Marines with MWCS-18 from Okinawa hold warrior week

Photo By Cpl. Abigail Brown | Marines from MWCS-18 experience a simulated improvised explosive device, May 13, while practicing convoy operations.  

CENTRAL TRAINING AREA, OKINAWA, JAPAN

05.28.2010

Story by Cpl. Abigail Brown 

III Marine Expeditionary Force   

OKINAWA, Japan - More than 160 Marines and sailors from Marine Wing Communications Squadron 18, Marine Air Control Group 18, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force, familiarized themselves with their own job in a field environment during the squadron’s warrior week, May 7-14, in the Central Training Area.

The focus of the field exercise was for MWCS-18 Marines to practice their military occupational spcialties in the field and participate in Marine Corps common skills training, said Lt. Col. Allen Ford, commanding officer, MWCS-18.

“We have been doing work ups for this exercise since January,” he said. “We’ve done hands-on classes on weapons handling, first aid, convoy operations and leadership [training].”

The unit practiced operating independently in a field environment.

“We normally don’t have to move our gear or provide our own messing or billeting when we deploy,” Ford commented. This is the first time Ford knew of that the squadron had practiced all of those skills in a field environment on Okinawa.

During the training, 47 Marines received medical training and became combat life saver certified, 80 were certified in the humvee egress assistance trainer, 12 participated in a medical evacuation drill, 55 conducted convoy operations and 50 participated in a familiarization shoot of M249 squad automated weapons, Benelli M1014 shotguns and M240-B machine guns, Ford said.

“It was good to get more time handling weapons,” said Pfc. Scott McNeely, armorer, Headquarters and Service Company, MWCS-18. “I learned about my job and did more weapons maintenance then I normally do.”

Although operating in a field environment, the squadron also maintained all the capabilities it has in garrison, said Staff Sgt. Michael Kwiecinski, communications chief, Headquarters and Service Company, MWCS-18.

“Everything is pretty much the same except now we’re outside,” he said. “We’re equipped with Internet, phone and radio communication, and we’ve been running the squadron with the equipment we have here.”

Most of the vehicles, equipment and tents were borrowed from about five squadrons within MACG-18 and carried to the exercise sites in 12 convoys, Ford said.

“Despite a slow and challenging lead-up, we were able to set up ahead of schedule,” he added.

The Marines gained experience for their current Marine Corps jobs, but also gained experience for their futures.

“I want my Marines to walk away with confidence in weapons handling, the knowledge to save a fellow Marine’s life and the ability to conduct convoy operations,” Ford said. “I also want the squadron to feel an identity and realize they do serve a purpose in a field environment.”

“I really enjoyed being out here and being able to learn the field side of things like all the regulation differences from field and garrison,” McNeely said. “I also enjoyed being able to instruct Marines on things like weapons maintenance and corrective action.”

The week-long exercise wrapped up with a four mile motivational hike, Ford said.
“They are doing great,” McNeely added. “I haven’t heard anyone complain. The motivation is high, and some Marines are even asking when we can do this again.”

• Date Taken: 05.28.2010
• Date Posted: 06.30.2010 02:16
• Story ID: 52163
• Location: CENTRAL TRAINING AREA, OKINAWA, JP