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MWSS-371 Behind The Scenes

Photo By Cpl. Gabrielle Sanders | U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl Edgar Barragan, a heavy equipment operator, with Marine...... read more read more

YUMA, ARIZONA, UNITED STATES

10.22.2020

Courtesy Story

Marine Corps Air Station Yuma

Weapons and Tactics Instructor (WTI) course is a seven-week training event hosted by Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One (MAWTS-1), a unit on Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Yuma. WTI emphasizes the operational integration of the six functions of Marine Corps aviation in support of a Marine Air Ground Task Force. Although MAWTS-1 provides tactical training and certification, there is another unit working tirelessly behind the scenes.
Marine Wing Support Squadron (MWSS) 371, on MCAS Yuma, performs all the standard duties of a wing support squadron, by providing motor transportation, combat engineering, and expeditionary airfield services. During WTI, MWSS-371 also provides vehicle and personnel support to help augment the units that come and execute the curriculum for WTI.
“Aviation ground support (AGS) is covered by the unit tasked to provide support for the pilots and aircraft executing the training for WTI,” said Capt. Dustin Kruger, an operations officer with MWSS-371. “We help facilitate any of the short falls or gaps, in both support and personnel.”
MCAS Yuma provides a vast amount of ranges and desert training grounds which are utilized during WTI. The ranges and desert training grounds are ideal for Marines stationed throughout the world to train and prepare for combat, while increasing their proficiency across the full spectrum of military operations. MCAS Yuma is home to the vast desert landscapes, which can be dangerous if not prepared for accurately.
“Our Marines are familiar with a lot of the training areas out here and Yuma, Arizona is like its own microcosm desert environment,” said Kruger. “The U.S. Army Proving Grounds is a test facility for the most extreme desert environments. Being stationed in Yuma, I would say our Marines are fully acclimated and we’re able to provide year round support with little impact to personnel.”
WTI allows MWSS-371 to receive real hands-on training that many units do not have ready access to.
“WTI gives us an opportunity to work hand-in-hand with MAWTS-1,” said Kruger. “Having that direct line of communication allows us to be out on the forefront of the future of Aviation Ground Support for the Marine Corps.”