thedrifter
08-30-07, 05:55 PM
They might call it reality television, but Tiki torches and voting tribes are seldom seen in true survival.
Staying alive with sparse supplies can be even harder in a combat environment — that’s why 70 Camp Pendleton Marines recently learned the skills they need to survive the elements.
Marines assigned to Headquarters and Support Battalion with Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton endured a segment of the Combat Survival Course Aug. 9 — 18 at the Mountain Warfare Training Center in Bridgeport.
Equipped with nothing more than the basic combat equipment, Marines found potable water, constructed camouflaged shelter and hunted for food at an altitude of 7,500 feet.
“The training was intense but worth every second,” said Lance Cpl. Michael T. Martin, 21, a legal service specialist with H&S Battalion. “The survival course was quality training that I believe every Marine should experience.”
The Combat Survival Course prepares Marines to locate the bare necessities for human survival, while remaining vigilant and tactical in continuing combat.
The survival course curriculum covers everything from the survival diet to proper knot tying techniques, said Sgt. Eric W. Benson, 30, a Combat Survival Course instructor with MWTC Unit Operations.
Marines navigated rushing currents and vertical slopes with little more than a compass and rope. These types of obstacles require a great deal of discipline and strength, said Benson.
The student body consisted of Marines from over 40 different departments across H&Spt. Battalion. Marines with the battalion normally see little combat related training and traditionally work in an office type atmosphere, said Sgt. Karlos J. DeLaCruz, 24, a platoon sergeant with H&S Battalion.
“The skills that we teach here at the MWTC prepare Marines for the worst. We might teach them how to survive, but more importantly, how to succeed in combat,” said Sgt. Derek E. Jervis, 24, a Mountain Leadership Course instructor at the MWTC.
Marines also completed four hikes at altitudes between approximately 7,500 to 10,000 feet and ranging from 10 to 15 kilometers up and down mountain sides.
Staying alive with sparse supplies can be even harder in a combat environment — that’s why 70 Camp Pendleton Marines recently learned the skills they need to survive the elements.
Marines assigned to Headquarters and Support Battalion with Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton endured a segment of the Combat Survival Course Aug. 9 — 18 at the Mountain Warfare Training Center in Bridgeport.
Equipped with nothing more than the basic combat equipment, Marines found potable water, constructed camouflaged shelter and hunted for food at an altitude of 7,500 feet.
“The training was intense but worth every second,” said Lance Cpl. Michael T. Martin, 21, a legal service specialist with H&S Battalion. “The survival course was quality training that I believe every Marine should experience.”
The Combat Survival Course prepares Marines to locate the bare necessities for human survival, while remaining vigilant and tactical in continuing combat.
The survival course curriculum covers everything from the survival diet to proper knot tying techniques, said Sgt. Eric W. Benson, 30, a Combat Survival Course instructor with MWTC Unit Operations.
Marines navigated rushing currents and vertical slopes with little more than a compass and rope. These types of obstacles require a great deal of discipline and strength, said Benson.
The student body consisted of Marines from over 40 different departments across H&Spt. Battalion. Marines with the battalion normally see little combat related training and traditionally work in an office type atmosphere, said Sgt. Karlos J. DeLaCruz, 24, a platoon sergeant with H&S Battalion.
“The skills that we teach here at the MWTC prepare Marines for the worst. We might teach them how to survive, but more importantly, how to succeed in combat,” said Sgt. Derek E. Jervis, 24, a Mountain Leadership Course instructor at the MWTC.
Marines also completed four hikes at altitudes between approximately 7,500 to 10,000 feet and ranging from 10 to 15 kilometers up and down mountain sides.