Photo By Cpl. Jessica Mazzamuto | U.S. Marines with Combat Logistics Battalion 2, Combat Logistics Regiment 2, 2nd...... read more read more
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Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California - U.S. Marines and Sailors with Combat Logistics Battalion 2, Combat Logistics Regiment 2, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, participated in Integrated Training Exercise 5-24 from July 17 – August 24, 2024.
ITX 5-24 is a two-week exercise within Service Level Training Exercise 5-24. It is designed to prepare the elements of a Marine Air Ground Task Force, which includes ground combat, logistics, and aviation forces, to focus on essential tasks for unit deployment, creating a challenging and realistic training environment that produces combat-ready forces capable of operating as an integrated MAGTF.
Prior to deploying to ITX, CLB 2 worked with units from across 2nd Marine Logistics Group to task-organize the battalion and ensured all required capabilities were available during the exercise. CLB 2 was resourced with Explosive Ordnance Disposal, engineer, air delivery, food service, and Role II medical capabilities.
During exercise execution, Marines and Sailors from CLB 2 executed live-fire convoys, Explosive Ordnance Disposal ranges, helicopter support teams, air deliveries, and planning. Their work resulted not only in their own training, but also responsive support for 2nd Marine Division, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, and 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing.
These training events also played a significant role in personal development of the individual Marines and Sailors.
U.S. Marine Corps Master Sgt. Dalton Clarke, operations chief, CLB 2, emphasized this by saying, “It takes a lot of people out of their comfort zone, and it puts them into a position where they're able to grow and learn.”
U.S. Marine Corps Pfc. Joel Garcia, a field radio operator with CLB-2, experienced firsthand the impact ITX had on individual growth, unit cohesion, and building relationships with other units. Garcia’s role during ITX was to facilitate communications throughout the exercise. This included providing support in the Combat Operations Center and ensuring Marines had proper communications throughout their training.
Reflecting on his experience, Garcia said, “Being out here in the field for just these two weeks, I am ten times the radio operator I was before.”
Garcia proactively addressed potential communication problems, came up with quick solutions, and emphasized the importance of staying calm under pressure.
When speaking of the importance of ITX, Clarke said, “Not a lot of units have the opportunity to come out here, and I think that this is one of the best places that the Marine Corps has to offer for this type of training.”
The integrated exercise enabled MAGTF elements to build relationships and understand each other’s capabilities, enhancing their ability to work cohesively as a team.
“We really had to overcome the lack of familiarity with the other units that we're supporting,” Clarke continued, “This provided us an opportunity to get to know those adjacent units and start working together with them and figuring out the best ways to support their training.”
According to Lt. Col. Daniel Walker, commanding officer, CLB 2, this exercise served its purpose well.
Walker stated, “The exercise is a great reminder that every action that we take must be squarely focused on warfighting readiness. Over the past six weeks, our Marines’ and Sailors’ proficiency has improved dramatically, as has our integration with 2nd Marine Regiment and our individual resiliency in operating in very challenging high-desert conditions.”
Following exercise completion, CLB 2 will remain in in Twentynine Palms for additional time to conduct after-action reviews, embark all equipment, and begin redeployment to Camp Lejeune, NC.
| Date Taken: | 08.22.2024 |
| Date Posted: | 08.23.2024 09:51 |
| Story ID: | 479218 |
| Location: | CAMP LEJEUNE, NORTH CAROLINA, US |
| Web Views: | 85 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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