Marines carry out command post exercise at MCTAB

Photo By Lance Cpl. Jacob Barber | Lance Cpl. Brandon Klawitter, a combat engineer with Combat Assault Company, 3rd Marine Regiment, and native of Tacoma, Wash., talks to his squad leader after a security patrol during a command post exercise at Marine Corps Training Area Bellows, Wednesday. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jacob D. Barber/Released)  

MARINE CORPS TRAINING AREA BELLOWS, HI, UNITED STATES

01.23.2013

Story by Lance Cpl. Jacob Barber 

Marine Corps Base Hawaii

MARINE CORPS TRAINING AREA BELLOWS, Hawaii — Marines with Combat Assault Company, 3rd Marine Regiment, took part in a command post exercise with Marines from Headquarters Company, 3rd Marines, Wednesday.

The Marines participated in the training by executing an amphibious landing on Bellows Beach Park, clearing out mock enemy forces, and assembling a combat operations center and several communication antennas throughout the operating base.

“This training is focused around the regiment’s ability to control and facilitate an area of operation,” said Gunnery Sgt. Chris Shaw, a platoon sergeant with Combat Assault Company, 3rd Marines, and native of Kansas City, Mo. “Our mission was to execute a smooth beach landing with our amphibious assault vehicles, rush to and secure our objective, and open up the area for follow-on forces.”

The beach landing was the start of the evolution, simulating an amphibious attack from a ship. Marines with CAC then performed reconnaissance on the entire area, quelled a simulated enemy attack and provided security as their vehicles safely assembled.

“During this combined exercise, our primary job is to drive the enemy from the area so the regiment can come in and take command,” said Lance Cpl. Jeremiah Moore, a combat engineer with CAC, 3rd Marines, and native of Lake View, Mich. “It’s a simple scenario but goes a long way in teaching Marines the importance of an amphibious assault and how vital communication is when working with other units.”

Along with completing the scenario, CAC Marines also executed basic night patrols, engineer reconnaissance and held classes on breaching, which were followed by practical application. They also trained at MCTAB’s military operations on urban terrain site, where AAV operators tested their urban mobility alongside a patrolling squad of Marines.

“This training is simple,” said Gunnery Sgt. James Guinn, the engineer platoon sergeant for CAC, 3rd Marines, and a native of Six-Mile, S.C. “However, it is important and one of the Marines here learned something today I bet he didn’t know yesterday. The scenario is one we could see at any time in any place. Whether you’re an operator, mechanic, communications Marine or an engineer, everyone has a role and they need to know it.”

According to Cpl. Manuel Toledo, a squad leader with the engineer platoon, and native of Oklahoma City, the training was a great way to become familiarized with basic patrols while also improving small unit leadership.

“We have a lot of new Marines who haven’t had an opportunity to fill a leadership role,” Toledo said. “I’m a new squad leader and being out here with my Marines and executing security patrols has helped me get adjusted to the role. I know a lot of other Marines feel the same way, even if they’re not squad leaders. This training may seem redundant, but the moment we stop doing this may be the moment we need to storm a beach, clear out an enemy and set up a combat operations center. You can never be too prepared.”

• Date Taken: 01.23.2013
• Date Posted: 01.25.2013 17:57
• Story ID: 101060
• Location: MARINE CORPS TRAINING AREA BELLOWS, HI, US