1/2 holds battalion-level field exercise

Photo By Cpl. Scott Whiting | Lance Cpl. William Long, an infantryman with 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, provides security for his squad during military operations in urban terrain training aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune Oct. 7, 2013. First Battalion, 2nd Marines held a battalion-level field exercise Sept. 28 – Oct. 9, marking the first battalion-size training event since December 2012.  

CAMP LEJEUNE, NC, UNITED STATES

10.10.2013

Story by Lance Cpl. Scott Whiting 

II Marine Expeditionary Force   

CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. - Nothing prepares Marines for deployment like being in the field. Sleeping under the stars, eating MREs and always carrying a rifle gives Marines a realistic expectation of life overseas. Going to the field may not be the most enjoyable experience, but it teaches Marines how to survive in difficult conditions.

First Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division conducted a battalion level field exercise Sept. 28 – Oct. 9, 2013. This was the first battalion level exercise for 1st Battalion, 2nd Marines since deploying with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit in December 2012.

“The focus of the exercise was to train and evaluate our small unit leaders on the core mission essential tasks of offense, defense and military operations in urban terrain,” said 1st Lt. Matthew Anater, the adjutant for 1st Bn., 2nd Marines. “We also looked to execute command and control at the battalion level, and in doing so, develop a battle rhythm that will replicate what we believe the battalion will utilize during deployment.”

The MOUT scenario provides a plethora of buildings and small villages for training. Marines must stay on their toes and work together while patrolling around the unfamiliar towns.

“We did a lot of security patrols around the different MOUT (towns),” said Lance Cpl. William Long, an infantryman with 1st Bn., 2nd Marines. “It helps us prepare for real situations when we deploy.”

By the end of the field exercise, the battalion was more confident in their small unit leadership’s ability to make the correct calls under pressure.

“The cold weather and rain allowed us to evaluate the physical and mental toughness of our Marines,” Anater said. “If it ain’t raining, we ain’t training.”

• Date Taken: 10.10.2013
• Date Posted: 10.10.2013 11:49
• Story ID: 115015
• Location: CAMP LEJEUNE, NC, US