Convoy Security Element Tactical Training

Photo By Petty Officer 1st Class Charles Panter | Utilitiesman 2nd Class Rodrigo Diaz, of Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 4, yells instructions to dismounted troops during a convoy security element field exercise held at Fort Liggett, Calif. NMCB 4 is finishing up its homeport training schedule in preparation of its field training exercise in April of this year. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Charles Panter/Released)  

FORT LIGGETT, CA, UNITED STATES

03.03.2014

Courtesy Story

Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 4

By Ensign John Michael Nurthen

FORT LIGGETT, Calif. - Starting on Feb. 3, Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 4’s Convoy Security Element embarked on a three phase training pipeline that started in the cozy classrooms of Naval Base Ventura County Port Hueneme, Calif. continued on to “Combat Town” at NBVC Point Mugu, and ultimately culminated in a field training exercise the first week of March in the muddy fields of Fort Hunter Liggett, Calif.

The definitive purpose of this training was to introduce, learn, and apply the techniques, tactics, and procedures necessary to execute as a successful and efficient CSE in order to increase NMCB FOUR’s warfighting capabilities and prepare them for contingency convoy operations in a combat environment.

During the first phase of the training, the 53-man CSE was introduced to topics such as the employment of the M9 service pistol and the M4 service rifle. Moving from the classroom to the small arms shooting range they were able to practically apply techniques such as transitioning from one weapon to another, shooting on the move and in close quarters, and the expedient re-loading of each weapon on the move.

The second phase of training took place at two separate locations on NBVC Point Mugu. The first location was known as the Combat Convoy Simulator. CSE planned and executed missions in a life-like virtual environment shown on eight separate movie screens covering 360 degrees. Following a week in the CCS they moved to the Home Station Training Lanes more commonly known as “Combat Town,” and were pushed to their physical limits while instructed on the tactics, techniques, and procedures necessary to operate in a hostile urban environment.

Following urban skills training, the CSE deployed 224 miles north to Fort Hunter Liggett for the third and final phase of their in-depth training. They were able to bring together all of the skills they had been diligently working on all homeport.

Tired and exhausted from five intense days of training, CSE returned home March 5. They returned in a different form than they were just one month prior. As a team a tight, close-knit bond made up of technical experts, fearless leaders, and unwaveringly devoted Seabees.

• Date Taken: 03.03.2014
• Date Posted: 03.24.2014 19:46
• Story ID: 122476
• Location: FORT LIGGETT, CA, US