Photo By Sgt. Whitney N. Frasier | Marine from the Landing Support Company, Combat Logistics Regiment 17, 1st Marine...... read more read more
Subscribe
Most people think of the beach as a relaxing retreat away from all uncertainties. But when Landing Support Company goes to the beach, it's certainly no vacation. Instead, it's a week of training in preparation to their future deployment to Afghanistan.
LS Marines tackled three days of hard training off of the pacific coast at Red Beach, April 13. The training included events intended to improve the capabilities of the unit as a whole.
Training was structured in threes: three days, three platoons, three segments. Each day, a platoon rotated to a different station to practice a different segment.
The combat marksmanship program aims to enhance small-arms accuracy while pivoting from left to right and moving forward. The range is required for all deploying units and provides practical techniques for every Marine regardless of experience.
"I like being out in the field and at ranges," said Lance Cpl. Christopher D. Stoner, parachute rigger, 3rd Platoon, LS Company, Combat Logistics Regiment 17, 1st Marine Logistics Group. "Anytime I have a chance to fire rounds, I enjoy it," said Stoner, 19, Joplin, Mass.
Cross training was another significant portion of the field exercise.
"Learning the process of [a helicopter support team] is beneficial to my career," said Sgt. Crystal M. Salinas, air delivery specialist, Air Delivery Platoon, LS Company. "If they need someone to perform this type of mission, I don't want to be insufficient," said Salinas, 23, Lamarque, Texas.
One of the LS Company's duties is to provide Helicopter Support Teams. The main purpose of an HST is to facilitate the insertion of equipment or supplies to areas not accessible by vehicle. Each platoon had the opportunity to run through the drill repeatedly in teams of 13 or less during day and night.
An HST can also support credible operations to include the rapid movement of a howitzer and its section members in a combat zone. Just as importantly, the team can perform a TRAP mission, the tactical recovery of aircraft and personnel.
"I had the opportunity to be on a mission where a Crash Fire Rescue UH1 crashed, and our team was able to recover it from a 100 foot cannon," said Sgt. Ryan J. Martin, 23, Redding, Calif., operations chief, Headquarters Platoon, LS Company.
Although the need for these teams has been minimal, the rehearsals are crucial to maintain skill and pace. Due to the predominantly flat terrain in Iraq, the need for an HST is infrequent, but the mountains in Afghanistan may increase the demand.
Although a technical engineering assistance team is not new to the Marine Corps, it was new training to most of the Marines at the field operation. In earlier years, logistics support specialists used a record book to log in all gear and personnel. Now a civilian contractor has created a system of record for the logistics community that generates a speedy digital manifest.
"The system is great," said Cpl. Alishia M. Novey, an air delivery specialist with Air Delivery Platoon, LS Company. "It's much better than a pen and paper." Novey, 23, hails from Glastonbury, Conn,
The unit process of tracking equipment from arrival and departure is complex and time consuming. They now use scanners to track all moving parts from Marines to seven ton trucks. Once the gear is scanned they use the scanner to transfer the data in a personnel and vehicle report. These new and improved reports tell them everything they need to know about the specific item and updates made at all times.
The Marines utilize this new system and equipment to perfect their role in supporting the ground combat element.
"We are the link between garrison and theater," said 1st Lt. Maro D. Enoka, 31, Boulder, Colo., company executive officer. "LS Company provides the accountability the Marine Corps needs ... this operation has been a great experience for us."
This training was the first field exercise for LS Company since the 1st Marine Logistics Group returned from their year-long deployment to Iraq. The field exercise reinforced the internal training standards and increased job proficiency. FX 01-09 is just another stepping stone of future operations and deployments for LS Company and they look forward to their next trip to the beach.
| Date Taken: | 04.16.2009 |
| Date Posted: | 04.21.2009 15:17 |
| Story ID: | 32675 |
| Location: | US |
| Web Views: | 256 |
| Downloads: | 205 |
This work, Landing Support Company Enhances Combat Readiness at Red Beach, by Sgt Whitney N. Frasier, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
No keywords found.
