thedrifter
09-22-08, 07:03 AM
II MEF (Fwd) benefits from generals' experiences
9/17/2008 By Master Sgt. Keith A. Milks , II Marine Expeditionary Forces Forward
MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. —With their scheduled deployment to Iraq drawing near, the Marines of II Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward) recently took advantage of sage advice and guidance from two Marine general officers recently returned from the Middle East.
“We are really fortunate to have Lt. Gen. George Flynn, the commanding general of Marine Corps Combat Development Command, take time out of a very busy schedule and share with us his recent experiences in Iraq,” said Maj. Gen. Richard T. Tryon, the commanding general of II MEF (Fwd).
“He was at an echelon above where we’ll be, and his perspective at the corps level will be invaluable as we go forward.”
For an hour-and-a-half, Flynn spoke to the assembled Marines and Sailors on a variety of topics. He based his talking points on his experiences in Iraq earlier this year as the deputy commanding general for Multi-National Corps-Iraq, the tactical unit responsible for command and control of U.S. operations throughout Iraq.
“I appreciate the opportunity to come and talk to you,” said Flynn, a career artillery officer who has commanded Marines in the Operating Forces at the platoon, battery and battalion levels, and was also the commanding officer of Officer Candidates School and the Commanding General of Training Command, and later, Training and Education Command.
Flynn’s classified presentation was preceded two days earlier by a similar appearance by Maj. Gen. Mastin M. Robeson, Commanding General of Marine Corps Special Operations Command. Robeson, who recently completed a tour as the director for strategic planning for Multi-National Force-Iraq, is an infantry officer with a wide range of operational and command experience, including tours as the commanding general of the 3rd Marine Division, and deputy commanding general, III Marine Expeditionary Force.
Both general officers discussed a wide range of topics concerning the economic, political and military situation in Iraq, as well as their experiences interacting in a joint environment. Perhaps the most topical issues addressed were those concerning the progress of the Iraqi Police and Iraqi Security Forces, as well how political developments in Iraq will shape the Marines’ role during the upcoming deployment.
“It was interesting to hear their perspective, especially at the level where they were,” said Staff Sgt. Jeffrey Correnti, a fire support specialist serving in the II MEF (Fwd)’s Force Effects Control Center. “Everything we are doing, especially the briefs and classes like this, are preparing us and giving us a clearer picture of what we’ll face in Iraq next year.”
In closing his brief, Flynn reiterated that while the information he was passing was based on his experiences in Iraq as recent as July, it was outdated as the situation in Iraq is fluid and ever-changing.“I hope this was helpful and I wish you all the best,” Flynn said.
The generals’ briefings were the latest in a string of professional military education (PME) sessions designed to prepare the Marines of II MEF (Fwd) for the challenges of operating in Iraq. II MEF (Fwd) consists of its Command Element, and forces from the 2nd Marine Division, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, and the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing.
II MEF (Fwd) is scheduled to deploy to Iraq’s Al Anbar province in early 2009 where it will replace I MEF (Fwd).
For more information on II MEF (Fwd), visit the unit’s web site at http://www.iimefpublic.usmc.mil/iimeffwd, and to learn about the ongoing mission in Iraq, go to http://www.mnfwest.usmc.mil.
Ellie
9/17/2008 By Master Sgt. Keith A. Milks , II Marine Expeditionary Forces Forward
MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. —With their scheduled deployment to Iraq drawing near, the Marines of II Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward) recently took advantage of sage advice and guidance from two Marine general officers recently returned from the Middle East.
“We are really fortunate to have Lt. Gen. George Flynn, the commanding general of Marine Corps Combat Development Command, take time out of a very busy schedule and share with us his recent experiences in Iraq,” said Maj. Gen. Richard T. Tryon, the commanding general of II MEF (Fwd).
“He was at an echelon above where we’ll be, and his perspective at the corps level will be invaluable as we go forward.”
For an hour-and-a-half, Flynn spoke to the assembled Marines and Sailors on a variety of topics. He based his talking points on his experiences in Iraq earlier this year as the deputy commanding general for Multi-National Corps-Iraq, the tactical unit responsible for command and control of U.S. operations throughout Iraq.
“I appreciate the opportunity to come and talk to you,” said Flynn, a career artillery officer who has commanded Marines in the Operating Forces at the platoon, battery and battalion levels, and was also the commanding officer of Officer Candidates School and the Commanding General of Training Command, and later, Training and Education Command.
Flynn’s classified presentation was preceded two days earlier by a similar appearance by Maj. Gen. Mastin M. Robeson, Commanding General of Marine Corps Special Operations Command. Robeson, who recently completed a tour as the director for strategic planning for Multi-National Force-Iraq, is an infantry officer with a wide range of operational and command experience, including tours as the commanding general of the 3rd Marine Division, and deputy commanding general, III Marine Expeditionary Force.
Both general officers discussed a wide range of topics concerning the economic, political and military situation in Iraq, as well as their experiences interacting in a joint environment. Perhaps the most topical issues addressed were those concerning the progress of the Iraqi Police and Iraqi Security Forces, as well how political developments in Iraq will shape the Marines’ role during the upcoming deployment.
“It was interesting to hear their perspective, especially at the level where they were,” said Staff Sgt. Jeffrey Correnti, a fire support specialist serving in the II MEF (Fwd)’s Force Effects Control Center. “Everything we are doing, especially the briefs and classes like this, are preparing us and giving us a clearer picture of what we’ll face in Iraq next year.”
In closing his brief, Flynn reiterated that while the information he was passing was based on his experiences in Iraq as recent as July, it was outdated as the situation in Iraq is fluid and ever-changing.“I hope this was helpful and I wish you all the best,” Flynn said.
The generals’ briefings were the latest in a string of professional military education (PME) sessions designed to prepare the Marines of II MEF (Fwd) for the challenges of operating in Iraq. II MEF (Fwd) consists of its Command Element, and forces from the 2nd Marine Division, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, and the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing.
II MEF (Fwd) is scheduled to deploy to Iraq’s Al Anbar province in early 2009 where it will replace I MEF (Fwd).
For more information on II MEF (Fwd), visit the unit’s web site at http://www.iimefpublic.usmc.mil/iimeffwd, and to learn about the ongoing mission in Iraq, go to http://www.mnfwest.usmc.mil.
Ellie