US Marines train with partner nations in Brazil

ILHA DO GOVERNADOR, BRAZIL

11.17.2015

Courtesy Story

U.S. Marine Corps Forces, South

ILHA DO GOVERNADOR, Brazil - From Nov. 16-24, approximately 1,000 Marine forces from Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, USA, Mexico, Paraguay, and Peru are participating in UNITAS Amphibious 2015, a multi-nation exercise taking place at Ihla do Governador and Ihla de Marambaia, Brazil.

Marine Forces Reserve is supporting the exercise with Marines from 23rd Marine Regiment, 4th Civil Affairs Group, Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 764 (VMM-764) and 4th Marine Logistics Group.

For the first phase of the exercise, the following training tracks will be taking place.

Amphibious Vehicle (AAV) Operations: Brazil lead portion that includes the history of Brazilian amphibious vehicles, familiarity training, amphibious operations, formations and security, and platoon-sized deployment.

Helicopter (HELO) Operations: United States lead portion that is assisted by Brazil and Mexico. This portion will include the operations of Brazilian and Mexican helicopters and also the MV-22B Osprey tiltrotor aircraft flown by the US Marines. This training will also include HELO history, familiarity, operations, and embarkation and debarkation drills.

Military Operations in Urban Terrain (MOUT): Peru lead portion of the exercise assisted by the US and Brazil. MOUT training will consist of rappelling, room clearing, explosive breaching (simulated), hostage rescue and target engagement.

Live-Fire Ranges: United States lead portion of the exercise which will be assisted by Canada, Brazil, and Mexico. The live-fire ranges will consist of weapons familiarization training, a close range and mid/multi range target courses, team assault course, and a combat pistol engagement course.

One of the highlights of the exercise is the inclusion of three MV-22B Osprey aircraft, which successfully completed their 6,165 mile flight from California to Rio de Janiero, Brazil.

On Nov. 19, the Marines will transition to Ihla de Marambaia for a final amphibious and Humanitarian Assistance/Disaster Relief exercise.

Exercises like UNITAS Amphib provide real world scenarios for Reserve Marines to train in. This allows them the ability to seamlessly integrate with their active duty counterparts and maintain readiness.

For more information on these events, please contact 1st Lt. Tyler Hopkins at [e-mail] and Maj. Armando Daviu at [e-mail]. Exercise coverage is available at https://www.dvidshub.net/feature/unitasamphibious#.VksGVDbnapq

• Date Taken: 11.17.2015
• Date Posted: 11.18.2015 10:14
• Story ID: 182223
• Location: ILHA DO GOVERNADOR, BR