Photo By Cpl. Anthony Ward Jr | Marines with 7th Communication Battalion, III Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters...... read more read more
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CENTRAL TRAINING AREA, OKINAWA, Japan — More than 230 Marines from 7th Communication Battalion deployed to Landing Zone Dodo here to conduct a field training exercise June 6.
The battalion, attached to III Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group, III MEF, is conducting FTX 1-11 to test and enhance the military occupational skills of the Marines within the battalion.
“The objective of the FTX (was) two-fold: to test our operational capability, while increasing our Marines’ occupational expertise,” said Lt. Col. Carlos Urbina, 7th Comm. Bn., commanding officer.
This exercise enhanced all of the battalion’s Marines, from the communicators down to the maintenance and support Marines, added Urbina.
The Marines learned a lot of new things, said Sgt. Maj. John Calhoun, the battalion sergeant major. Not just the newer Marines to the unit, but the experienced Marines gained knowledge as well.
The battalion’s first FTX of the year combined two different types of exercises.
Simultaneously, the battalion conducted a III MEF Headquarters Group-directed strategic-mobility exercise, as well as an FTX, said Urbina.
A SME, also known as displacements and jumps, involves moving a unit to a forward location by completely tearing down equipment and setting back up at a new site, said Urbina.
“What you (saw) in LZ Dodo is how we would support a MEF-level operation,” added Urbina.
Marines began setup of the FTX site June 9 in what Urbina calls “glorious, amphibious Marine Corps weather.”
Putting more than 230 Marines in the field is no easy feat, and to do it in 36 hours demonstrates the battalion’s proficiency, said Urbina.
The FTX was an 11-day evolution that was conducted throughout the CTA.
In a deployed environment, Marines must be able to adapt to changing battlefield demands. This exercise allowed Marines to gain confidence in this type of scenario, according to Urbina.
The pressure resulting from Marines depending on each other and having to troubleshoot situations adds to the skill set of these Marines, added Calhoun.
“Out here you deal with the equipment in real situations … you’re under pressure,” said Pfc. Brittany McKenzie, a radio operator with the battalion.
Other Marine Corps-related training was included in the FTX.
“In addition to individual MOS training, we’re also working on combat skills,” said Urbina. “Every Marine a rifleman, so we are pushing out security patrols at night. They’re strapping on a rifle, pulling down the (night vision goggles) and going out on patrols.”
Corpsmen conducted a combat-lifesaver class with the Marines as well, to equip the Marines with the knowledge to potentially save a life if put in that situation, added Urbina.
Another facet of the training is adjusting to life in the field.
“I think the Marines learned a lot about basic field living, actually being out in the dirt and mud,” said Calhoun. “Nothing bonds Marines like being out in the field.
“They’re loving it, they’re staying motivated,” Calhoun added about the Marines’ attitude toward the training.
“I enjoy it,” said McKenzie. “Everything you learn gets tested.”
| Date Taken: | 06.06.2011 |
| Date Posted: | 06.16.2011 19:36 |
| Story ID: | 72220 |
| Location: | CENTRAL TRAINING AREA, OKINAWA, JP |
| Web Views: | 288 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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