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Eyes forward: 2nd LAR conducts scout training

Courtesy Photo | Marines with 2nd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 2nd Marine Division prepare...... read more read more

CAMP LEJEUNE, NORTH CAROLINA, UNITED STATES

01.25.2018

Courtesy Story

II Marine Expeditionary Force

With boots on the ground and rounds down range, scout Marines with 2nd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 2nd Marine Division conducted scout training at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Jan. 20-21, 2018.

The training improved the scout Marines’ ability to provide forward support for the Light Armored Vehicles by operating in small teams when closing with and engaging a larger opposing force.

“This training builds the basic fundamentals for [scout Marines],” said Lance Cpl. Julian Calva, a squad leader with the unit. “We get them familiar with the standard operating procedures in LAR, such as utilizing environmental elements like a tree line to maneuver around the objective without being seen.”

Before conducting live-fire team attacks against simulated targets, Marines adjusted the sights on their weapons and conducted tactical movement. These pre-combat checks ensure that the Marines will be able to complete the mission effectively.
“The importance of the training is the Marines working and maneuvering together through a course of fire using basic fire team level skills,” said 1st Lt. David Szilezy, a platoon commander with the unit. “The type of skill they are working on today is something they will take with them throughout their time in the infantry.”
Scout Marines function as forward reconnaissance for LAVs, collecting information on an objective or engaging and eliminating targets within their capabilities. The Marines trained with a variety of weapons, such as the M203 grenade launcher and M67 Fragmentation grenade to increase the Marines’ versatility and options when engaging an enemy.

“We go through the building blocks of training and fire team attacks,” said Szilezy. “They have practiced high-explosive battle drills with grenade fuses and the M203 in conjunction with small-arms weaponry to better protect themselves and engage the enemy.”
Scout Marines within the unit conduct scout training multiple times throughout the year to continuously sharpen their skills and maintain their role as a force multiplier on the battlefield. .

“The Marine Corps is an expeditionary force in readiness,” said Szilezy. “This is ensuring that the new Marines get in here and train as a team with the scouts we already have, so they are ready whenever our nation needs us.”