thedrifter
07-04-09, 05:30 AM
MiTT Marines train to sustain warrior skills
7/3/2009 By Lance Cpl. Jason Hernandez , Multi National Force - West
CAMP HAMZA, Iraq —
Beads of sweat drip from the foreheads of sailors and Marines; grunts of pain are punctuated by the rhythmic beat of their fast-paced footsteps. They run past two other Marines on a raised platform, and one throws the other in a hip-toss.
This is physical and sustainment training aboard Camp Hamza, Iraq, a small area roughly the size of a football field, or as the Marines of Military Transition Team 0228 call it: home.
“We’re making sure that our Marines are staying on top of their game,” said Staff Sgt. Clayton McDonald, the logistics advisor with MiTT 0228. “It’s important for the Marines here to maintain and sustain their training, not just as Marines, but as Marines training the Iraqi army.”
One of the most noticeable achievements of MiTT 0228, with regard to sustainment training, is their progression in the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program. Since they began running regular MCMAP training, eight Marines have gone up in belt levels, with two more working on becoming brown belt instructors.
“It enhances their careers,” said McDonald. “Hand-to-hand battle, confidence and survivability enhancement are an essentiality.”
But the training doesn’t end with martial arts. The Marines of MiTT 0228 are also responsible for their own weapons training and handling as well. From procuring weapons and ammunition, to building the firing range, these Marines ensure they are in keeping with the ethos “every Marine a rifleman.”
The Marines and sailors have gone through the extra effort of building a range to accomplish annual marksmanship training and to ensure they can refine the skills necessary to train their Iraqi counterparts and defend themselves if need be.
Yet all the firing accuracy in the world means very little if the Marines themselves don’t regularly practice the tactics, techniques and procedures that put those weapons to use effectively.
That is why every so often, as these Marines are training or conducting their everyday business, a voice will come over their radios announcing a “stand-to,” or a mock attack, taking place.
In an instant, all non-military activity aboard Camp Hamza ceases. Marines grab their rifles and don their flak jackets and Kevlar helmets.
In seconds, everyone from cook to captain is hard at work ensuring that the installation is secured. The sailors and Marines aboard Camp Hamza conduct these readiness drills in order to be prepared to defend their installation if need be.
On a cramped compound in the middle of what seems like nowhere, the Marines and sailors of MiTT 0228 are not just working to teach the Iraqi army the finer points of soldiery, but they’re also working to ensure that they retain those fine points as well.
Ellie
7/3/2009 By Lance Cpl. Jason Hernandez , Multi National Force - West
CAMP HAMZA, Iraq —
Beads of sweat drip from the foreheads of sailors and Marines; grunts of pain are punctuated by the rhythmic beat of their fast-paced footsteps. They run past two other Marines on a raised platform, and one throws the other in a hip-toss.
This is physical and sustainment training aboard Camp Hamza, Iraq, a small area roughly the size of a football field, or as the Marines of Military Transition Team 0228 call it: home.
“We’re making sure that our Marines are staying on top of their game,” said Staff Sgt. Clayton McDonald, the logistics advisor with MiTT 0228. “It’s important for the Marines here to maintain and sustain their training, not just as Marines, but as Marines training the Iraqi army.”
One of the most noticeable achievements of MiTT 0228, with regard to sustainment training, is their progression in the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program. Since they began running regular MCMAP training, eight Marines have gone up in belt levels, with two more working on becoming brown belt instructors.
“It enhances their careers,” said McDonald. “Hand-to-hand battle, confidence and survivability enhancement are an essentiality.”
But the training doesn’t end with martial arts. The Marines of MiTT 0228 are also responsible for their own weapons training and handling as well. From procuring weapons and ammunition, to building the firing range, these Marines ensure they are in keeping with the ethos “every Marine a rifleman.”
The Marines and sailors have gone through the extra effort of building a range to accomplish annual marksmanship training and to ensure they can refine the skills necessary to train their Iraqi counterparts and defend themselves if need be.
Yet all the firing accuracy in the world means very little if the Marines themselves don’t regularly practice the tactics, techniques and procedures that put those weapons to use effectively.
That is why every so often, as these Marines are training or conducting their everyday business, a voice will come over their radios announcing a “stand-to,” or a mock attack, taking place.
In an instant, all non-military activity aboard Camp Hamza ceases. Marines grab their rifles and don their flak jackets and Kevlar helmets.
In seconds, everyone from cook to captain is hard at work ensuring that the installation is secured. The sailors and Marines aboard Camp Hamza conduct these readiness drills in order to be prepared to defend their installation if need be.
On a cramped compound in the middle of what seems like nowhere, the Marines and sailors of MiTT 0228 are not just working to teach the Iraqi army the finer points of soldiery, but they’re also working to ensure that they retain those fine points as well.
Ellie