thedrifter
06-20-08, 08:17 AM
III MHG trains on streets of Combat Town
Lance Cpl. Joseph A. Cabrera
CAMP HANSEN, Okinawa (June 20, 2008) -- Thirty-five Marines with III Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group honed their urban combat skills June 11-13 during a field exercise in Combat Town.
The purpose of the three-day training exercise was to refresh and build on the skills taught to all Marines during recruit training and Marine Combat Training, said Sgt. Peter A. Suguitan, III MEF operations noncommissioned officer.
Since MHG Marines primarily serve in administrative and technical occupational fields, they typically do not get the chance to go out and participate in combat training, Suguitan said.
But the Marines put their primary duties aside during the exercise and focused on close-quarters battle techniques, patrolling, improvised explosive devices, casualty evacuation, first aid and room clearing, according to Cpl. John M. Gabbard, with the III MHG operations section.
After the classes, the Marines put their combat skills to the test in several different scenarios designed to simulate situations they might encounter if deployed to a combat zone.
During the scenarios, the students maneuvered and attacked a small force of mock insurgents played by other Marines from the unit.
To add realism to the exercise, the Marines used blank ammunition during some scenarios and special effects small arms marking system for others.
SESAMS rounds, as they are commonly called, are 9mm projectiles containing paint that are fired from a modified M16A2 service rifle. The rounds work similar to recreational paint ball rounds by creating a distinct paint splat on impact, making it easier for opposing forces to determine who came out on top after a simulated firefight.
The training scenarios also included the use of IED simulators that make a distinctive pop sound and released white powder when triggered. Students who found themselves covered in the powder could not argue the point that they were able to identify and avoid the IED.
Students also practiced casualty evacuation and first aid techniques. The techniques taught during the course were more advanced than what was taught in recruit training and MCT, Suguitan said.
Of all the topics covered during the training, however, it was the infantry patrolling that was most beneficial, Suguitan said.
"If these Marines are ever attached to an infantry unit in a combat zone, they may be called upon to patrol with the unit. Their regular jobs are not to patrol, but now they will know how to do it when the time comes."
Many of the Marines of III MHG appreciated the course and felt the experience was something they could take with them to the field.
"We learned about patrols and working together as a unit - overall we learned to be better Marines," said Cpl. Jesus A. Garcia, a heavy equipment mechanic with III MHG. "Our shop doesn't normally get the chance to do this, and it is good for the Marines."
Aside from the educational value of the training, Marines also enjoyed the break from their normal duties.
"Another reason we do this training is to get them out of their normal work environment," Gabbard said. "They're Marines, and they want to train."
Ellie
Lance Cpl. Joseph A. Cabrera
CAMP HANSEN, Okinawa (June 20, 2008) -- Thirty-five Marines with III Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group honed their urban combat skills June 11-13 during a field exercise in Combat Town.
The purpose of the three-day training exercise was to refresh and build on the skills taught to all Marines during recruit training and Marine Combat Training, said Sgt. Peter A. Suguitan, III MEF operations noncommissioned officer.
Since MHG Marines primarily serve in administrative and technical occupational fields, they typically do not get the chance to go out and participate in combat training, Suguitan said.
But the Marines put their primary duties aside during the exercise and focused on close-quarters battle techniques, patrolling, improvised explosive devices, casualty evacuation, first aid and room clearing, according to Cpl. John M. Gabbard, with the III MHG operations section.
After the classes, the Marines put their combat skills to the test in several different scenarios designed to simulate situations they might encounter if deployed to a combat zone.
During the scenarios, the students maneuvered and attacked a small force of mock insurgents played by other Marines from the unit.
To add realism to the exercise, the Marines used blank ammunition during some scenarios and special effects small arms marking system for others.
SESAMS rounds, as they are commonly called, are 9mm projectiles containing paint that are fired from a modified M16A2 service rifle. The rounds work similar to recreational paint ball rounds by creating a distinct paint splat on impact, making it easier for opposing forces to determine who came out on top after a simulated firefight.
The training scenarios also included the use of IED simulators that make a distinctive pop sound and released white powder when triggered. Students who found themselves covered in the powder could not argue the point that they were able to identify and avoid the IED.
Students also practiced casualty evacuation and first aid techniques. The techniques taught during the course were more advanced than what was taught in recruit training and MCT, Suguitan said.
Of all the topics covered during the training, however, it was the infantry patrolling that was most beneficial, Suguitan said.
"If these Marines are ever attached to an infantry unit in a combat zone, they may be called upon to patrol with the unit. Their regular jobs are not to patrol, but now they will know how to do it when the time comes."
Many of the Marines of III MHG appreciated the course and felt the experience was something they could take with them to the field.
"We learned about patrols and working together as a unit - overall we learned to be better Marines," said Cpl. Jesus A. Garcia, a heavy equipment mechanic with III MHG. "Our shop doesn't normally get the chance to do this, and it is good for the Marines."
Aside from the educational value of the training, Marines also enjoyed the break from their normal duties.
"Another reason we do this training is to get them out of their normal work environment," Gabbard said. "They're Marines, and they want to train."
Ellie