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thedrifter
07-31-09, 03:33 PM
Ready in an instant
Provost Marshal's SRT trains for every type of situation
Lance Cpl. Abigail M. Wharton

CAMP FOSTER, Okinawa (July 31, 2009) -- A group of Marines in a single file moved slowly down a dark hallway. They moved as one body, yelling commands and executing room clearings as they took control of the building.

Every member on the team rotates to take the point, or front, at some time during the mission. Each knows he might be the one to take a hit for the team, but the team is so close-knit, he would do it.

The group is the Camp Foster Special Reaction Team, Provost Marshal's Office, Marine Corps Base Camp Butler. Currently the only SRT on Okinawa, they are always on call.

The SRT has not been activated in the last several years, but they train with an intensity that keeps them ready for any situation in an instant.

They are designed to give an installation commander the ability to contain or counter a situation that goes beyond the Provost Marshal's Office's capabilities.

To do this, the SRT must be able to isolate a crisis scene, provide proficient marksmanship support, conduct tactical movement, building entry, and clear buildings in a variety of lighting and weather conditions.

In order to be part of the SRT, the Marine must be a member of PMO and must participate in an "indoctrination" to test their mental and physical strength.

An indoctrination can last anywhere from 36 hours to 2 weeks and consists of long distance runs in full SRT gear, several obstacle courses and multiple classes on subjects like close quarter combat, hostage rescue and sniper tactics.

"It was the hardest thing I had done mentally and physically until that point in my life," said Cpl. Michael R. Osborne, assistant team leader, Special Reaction Team.

Applicants have to be determined and self-motivated to make it through the test.

"It was rough and I thought it would never end," said Lance Cpl. Trey James, Special Reaction Team member. "We had a lot of drive and motivation to keep going."

After the indoctrination, selectees are put on a six-month probation. Once they pass, they are sent to a secondary military occupation specialty school.

The SRT is comprised of an entry team, an assault team and a sniper team organized under one team leader and assistant team leader.

The teams are separate, but they all work together and cross-train to fill in for each other if necessary.

Additionally their training incorporates using dynamic (use voice commands) room clearing, deliberate (no sound) room clearing, night vision goggle room clearing, sniper ranges and live-fire training.

"SRT is an awesome opportunity to train Marines," Osborne said. "We can do anything from sniper school to vessel assault school."

The training never stops for the SRT. As one of three lance corporals on the team, James said it's a great experience to be able to learn from so many noncommissioned officers every day.

"We train hard and play hard," said Osborne. "It's a tightly-knit team with good camaraderie."

Ellie