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion, conducted concealed weapons training July 19-20 on Camp Hansen’s Range 18.
The training, designed to improve the Marines’ ability to operate armed while wearing civilian clothes, was part of a larger five-week Maritime Strike Force Reconnaissance and Surveillance Course. Led by III Marine Expeditionary Force’s Special Operations Training Group, the course covers the use of reconnaissance operations in urban environments, according to Gunnery Sgt. David Jarvis, the course’s chief instructor.
Urban reconnaissance missions require the Marines to conduct covert surveillance on high value targets and their surrounding area. The R&S platoon has a mission that, in a best-case scenario, avoids enemy contact completely, Jarvis said.
The concealed weapons portion of the course is a way of preparing the Marines for the worst possible scenario — one in which their cover is compromised and they have to engage enemy forces.
During the training, instructors refreshed the platoon’s muscle memory on the M-9 9mm pistol and M-4 carbine through firing drills on stationary targets. After a brief period of familiarization firing, the instructors taught the Marines how to carry and draw concealed pistols.
The five-week R&S course will also require Marines to conduct simulated missions on Camps Schwab, Courtney and Foster. SOTG conducts the course twice a year when an R&S platoon rotates into the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit pre-deployment training cycle. The platoon will soon serve a six-month tour with the 31st MEU, replacing the current R&S platoon.