thedrifter
09-13-07, 06:32 AM
Camp Schwab looked like a modern day battlefield as Marines took to the streets, fighting off ambushes and trading rounds with mock insurgents.
This was the scene as Marines from various units bound for combat operations within the Central Command area of responsibility participated in a pre-deployment exercise Aug. 29.
The exercise was a final evaluation requiring the Marines to exercise the training they received during the previous weeks during a pre-deployment training at 4th Marine Regiment’s Regimental Schools.
“The Marines got to test what we taught them about patrols, convoys, rules of engagement, Middle Eastern culture, improvised explosive devices and various other things they will need to know before deploying to (a combat zone),” said Staff. Sgt Robert Frederick, chief instructor for Regimental Schools.
During the patrol portion of the evaluation, groups of Marines walked the streets of Schwab, encountering scenarios designed to simulate combat situations. The squads also made contact with enemy aggressors, who threw rocks at them or ambushed them.
The Marines practiced rules of engagement and had to react and adapt to various incidents. They faced scenarios that posed unique dilemmas like deciding whether or not to pursue an insurgent, knowing he might lead them into an ambush.
Throughout the scenario, Marines riding in humvees conducted vehicle patrols through the streets and acted as a quick-reaction force for the foot-patrol. The convoy Marines also had to test their mastery of the rules of engagement.
In one situation, the Marines had to resist firing at a lone insurgent shooting at them from a distance knowing the .50 caliber machine gun would cause too much collateral damage, and the better choice was to simply move away from the fire.
“We try to do everything we can to prepare the Marines,” said Frederick. “This includes learning from the experiences of Marines who have been to Iraq and adapting our training to reflect what’s going on over there.”
Marines who participated in the exercise spoke positively about the event.
“The training was very worthwhile and a great refresher for staff noncommissioned officers and commissioned officers who don’t normally get to do things like fire a (M2 .50 caliber machine gun) or go on a foot patrol very often,” said Maj. Mike Melso, a logistics officer for III Marine Expeditionary Force.
Cpl. Jordan Bentley, a ground-sensor operator for the 3rd Intelligence Battalion, found the training to be a great way to brush up on some essential skills.
“The training was very cool and gave me a great chance to hone my infantry skills,” he said. “This is the best training I have ever received on Okinawa.”
This was the scene as Marines from various units bound for combat operations within the Central Command area of responsibility participated in a pre-deployment exercise Aug. 29.
The exercise was a final evaluation requiring the Marines to exercise the training they received during the previous weeks during a pre-deployment training at 4th Marine Regiment’s Regimental Schools.
“The Marines got to test what we taught them about patrols, convoys, rules of engagement, Middle Eastern culture, improvised explosive devices and various other things they will need to know before deploying to (a combat zone),” said Staff. Sgt Robert Frederick, chief instructor for Regimental Schools.
During the patrol portion of the evaluation, groups of Marines walked the streets of Schwab, encountering scenarios designed to simulate combat situations. The squads also made contact with enemy aggressors, who threw rocks at them or ambushed them.
The Marines practiced rules of engagement and had to react and adapt to various incidents. They faced scenarios that posed unique dilemmas like deciding whether or not to pursue an insurgent, knowing he might lead them into an ambush.
Throughout the scenario, Marines riding in humvees conducted vehicle patrols through the streets and acted as a quick-reaction force for the foot-patrol. The convoy Marines also had to test their mastery of the rules of engagement.
In one situation, the Marines had to resist firing at a lone insurgent shooting at them from a distance knowing the .50 caliber machine gun would cause too much collateral damage, and the better choice was to simply move away from the fire.
“We try to do everything we can to prepare the Marines,” said Frederick. “This includes learning from the experiences of Marines who have been to Iraq and adapting our training to reflect what’s going on over there.”
Marines who participated in the exercise spoke positively about the event.
“The training was very worthwhile and a great refresher for staff noncommissioned officers and commissioned officers who don’t normally get to do things like fire a (M2 .50 caliber machine gun) or go on a foot patrol very often,” said Maj. Mike Melso, a logistics officer for III Marine Expeditionary Force.
Cpl. Jordan Bentley, a ground-sensor operator for the 3rd Intelligence Battalion, found the training to be a great way to brush up on some essential skills.
“The training was very cool and gave me a great chance to hone my infantry skills,” he said. “This is the best training I have ever received on Okinawa.”