Photo By Jack Adamyk | Marines of Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow train on pistols prior to a...... read more read more
In order to ensure the safety of the base and local community during the Coronavirus, COVID-19, pandemic, Marines partake in Special Augmentation Force training aboard Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow, Calif.
The training is not an uncommon sight on Marine Corps bases, at any time, as it allows for more flexibility in law enforcement staffing. The specialized training allows Marines to support law enforcement endeavors and increases their response capabilities.
“Taking on new tasks is something Marines have been doing for decades,” said Capt. Mark Machado, chief of police with the Marine Corps Police Department on base. “Adaptation to an ever changing environment is what has always set Marines apart from other branches of military services. When the installation commander asked for volunteers to augment the police officers, it was no surprise to me that we had 12 Marines on a roster and ready to execute the SAF training the very next day. I am also honored that the instruction these Marines received, came from professionals within our very own police department.”
The training includes classroom time covering law enforcement topics such as community base policing, taking reports and how to respond to incidents. It also includes hands on training in conducting vehicle stops and searches, specialized firearms training, and the oleoresin capsicum (pepper) spray gauntlets.
During the firearms portion of the training, law enforcement trainers teach the Marines to hone their skills with handguns, and engage them in timed target shooting. This training allows the Marines to be able to carry the law enforcement hand guns as they would if they were a sworn police officer. In order to carry OC spray, they must experience being sprayed themselves, then work their way through a series of simulated fights, ensuring that they execute blocks, hits and arresting a role-playing suspect properly, fighting through the pain, tears, snot and drool caused by the pepper spray. Afterwards they’re hosed down, while they wash their faces with baby no-tear shampoo or dish soap then monitored through recovery by other Marines and police officers, with medical personnel on standby. They are also given special instructions on how to proceed later through laundering their clothing, showering, and maintaining proper nutrition and hydration after the brutal training regimen.
| Date Taken: | 04.09.2020 |
| Date Posted: | 04.20.2020 16:51 |
| Story ID: | 367868 |
| Location: | MARINE CORPS LOGISTICS BASE BARSTOW, CALIFORNIA, US |
| Web Views: | 70 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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