11th MEU Marines take heat during crisis response training

Photo By Melissa Wenger | Marines with the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit’s ground combat element, 2nd Battalion, 1st Marines, employ nonlethal crowd control techniques during the Crisis Response Course, Special Operations Training Group, I Marine Expeditionary Force, here Feb. 19. The course simulated the reinforcement of a consulate in the Pacific region, a potential mission during the 11th MEU’s deployment later this summer.  

CAMP PENDLETON, CA, UNITED STATES

02.21.2014

Story by Sgt. Melissa Wenger 

11th Marine Expeditionary Unit   

CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. – Few can say they are prepared to be shoved, shouted at and pummeled with a barrage of objects sailing through the air. Marines with the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit’s ground combat element are prepared to take just that kind of heat.

The Marines of Fox Company, 2nd Battalion, 1st Marines completed the Crisis Response Course, Special Operations Training Group (SOTG), I Marine Expeditionary Force at Camp Pendleton, Calif., Feb 17 – 20.

According to Capt. Jason Blydell, assistant officer in charge, SOTG, the introductory course addressed possible security challenges in partner nations of the Pacific region.

“[These Marines] came out here to conduct the first ever Crisis Response Course run by this SOTG and basically, the scenario was to conduct a security reinforcement of a consulate,” he said. “Things got hostile at the consulate and Marines were called in to provide extra security and provide a safe haven for the state department members.”

At the same time, the Marines mitigated outside threats. These included large crowd protests, responding to weapon discharges and casualty handling.

Having a company of Marines well-versed in consulate reinforcement adds flexibility to the 11th MEU arsenal.

“The MEU is our nation’s force in readiness,” said Blydell. “[This is] the MEU’s way of identifying a company that is prepared in multiple different ways to be that crisis response force and be able to provide that quick relief and be able to provide the ability to respond to any situation that pops up.”

The 11th MEU, partnered with the Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group, is scheduled to deploy later this summer.

• Date Taken: 02.21.2014
• Date Posted: 02.21.2014 15:40
• Story ID: 120978
• Location: CAMP PENDLETON, CA, US
• Hometown: SAN DIEGO, CA, US