Photo By Sgt. Heather Brewer | Marines with Special Operations Training Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force, and...... read more read more
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Marines and sailors with Special Operations Training Group and Military Police Support Company, III Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group, III MEF, along with nearly 150 personnel from the Thai military and police forces and delegates from nearly 30 countries around the world gathered to observe a demonstration at the Non-Lethal Weapons Executive Seminar 2011 in Chonburi, Thailand, June 8.
NOLES ‘11, which took place from May 30 to June 10, is U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific’s premiere multilateral theater security cooperation event for non-lethal weapons and is designed to promote awareness of non-lethal weapons use to maintain order in low-intensity scenarios. Due to the significant variance of non-lethal weapons’ capabilities from country to country, the seminar seeks to improve interoperability between partner nations.
Over the course of NOLES ‘11, instructors from SOTG and MP Support Company have given classes and practical application sessions covering topics including communications skills, crowd-control dynamics, pressure-point control techniques, mechanical-advantage control holds, baton techniques, non-lethal munitions, the human electro-muscular incapacitation device, also known as an X-26 Taser, and oleoresin capsicum spray, more commonly called OC spray.
“I would like to thank the government and military of Thailand for the opportunity to participate in this very effective training session,” said Maj. Gen. Mark A. Brilakis, commanding general of 3rd Marine Division, III MEF. “The spirit and enthusiasm was evident and is indicative of the superior training that has taken place over the past two weeks.”
In addition to strengthening military-to-military ties with a partner nation, NOLES ‘11 presented U.S. Marines an opportunity to exchange ideas and knowledge with Thai counterparts.
“We have gained a lot of knowledge to take back to our units and share with them,” said Royal Thai Army Lt. Thaweesub Phuttiwanich. “The U.S. Marines will also be able to take what they have learned from interacting with us and use it in the future when they work with other nations.”
Scenarios were acted out during the demonstration depicting the use of riot-control techniques, vehicle checkpoints, batons, OC spray and non-lethal munitions.
“The demonstration was an outstanding example of what was taught and learned,” said Lt. Col. Rafford Coleman, the assistant officer-in-charge of SOTG. “It’s a testament of the overall effectiveness of this type of training for use in real-world situations.”
Despite the heat and discomfort from some of the training events, both the Thai service members and U.S. Marines made positive impressions on one another.
“The training was very beneficial for us,” said Royal Thai Army Sgt. Eakpol Srisomkiew. “We worked very well with the Marines and cemented the friendship between our nations.”
The success of the exercise was due in part to the quick bonding that took place between the U.S. Marines and Thai service members.
“The Marines bonded with the Thai people in a way that clearly displayed their enthusiasm for what they do,” said Coleman. “They represented III MEF, the U.S. Naval Service and our nation in a fashion that was honorable and commendable.”
| Date Taken: | 06.08.2011 |
| Date Posted: | 06.16.2011 18:59 |
| Story ID: | 72216 |
| Location: | CHON BURI, TH |
| Web Views: | 62 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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