Photo By Lance Cpl. Bryan Giraldo | U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Joseph Wietecha, from Florida and an infantry rifleman with 2nd...... read more read more
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In his 39th Commandant’s Planning Guidance, Commandant of the Marine Corps General Eric M. Smith states that “like all Marines who came before us, we are all, first and foremost, riflemen. That fact will never change.” Last week U.S. Marines with Marine Wing Headquarters Squadron (MWHS) 2, Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 269, and HMLA-167, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW), lived those words by participating in small-unit training and live-fire ranges to support the Marine Corps’ Infantry Small Unit Leader’s Course (ISULC) at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina on Oct. 21 and Oct. 22.
“The end state for ISULC is to develop the leadership, decision-making capability and proficiency of infantry Corporals and Sergeants,” said Gunnery Sgt. Robert A. Davis, staff non-commissioned officer in charge, ISULC. “The supporting unit provides a real training audience and allows every ISULC student to participate as the trainer rather than trainee.”
Marines from MWHS-2, HMLA-269 and HMLA-167 supported ISULC to reinforce basic infantry skills for junior Marines and noncommissioned officers (NCOs) and provide ISULC students with experience in leading Marines in non-infantry military occupational specialties (MOSs). ISULC, a course led by instructors at the Advanced Infantry Training Battalion, School of Infantry (SOI)-East, provides Marine Corps infantry NCOs with the knowledge and skills necessary to train and lead small units in combat.
Through the course, ISULC students are tested on their ability to lead their peers in complex scenarios. During the 2nd MAW Marines’ two-day participation as the supporting unit, ISULC students were also evaluated in their ability to lead Marines from 2nd MAW and evaluated on their ability to lead training events such as fireteam-sized attacks and basic weapons employment. This opportunity gave the ISULC students valuable experience in teaching and leading Marines from MOSs that do not regularly conduct training on infantry skills, in the event that they would be required to do so.
Every enlisted Marine begins their service with Recruit Training at one of the Marine Corps’ two Recruit Depots, followed by an initial period of instruction at the one of the two Marine Corps’ SOIs. Together, these schools instill a foundation of institutional values and basic combat skills in every junior Marine. Following their initial period of training at SOI, Marines in non-infantry MOSs are sent elsewhere to complete follow on training in their MOS, while infantry Marines stay on for additional instruction at SOI before entering the fleet as infantry Marines. Following their initial training at SOI, Marines in aviation-related occupational fields often have limited opportunities to practice infantry-based skills; this made the opportunity to participate in ISULC a valuable one for 2nd MAW Marines.
“Infantry tactic training for MWHS-2, or any 2nd MAW Marine, builds competencies, proficiencies, battle drills, and comfort with tactics to defeat enemy combatants on the ground,” said Sgt. Maj. Alexander J. Bruffy, command senior enlisted leader, MWHS-2. “Marines of every MOS may find themselves in small arms conflict. This has been proven many times, including in September 2012 when Camp Bastion, Afghanistan, was attacked by terrorists, only to be countered and defeated by air wing Marines on the flight line.”
Upon arrival on Oct. 21, 2nd MAW Marines received instruction on and familiarized themselves with the weapon systems that they used during their two-day participation, such as the M3A1 Multi-Role Anti-Armor Anti-Personnel Weapon System, the M320 grenade launcher, and the M27 Infantry Automatic Rifle. Later that evening, 2nd MAW Marines received refamiliarization training on basic infantry tactics, techniques, and procedures, including fire and movement and tactical planning.
The following day, ISULC students led training for the “zeroing,” or accuracy check, on their issued service rifles. The students then led training for basic buddy-pair fire and movement and developed a course of fire to improve marksmanship among 2nd MAW Marines. Following this training, ISULC students briefed and executed their plans for the day and night fireteam attacks, providing hands-on command and control of the 2nd MAW Marines conducting the live-fire training.
For the 2nd MAW Marines that participated in the two-day event, it presented them an opportunity to learn infantry skills, develop as leaders, and build relationships with NCOs in 2nd Marine Division. Training opportunities such as supporting ISULC allow Marines from 2nd MAW to reinforce and practice brilliance in the basics, building upon basic infantry and leadership skills, and, ultimately, to execute the Commandant's intent.
| Date Taken: | 10.29.2024 |
| Date Posted: | 10.30.2024 12:48 |
| Story ID: | 484131 |
| Location: | CAMP LEJEUNE, NORTH CAROLINA, US |
| Web Views: | 128 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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