Photo By Matthew Callahan | Indonesian marines move through the jungle on a reconnaissance patrol searching for...... read more read more
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KAHUKU TRAINING AREA, Hawaii — Beneath a canopy of thick, green vegetation, rays of light illuminate figures moving quietly through the brush. They execute orders with hand and arm signals, communicating danger areas and halting movement when it’s suspected there may be enemy combatants nearby.
In the northern most part of the Island of Oahu, Indonesian marines with the Korps Marinir patrol through the jungle of the Kahuku Training Area during Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) Exercise 2014, July 13.
RIMPAC is the largest maritime exercise in the Pacific region, providing a unique training opportunity that fosters closer military-to-military bonds, facilitating clear lines of communication and interoperability among participating forces.
The Indonesians were attached to Company Landing Team one, which consisted of U.S. Marines from India Company, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, Republic of Korea marines and a small attachment of New Zealand soldiers.
Their mission over the course of five days was to conduct patrol base operations in the training area to intercept and destroy simulated opposing forces, acted out by U.S. Marines assigned to Kilo Co., 3rd Bn., 3rd Marines. Through rollercoaster terrain, poor visibility and rapidly changing weather, the Indonesian marines carried out the plan.
Cpl. Joseph Josleyn accompanied the Indonesians as a liaison between them and the command element of CLT-1. He acted as a link between the two forces, keeping radio contact and advising the Indonesians about movements through KTA.
“We acted as a supplementary Marine rifle platoon,” said Josleyn. “We functioned in the same way a regular rifle platoon would. We were tasked with setting up a patrol base and interdict enemy movement to facilitate an attacks on company objectives.”
The mission was straightforward, but the area of operation was not.
“KTA is very challenging terrain, even for experienced infantrymen,” Josleyn said. He added working in the jungle environment was a humbling experience, and something that all ground combat Marines should experience as the Marine Corps pivots to the Pacific.
For the Indonesians, the Kahuku jungle was similar to that of their home, and training with other nations was beneficial.
“(Hawaii) provides a lot of training resources for us,” said Indonesian marine 1st Sgt. Syahpuetra Hendra, a squad leader with 2nd Amphibious Reconnaissance Battalion, Korps Marinir. “For my job, it’s all about moving through the jungle.” Hendra said he liked training with U.S. Marines, citing their noise, and trash discipline in the jungle environment. “With RIMPAC, we can teach and learn about the techniques of different countries and combine them.”
The patrol stopped frequently to survey the terrain ahead, looking for opposing forces that could be lurking in the brush.
The sound of gun fire resounded in the distance. Other elements of the Indonesian platoon were in contact with opposing forces.
”Everything we do here becomes more difficult,” according to Josleyn. He said setting up defenses or getting chow and water resupplied and establishing communication, typically straightforward tasks Marines execute, is stifled by the winding footing of the forest.
“Almost everywhere south of China down to Australia is all jungle just like KTA,” Josleyn said. “I think it’s important that with our shift to the Pacific, Marines train in places like Okinawa’s Central Training Area and on Oahu here.”
The world's largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity that helps participants foster and sustain the cooperative relationships that are critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the world's oceans. RIMPAC 2014 is the 24th exercise in the series that began in 1971.
| Date Taken: | 07.21.2014 |
| Date Posted: | 07.21.2014 16:08 |
| Story ID: | 136810 |
| Location: | KAHUKU, HAWAII, US |
| Web Views: | 461 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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