Shaffer
03-31-03, 07:35 PM
Marines from Company A, Command Logistics Element, Marine Central Command are maintaining their focus on counter-terrorism operations and camp safety and security operations here through scenario-driven training.
The most recent training, held March 24, emphasized controlling mental and physical stresses as well as swift reaction time during combatant situations.
These Marines were mobilized from their Grand Rapids-based unit to support Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa's mission to detect, disrupt and defeat terrorists in the Horn of Africa region.
Although the task force has been welcomed to Djibouti with open arms by government officials, training is still vital to keep the Marines sharp and ready for any terrorist threat that might arise in these turbulent times.
Their recent training consisted of classroom instruction and practical application with weapons.
During the "Combat Mind-set Course," held in a classroom setting, the Marines went over the numerous factors that affect combatants in hostile situations such as the mental and physical stress the body incurs.
Several physiological processes can contribute to poor reaction time, according to said Staff Sgt. Matthew P. Schimeck, training chief, Company A, CLE, who hails from Detroit.
"Anxiety hits you, the dexterity in your fingers diminishes, and your knees could feel weak - all of these factors could happen to you in combat," Schimeck said.
From the very day Marines step on those infamous yellow footprints at recruit training, they learn how to operate in stressful environments, he continued, and this course reinforces those values so Marines can make quick, sound judgments during a stressful situation with no second-guessing.
Schimeck provided an analogy to illustrate his point, "A strange speeding vehicle approaches you while you're on post, and it looks like it's not going to stop. It should be instantaneous; you know your rules of engagement."
According to Cpl. Jonathan Alspaugh, a team leader with 3rd platoon, this training directly correlates with Co. A's mission here, which is to protect the base internally and externally.
"If there's going to be an attack on base here, it will be one of surprise. The physical and mental quickness of our actions will hinder that threat and protect everybody else on the base," Alspaugh said.
After the classroom instruction, the Marines put their marksmanship skills to the test, firing their M16-A2 service rifles during "Presentation of Weapons" drills to practice their speed and accuracy while engaging enemy targets.
During the live-fire drills, a group of Marines approached the firing line. Schimeck gave the command to load and "make ready" the weapons. Then, he directed the Marines to their starting positions. For the first drill, the weapons were hanging over their non-firing arms upside down, a weapons-carrying position Marines use during inclement weather.
Schimeck guided them through the drill using blasts from a whistle. Each whistle blast signified different firing positions: one for standing, two for kneeling and three for prone.
The Marines continued through other drills that incorporated different positions and reaction times - all designed to make engaging targets a natural act, Schimeck said.
"Just firing the weapon on a regular basis keeps me refreshed and confident while I'm on post," said Lance Cpl. Mick McDonald, Weapons Platoon, a native of Coopersville, Mich.
The most recent training, held March 24, emphasized controlling mental and physical stresses as well as swift reaction time during combatant situations.
These Marines were mobilized from their Grand Rapids-based unit to support Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa's mission to detect, disrupt and defeat terrorists in the Horn of Africa region.
Although the task force has been welcomed to Djibouti with open arms by government officials, training is still vital to keep the Marines sharp and ready for any terrorist threat that might arise in these turbulent times.
Their recent training consisted of classroom instruction and practical application with weapons.
During the "Combat Mind-set Course," held in a classroom setting, the Marines went over the numerous factors that affect combatants in hostile situations such as the mental and physical stress the body incurs.
Several physiological processes can contribute to poor reaction time, according to said Staff Sgt. Matthew P. Schimeck, training chief, Company A, CLE, who hails from Detroit.
"Anxiety hits you, the dexterity in your fingers diminishes, and your knees could feel weak - all of these factors could happen to you in combat," Schimeck said.
From the very day Marines step on those infamous yellow footprints at recruit training, they learn how to operate in stressful environments, he continued, and this course reinforces those values so Marines can make quick, sound judgments during a stressful situation with no second-guessing.
Schimeck provided an analogy to illustrate his point, "A strange speeding vehicle approaches you while you're on post, and it looks like it's not going to stop. It should be instantaneous; you know your rules of engagement."
According to Cpl. Jonathan Alspaugh, a team leader with 3rd platoon, this training directly correlates with Co. A's mission here, which is to protect the base internally and externally.
"If there's going to be an attack on base here, it will be one of surprise. The physical and mental quickness of our actions will hinder that threat and protect everybody else on the base," Alspaugh said.
After the classroom instruction, the Marines put their marksmanship skills to the test, firing their M16-A2 service rifles during "Presentation of Weapons" drills to practice their speed and accuracy while engaging enemy targets.
During the live-fire drills, a group of Marines approached the firing line. Schimeck gave the command to load and "make ready" the weapons. Then, he directed the Marines to their starting positions. For the first drill, the weapons were hanging over their non-firing arms upside down, a weapons-carrying position Marines use during inclement weather.
Schimeck guided them through the drill using blasts from a whistle. Each whistle blast signified different firing positions: one for standing, two for kneeling and three for prone.
The Marines continued through other drills that incorporated different positions and reaction times - all designed to make engaging targets a natural act, Schimeck said.
"Just firing the weapon on a regular basis keeps me refreshed and confident while I'm on post," said Lance Cpl. Mick McDonald, Weapons Platoon, a native of Coopersville, Mich.