Photo By Sgt. Alexander Mitchell | Sgt. Michael Beard, right, a chief scout sniper with 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine...... read more read more
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CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. - A new scout sniper platoon in 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment is being constructed and Marines are going through a pre-screener for the platoon Oct. 13-16 at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.
More than 15 Marines with the battalion are participating in the pre-screener course to prepare themselves for the scout sniper platoon screener the following week.
Marines from 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, and 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment are teaching and mentoring new Marines for the platoon.
“We pulled in scout snipers from across the division to help teach the classes,” said 1st Lt. Joseph Livi, the scout sniper platoon commander with 2/8. “The intent is that in a year when we come back from this deployment, we’ll have a standing platoon with experienced scout snipers in 2/8 that will be able to take over that role. So their job will be to train, coach and mentor Marines who are interested in screening for the platoon when the time comes or being part of that battalion asset when the time calls.”
Preparing Marines during the pre-screener can help them better understand their tasks and potential skills when the full course is in effect.
“It helps build a better perspective for strengths and weaknesses and makes us a stronger unit for deployments,” said Sgt. Michael Beard, the chief scout sniper with 2/8.
The course will take Marines through a rigorous training evolution where they will carry heavy packs on rigorous hikes, run through physically strenuous courses, complete team exercises, learn advanced camouflage application, stalking techniques and land navigation.
“I was always taught a scout sniper is first and foremost a Marine,” Livi said. “Within the course they are going to focus on land navigation, patrolling, fundamentals of camouflage concealment, and teamwork drills. They will also be put into situations that will stress them physically and mentally and take part in Marine Corps Martial Art Program evolutions.”
The scout sniper platoon is slated to deploy with the Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force next year.
“Our job as Marines is to be ready even when the nation is least ready, so our job is to fill that gap when the nation calls,” Livi said.
| Date Taken: | 10.14.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 10.21.2015 09:01 |
| Story ID: | 179487 |
| Location: | CAMP LEJEUNE, NORTH CAROLINA, US |
| Web Views: | 267 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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