Photo By Sgt. Theodore Ritchie | Marines from Combat Logistics Battalion 22, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, tend to a...... read more read more
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By: Lance Cpl. Justin M. Martinez
22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit
FORT PICKETT, Va. - Marines and Sailors from Combat Logistics Battalion 22, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, conducted tactical convoy training in a simulated hostile environment on Sept. 29 and Sept. 30, 2008, aboard Fort Pickett, Va., a Virginia Army National Guard Maneuver Training Center.
The two-day event started with the Marines locating, identifying and responding to different scenarios involving improvised explosive devices while transporting notional supplies to a forward position.
"We did an IED lane training course to familiarize Marines with techniques, tactics, procedures and immediate action drills on how to react to IED explosions," said Staff Sgt. James C. Haynes, the CLB-22 Motor Transport Chief from Lexington, Ky.
The CLB Marines had help from explosive ordnance disposal technicians, who set up small training charges meant to simulate actual IEDs.
The first training IED exploded next to a Humvee as it drove over an old bridge along the training route.
"It was a loud 'BOOM' when the IED went off. I glanced over and realized that the Marine next to me had been hit," said Sgt. Torrence J. St. Romain, the CLB-22 postal chief from Marksville, La.
This type of training is a new experience for many of the younger Marines in the unit.
"We're all starting from a crawl, walk run stage. We are now in our walking stage, getting our standard operating procedures down," said Haynes.
The Marines took to the training with enthusiasm.
"This training is vital in order to be aware of our surroundings while overseas. It's important to know what to do if and when an IED goes off," said Pfc. Ivor C. Elphage Jr., an administrative clerk from Beltsville, Md. "Marines need to feel safe and comfortable in each others hands."
Live fire and maneuver with vehicle-mounted machine guns was the focus of the second day's convoy training.
"Every marine is savvy on static weapons - they did it in boot camp and Marine Combat Training," said Haynes. "But not very many Marines actually fired weapons from moving trucks."
While firing from the tops of moving vehicles is not the easiest task, the Marines had guidance from the seasoned professionals in the Military Police section on proper techniques.
"I expect the Marines to successfully employ the weapons on their targets at a moving pace," said Lance Cpl. Christopher Reed, a military policeman from Largo, Fla. "As long as they are able to fire and be on target, it really doesn't matter if they're going five miles an hour or 30 miles an hour, the whole purpose of this to employ rounds while on a convoy."
For the Marines riding on top of the trucks, firing the weapons was a motivating experience.
"It was awesome shooting the 50-cal while I was in the turret", said Pfc. Timothy Lawhorn, a landing support specialist from Manchester, Tenn. "I loved having that power in my hands...I was pretty much unstoppable."
The 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit is a scalable, multipurpose force of more than 2,200 Marines and sailors. Commanded by Col. Gareth F. Brandl, it consists of its Ground Combat Element, Battalion Landing Team, 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment; Aviation Combat Element, Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 263 (Reinforced); Logistics Combat Element, CLB-22; and its Command Element.
The 22nd MEU is currently conducting pre-deployment training and is scheduled to deploy this spring.
| Date Taken: | 09.29.2008 |
| Date Posted: | 10.03.2008 20:51 |
| Story ID: | 24503 |
| Location: | FORT PICKETT, VIRGINIA, US |
| Web Views: | 192 |
| Downloads: | 136 |
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