thedrifter
06-04-08, 07:22 AM
Mock combat begins today for 26th MEU
By Vic Ryckaert - Indianapolis Star
Posted : Wednesday Jun 4, 2008 8:00:22 EDT
Hollywood special effects and Arabic-speaking actors will be helping Marines train for urban combat when Indianapolis and other nearby communities begin hosting mock combat missions Wednesday.
A special effects company will create realistic explosions in a mock Middle Eastern village at Camp Atterbury, Marine spokesman 1st Lt. Timothy Patrick said in a written statement.
Arabic-speaking actors have been hired to play villagers and hostile insurgents, Patrick said.
“We will patrol through a mock village, interact with the villagers, determine enemy threats (and) meet with village leaders,” Patrick said. “There will also be simulated improvised explosive devices and rocket-propelled grenades on strings providing explosions — all courtesy of the special effects production company.”
For the next two weeks, about 2,300 Marines from the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, based at Camp Lejeune, N.C., will conduct urban warfare training at locations in and around Indianapolis.
Helicopters will land at the old Eastgate Consumer Mall, Brookside Park, the old Bush Stadium, Raymond Park Middle School and 22 other Indianapolis locations.
The Marines have been cleared by state, federal and local authorities, Fletcher said. The unit’s commander promised to try to keep noise to a minimum and give neighbors plenty of warning.
The Marines will practice firing weapons, conducting patrols, running vehicle checkpoints, reacting to ambushes and employing nonlethal weapons, according to a statement.
Residents will get a chance to meet the Marines and view their combat gear up-close at a community day, which starts at 10 a.m. June 12 at the Indiana State Fairgrounds.
Humvees and light armored vehicles will be on display. Four different Marine helicopters will land in the parking lot, dropping off troops.
An infantry squad will demonstrate patrolling techniques, a Marine sniper will be decked out in camouflage and Marines will show-off their martial arts skills.
Ellie
By Vic Ryckaert - Indianapolis Star
Posted : Wednesday Jun 4, 2008 8:00:22 EDT
Hollywood special effects and Arabic-speaking actors will be helping Marines train for urban combat when Indianapolis and other nearby communities begin hosting mock combat missions Wednesday.
A special effects company will create realistic explosions in a mock Middle Eastern village at Camp Atterbury, Marine spokesman 1st Lt. Timothy Patrick said in a written statement.
Arabic-speaking actors have been hired to play villagers and hostile insurgents, Patrick said.
“We will patrol through a mock village, interact with the villagers, determine enemy threats (and) meet with village leaders,” Patrick said. “There will also be simulated improvised explosive devices and rocket-propelled grenades on strings providing explosions — all courtesy of the special effects production company.”
For the next two weeks, about 2,300 Marines from the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, based at Camp Lejeune, N.C., will conduct urban warfare training at locations in and around Indianapolis.
Helicopters will land at the old Eastgate Consumer Mall, Brookside Park, the old Bush Stadium, Raymond Park Middle School and 22 other Indianapolis locations.
The Marines have been cleared by state, federal and local authorities, Fletcher said. The unit’s commander promised to try to keep noise to a minimum and give neighbors plenty of warning.
The Marines will practice firing weapons, conducting patrols, running vehicle checkpoints, reacting to ambushes and employing nonlethal weapons, according to a statement.
Residents will get a chance to meet the Marines and view their combat gear up-close at a community day, which starts at 10 a.m. June 12 at the Indiana State Fairgrounds.
Humvees and light armored vehicles will be on display. Four different Marine helicopters will land in the parking lot, dropping off troops.
An infantry squad will demonstrate patrolling techniques, a Marine sniper will be decked out in camouflage and Marines will show-off their martial arts skills.
Ellie