thedrifter
06-13-08, 08:07 AM
Desert Talon Preview
Posted: June 13, 2008 12:39 AM
Gy. Sgt. Brian O'Toole of the U.S. Marine Corp. says, "It's like being in Iraq. It's actually a little tougher because in Iraq, there's structures as opposed to the tents we're living in here.
3 weeks training in the desert, simulating the exact conditions they'll face in Iraq.
"The desert terrain and the heat is pretty similar to where we're going to be operating."
And it's all to make sure they're ready, "in preparation for deployment for Operation Iraqi Freedom."
To ensure they will do the best job possible overseas, Lt. Col. Todd Jenkins says, "We're actually being evaluated to make sure we meet the standards in prep for our subsequent deployment."
The marines role play what the action plan would be if they encountered a road side bomb.
"The sand table is utilized prior to a mission. It's a tool for the team leader to get his team around and war game actual tactics they're going to be utilized once they leave the base."
All of this preparation and planning sets up the marines to use the city of Yuma as a staging area for training.
"There's going to be a lot of fast moving ops but there won't be any live ammo out there."
Not only does the training prepare the marines for Iraq, it also helps build unity.
"We wouldn't be successful if we didn't have that unit of cohesiveness and teamwork. Keeping a couple 100 guys out here develops that."
Ellie
Posted: June 13, 2008 12:39 AM
Gy. Sgt. Brian O'Toole of the U.S. Marine Corp. says, "It's like being in Iraq. It's actually a little tougher because in Iraq, there's structures as opposed to the tents we're living in here.
3 weeks training in the desert, simulating the exact conditions they'll face in Iraq.
"The desert terrain and the heat is pretty similar to where we're going to be operating."
And it's all to make sure they're ready, "in preparation for deployment for Operation Iraqi Freedom."
To ensure they will do the best job possible overseas, Lt. Col. Todd Jenkins says, "We're actually being evaluated to make sure we meet the standards in prep for our subsequent deployment."
The marines role play what the action plan would be if they encountered a road side bomb.
"The sand table is utilized prior to a mission. It's a tool for the team leader to get his team around and war game actual tactics they're going to be utilized once they leave the base."
All of this preparation and planning sets up the marines to use the city of Yuma as a staging area for training.
"There's going to be a lot of fast moving ops but there won't be any live ammo out there."
Not only does the training prepare the marines for Iraq, it also helps build unity.
"We wouldn't be successful if we didn't have that unit of cohesiveness and teamwork. Keeping a couple 100 guys out here develops that."
Ellie