MWSS-271 Marines, Sailors train on EOD range

Photo By Sgt. Grace L. Waladkewics | Marines and Sailors with Marine Wing Support Squadron 271 take cover behind a blast blanket during annual demolition training at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point's Explosive Ordnance Disposal range Dec. 3. The squadron conducted annual and urban training which involved breaching and using becoming familiar with several explosives.  

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, NC, UNITED STATES

12.03.2013

Story by Pfc. Grace L. Waladkewics 

II Marine Expeditionary Force   

CHERRY POINT, N.C. - More than 30 Marines and Sailors with Marine Wing Support Squadron 271 completed a demolition shoot at the Explosive Ordnance Disposal range aboard Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point as part of their annual Mission Essential Task List training Dec. 3.

The Marines and Sailors of MWSS-271 learned urban breaching using model doors, obstacle removal, ditching and tree-cutting techniques.

“As with any training, demolitions are a perishable skill,” said 2nd Lt. Aaron A. Hayden, combat engineer platoon commander with MWSS-271. “So in order to make sure our Marines are prepared for war, it’s best to train to a high standard to ensure the Marines know what to do and not just run through the motions.”

The squadron detonated more than 20 explosive devices, incorporating several breaching methods. Using C-4 explosives and items commonly found in an urban warfare environment such as cardboard and glass bottles, the Marines built on their improvisational breaching skills.

“This annual training ensures the standard is set high and that we will be more prepared and ready whenever needed,” said Hayden.

Practicing in teams of six to eight, the Marines worked to approach obstacles, set charges and provide security before detonation. Each team protects against shrapnel from the charges with a blast blanket.

“Learning not just the annual training, but the urban training as well is very important,” said Sgt. Jacob B. Primrose, tool room non-commissioned officer with MWSS-271. “The annual training is a basic refresher on expedient demolitions, but the urban training is where the Marines learn to breach houses and break down doors which can help save lives in a real-life situation.”

The Marines use this and similar training to expand demolitions knowledge across MWSS-271. Demolition training gives Marines an idea of what to expect if called to support combat operations.

“Being proficient in breaching is required as a combat engineer,” said Primrose. “Not only is this training combat essential and helps with mission readiness, but I believe everyone should get a chance to do something different like coming to the range and blowing stuff up.”

• Date Taken: 12.03.2013
• Date Posted: 12.05.2013 10:36
• Story ID: 117761
• Location: MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, NC, US