Special Operations Training Group prepares 2/1 Marines for MEU

Photo By Cpl. Joshua Murray | Marines with 2nd Battalion, 1st Marines rush across a street to establish security aboard Camp Pendleton, Calif., Jan. 7. The Marines participated in Special Operations Training Group’s exercises to increase combat effectiveness before a deployment.  

CAMP PENDLETON, CA, UNITED STATES

01.07.2014

Story by Lance Cpl. Joshua Murray 

I Marine Expeditionary Force

CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. – Special Operations Training Group hosted assault, support, and security training for Marines with 2nd Battalion, 1st Marines aboard Camp Pendleton, Calif., Jan. 7.

SOTG organized the training to expand and refine skills necessary before 2/1’s deployment as a Marine Expeditionary Unit.

Master Sgt. Ryan Nuvill, the SOTG operations chief, designs the training to perfect how units conduct raids, call for supporting fire, and establish security against the enemy in the event of a counter attack.

“We give the Marines this training to prepare them for an attack or raid before it actually happens,” Nuvill said. “ We teach them the techniques so they can go back to their units with confidence, and hopefully bring the training back to their junior Marines.”

Cpl. Daniel Kitchens, a Marine with 2/1 says the military operations on urbanized terrain have been going well.

“We are conducting movements through a mount town, practicing with flash bangs, and learning different ways to breach doors,” Kitchens said. “All of the events have been running smoothly and I think the Marines are learning a lot.”

Throughout the week, the Marines will also be conducting exercises in other areas of training.

“Over the next few days, the Marines will call in air support and conduct round robin training,” Nuvill said. “Ultimately, we will put everything together in a final raid to test all of the skills they have learned.”

Kitchens says training events like this help the Marine Corps improve combat efficiency.

“The exercises boost Marines confidence and gives them the skills they need to conduct raids and set up security,” Kitchens said. “ The Marine Corps is very progressive and these training events make our units prepared for anything they have to do.”

• Date Taken: 01.07.2014
• Date Posted: 01.10.2014 12:02
• Story ID: 119019
• Location: CAMP PENDLETON, CA, US