Crisis Response Marines conduct bilateral live-fire training in Spain

Photo By Robert L. Fisher III | Staff Sgt. Kyle Hennessey, the intelligence chief with Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response, helps Conner Zarbo, 4, shoot for prizes during a Christmas party aboard Moron Air Base, Spain, Dec. 13, 2013. Conner is the son of Air Force Maj. Scott Zarbo, the commander for 4th Expeditionary Air Mobility Squadron. SP-MAGTF CR is currently postured in Moron, Spain and is a self-mobile, self-sustaining force capable of responding to a range of crises to protect both U.S. and partner-nation security interests in the region, while also strengthening partnerships throughout the U.S. European Command and U.S. Africa Command area of responsibility.  

BASE ALVAREZ DE SOTOMAYOR, SPAIN

12.05.2013

Story by Staff Sgt. Robert L. Fisher III  

U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Europe and Africa     

BASE ALVAREZ DE SOTOMAYOR, Spain - Marines and sailors with Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response conducted fire and maneuver, live-fire bilateral training with Spanish Brigada De La Legion Rey Alfonso XIII at Base Alvarez de Sotomayor, Almeria, Spain, Dec. 2-5, 2013.

This exercise allowed the Marines an opportunity to refresh their skills on long range precision weapons and machine guns while continuing to build rapport with a foreign military partner by exchanging tactics, techniques and procedures (TTP).

“The Marines gained more respect for the foreign military and their capabilities,” said Capt. Thomas J. Byrne, a platoon commander with ground combat element, SP-MAGTF Crisis Response, and a Yorktown, Va., native.

This was the second bilateral training exercise between these two units.

“As we got into the training a second time they were really able to begin doing things together,” said Byrne. “The TTPs were already established so we were really able to get into the training.”

The four-day exercise began with 25 Marines inserting via MV-22B Ospreys then linking up with 25 Spanish soldiers at Base Alvarez.

The bilateral exercise included: machine gun and sniper firing ranges at known and unknown distances, and live-fire maneuver ranges. The Marines also conducted unilateral close quarters training in the mobile operations in urban terrain (MOUT) facility.

Each drill allowed the Marines and Spanish soldiers to build trust as they prepared for a fire and maneuver, live-fire assault in the culminating event. The final drills consisted of the two forces combining to engage targets while safely and effectively moving and firing live rounds.

“The last four drills were the best. I was able to see the Marines and the Spanish military all online, working together and moving together to assault an objective,” said Byrne.

When the Marines and Spanish soldiers parted ways at the close of the exercise, they vowed to maintain the bond established during the exercise. The Spanish unit’s lead sniper maintained contact with the Marines as they continued to share ideas to refine their shooting skills.

“It was definitely valuable sustainment training… We really enjoyed it and want to train together again,” said Byrne.

• Date Taken: 12.05.2013
• Date Posted: 12.17.2013 05:39
• Story ID: 118307
• Location: BASE ALVAREZ DE SOTOMAYOR, ES
• Hometown: YORKTOWN, VA, US