Photo By Sgt. Samuel Guerra | An M1A1 Abrams Main Battle Tank with 2nd Tank Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, moves...... read more read more
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MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJUENE, N.C. – Marines with 2nd Tank Battalion, 2nd Marine Division conducted their semi-annual gunnery qualification at Camp Lejeune, N.C., Jun. 13-29, 2016.
The unit evaluates their Marines’ expertise with the M1A1 Abrams Main Battle Tank to ensure they maintain proficiency at engaging and destroying targets, preparing for potentially unexpected combat situations.
“We are demonstrating how well qualified we are to control the tanks,” said Sgt. Matthew Rivera, a tank commander with the unit. “It affords us the opportunity to employ our skills and strengthen our techniques in a way you cannot get anywhere else.”
The crewmen were tasked to operate the vehicles while maintaining their composure and overcoming mental and physical adversity.
“It is a challenge to work in the heat because it is a lot warmer inside of a tank,” Rivera said. “However, that does not get in the way of our professionalism. The training reminds us that we are more than capable of pushing through whatever obstacles we face.”
The qualification also facilitated a noticeable amount of unit cohesion that enabled the tank crewmen to fluently employ the vehicles to its full potential.
“My Marines and I have become even closer and strengthened our combat readiness because of this training,” said 1st Lt. John Defelice, a platoon commander with the unit. “I see these Marines as my family and am willing to go the distance to ensure they sustain elite expertise in this profession.”
The unit provides an important element within II Marine Expeditionary Force to use in combat situations across the globe by providing superior firepower to the battlefield.
“We are prepared to demonstrate how effective we are in any region of the world,” Defelice said. “At any given second, my Marines can successfully [employ their skills abroad] to destroy our enemies.”
| Date Taken: | 06.17.2016 |
| Date Posted: | 06.18.2016 16:59 |
| Story ID: | 201701 |
| Location: | CAMP LEJEUNE, NORTH CAROLINA, US |
| Web Views: | 165 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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