Camp Leatherneck Marines complete Bahraini baton training

Photo By Master Sgt. Brian Jones | Gunnery Sgt. Jeff Vandentop, I Marine Headquarters Group, prepares to perform a baton strike during a training session on Camp Leatherneck with the Bahraini Special Security Forces Jan. 20.  

CAMP LEATHERNECK, AFGHANISTAN

01.21.2011

Story by Master Sgt. Brian Jones 

Regional Command Southwest

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan – Six Marines here completed a five-day baton course taught by members of Bahraini Special Security Forces Company 3, Jan. 20.

SSFC 3 provides base security on Camp Leatherneck and works hand-in-hand with the Marines. This relationship prompted the opportunity for this training.

“We love to teach them,” said Sgt. Maj. Mohammed Abdullah Murtaza, SSFC 3 baton training instructor. “We learn from the Marines, so [in return] we want to teach them.”

For the Marines, the training in basic baton strikes and locks, offered the chance to learn new skills.

‘We’re always looking for unique types of training,” said Gunnery Sgt. Jeff Vandentop, I Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group and training participant. “It’s always good to interact with members of a foreign military, and we learned great baton techniques.”

Murtaza was impressed with the Marines effort and how quickly they were able to pick up the skills.

“The Marines were very good,” he said. “They did really well for only one week.”

Aside from the opportunity to pass on the Bahraini Special Security Forces baton methods, the sergeant major feels the training was much more valuable on a personal level.

“It builds good friendships,” he said.

• Date Taken: 01.21.2011
• Date Posted: 01.21.2011 06:26
• Story ID: 63913
• Location: CAMP LEATHERNECK, AF