Golf Marines drive out opposing force
Submitted by: MCB Camp Butler
Story Identification #: 200481204631
Story by Lance Cpl. Jonathan K. Teslevich



CAMP FUJI, Japan — (July 29, 2004) -- Marines with Company G, 2nd Battalion, 23rd Marine Regiment, conducted a helicopter assault on an enemy position and a night patrol in the training area here July 29 while participating in Fuji Integrated Training Program 2004.

The Encino, Calif., reserve unit participated in the exercise as part of their annual training requirement.

“Under the scenario, we received intelligence that an enemy security force, consisting of three to four small cells, was operating around a communications headquarters,” said Cpl. Justin W. Turner, a squad leader with Company G. “Our mission was to capture or destroy the headquarters, which would hinder the capabilities of the enemy forces.”

Two CH-53D Sea Stallion helicopters inserted about 60 Marines, including Turner’s squad, in the first wave of landings several hundred meters from the enemy headquarters.

“We had to quickly get out of the helicopters and orient ourselves to the southwest because you could face any direction after a landing,” Turner said. “After getting on line, we quickly moved up the hill toward the enemy position.”

Good verbal communication and movement was made difficult by the thick, triple-canopy vegetation mixed with patches of loose, volcanic gravel common to the training area.

“The terrain and forest made the assault tough because it slowed us down, made inter-squad communication difficult and sometimes forced us into enemy firing lanes,” Turner said. “Even with those obstacles, we surprised them with our firepower and how quickly we negotiated physical obstacles. That shows the ability of our Marines to adapt and overcome when they are faced with adversity.”

After a short firefight, members of the opposing force were taken out or captured, and the Marines prepared for a possible counterattack with a 360-degree perimeter defense while waiting for the rest of their company to arrive.

Under cover of darkness, the company concluded their helicopter assault and set off on a night patrol to silently search for stragglers of the opposing force.

“The helicopter assault training helped to highlight positives and negatives for myself, my squad members and the company,” Turner said. “The environment in the training area differs from Camp Pendleton, (Calif.), a lot. I think the experience we gained operating in the triple-canopy forest could be very important if we deploy to that type of combat zone.”

According to Turner, the experience gained at Camp Fuji built on the lessons learned by 2/23 during their deployment to Iraq a year ago.

“The days in the field here have allowed the more experienced members of the company to build upon fundamental infantry skills practiced in Iraq and gave junior Marines real-world
knowledge,” Turner said.



CAMP FUJI, Japan – A Marine with Company G, 2nd Battalion, 23rd Marine Regiment, carries an M-249 squad automatic weapon during an assault in the training area here July 29. The Marines arrived here July 19 to participate in Fuji Integrated Training Program 2004. Photo by: Lance Cpl. Jonathan K. Teslevich

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Ellie