Photo By Staff Sgt. Alfred V. Lopez | Cpl. Daniel Pizzaro and Cpl. Chris Lopez, motor transportation operators with Charlie...... read more read more
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MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. – Marines from various 1st Marine Division units began training for their Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicle, MRAP All-Terrain vehicle and Mine Roller System licenses at the Division Licensing compound, Feb. 25-26.
The training is designed to familiarize Marines with the basic attributes and operation of the MRAP, M-ATV and Mine Roller system. The MRAP is the Marine Corps’ current troop-carrying vehicle that provides mine protection and heavy bulletproofing, while maintaining highway and off-road maneuverability. M-ATV’s are engineered from the Medium Tactical Vehicle Replacement platform, designed to minimize operator and maintenance training, and also offer off-road capabilities. Mine rollers are the Marine Corps’ latest addition to its repertoire of technology made to counter improvised explosive devices.
“Trainees learn the fundamental functions of the vehicles first,” said Cpl. Adrian Alcorta, an assistant instructor team leader with division licensing. “It’s very important for them to learn the dimensions, capacities and the limits of the vehicle.”
Marines are required to drive 251 miles of day, night, off-base, off-road, towed load and blackout driving in order to receive their licenses, Alcorta said.
Trainees began the 13-day licensing program with classroom instruction, which helped familiarize them with the basic statistics of each vehicle, such as dimensions, towing capability and safety precautions. Marines then received hands-on training on the vehicles’ different functions and vehicle maintenance.
“The hardest part of the course is the driving,” said Alcorta from San Antonio. “Knowing the dimensions is easy, but if you can’t drive it, then that knowledge is useless.”
The second day of training began with the Marines being split in two groups: one group driving MRAPs, and one group using the Operator Driver Simulator. The ODS, which resembles a video game, is used to log about 50 miles of the training, but cannot be used as a substitute to driving the real vehicle.
“The ODS is a very helpful tool for inexperienced drivers to familiarize themselves with driving scenarios, before actually getting on the road,” said Cpl. Chris Lopez, a motor transportation operator with Charlie Company, 3rd Assault Amphibian Battalion.
What seems like endless days of driving still lie ahead for these Marines, but with each mile they pass, they become more familiar with the operation of the respective vehicles. Instructors will continue to evaluate the driver’s turning, braking and parking skills, and most importantly, their confidence on the road.
“It’s a lot of training on basic techniques,” said Lance Cpl. Alex Rosado, an amphibious assault vehicle crewman with Charlie Company, 3rd AABn. “These trucks are only as good as the drivers behind the wheel. The best thing about this course is the patience the instructors have and the legitimate criticisms they offer us.”
Most of the Marines currently involved in the course are undergoing the training in preparation for deployments with a Marine expeditionary unit or to Afghanistan.
| Date Taken: | 02.28.2011 |
| Date Posted: | 03.08.2011 11:46 |
| Story ID: | 66682 |
| Location: | CAMP PENDLETON, CALIFORNIA, US |
| Web Views: | 516 |
| Downloads: | 2 |
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