Marines conduct CBRN training during ARTP 11-1

Photo By Sgt. Michael O'Donnell | Staff Sgt. Joshua B. Barber, an artillery section chief with Kilo Battery, 3rd Battalion, 12th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, wears Mission Oriented Protective Posture gear while directing his Marines as they prepare to fire a M777A2 howitzer during chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear training during Artillery Relocation Training Program 11-1 at the East Fuji Maneuver Area at Camp Fuji, Japan, June 25. The purpose of the CBRN training was to sustain Marines’ proficiency in conducting live-fire artillery operations while protecting themselves against the threat of CBRN contamination. (Photo by Pfc. Michael C. O’Donnell)  

CAMP GONSALVES, OKINAWA, JAPAN

07.01.2011

Story by Pfc. Daniel Valle 

III Marine Expeditionary Force   

CAMP GONSALVES, Japan - Marines with 3rd Battalion, 12th Marine Regiment, conducted chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear training at the East Fuji Maneuver Area here June 25 during a simulated radiological hazard scenario.

The battalion, part of 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, conducted the training to familiarize Marines with how to conduct live-fire, artillery operations while dealing with a CBRN threat.

The training was a priority for Lt. Col. Ricardo Miagany, the battalion commander, because it incorporated lessons Marines learned firsthand during Operation Tomodachi, the U.S. disaster-relief effort following the earthquake and tsunami that struck Japan March 11.

“I wanted to challenge the Marines,” said Miagany. “Not only does the training build confidence, but, in light of Operation Tomodachi, it’s become increasingly relevant.”

Chief Warrant Officer Christopher I. Kamm, battalion CBRN officer, said he appreciated the chance to educate Marines based on experiences gained during Operation Tomodachi.

“We were able to support the Japanese people in their time of crisis during Operation Tomodachi,” said Kam. “Now we are fully capitalizing on the CBRN lessons learned, regarding radiation survey, monitoring and overall contamination awareness.”

“Operation Tomodachi was the first time it was done for real—it wasn’t just a theoretical training evolution,” said Kamm.

He added that being able to operate safely and successfully under CBRN conditions is a vital skill for all Marines.

“We wanted to ensure that the Marines were able to conduct all the artillery, mission-essential tasks in a contaminated environment,” said Kamm. “All Marine units need to be able to conduct their jobs in various levels of Mission Oriented Protective Posture as part of their annual training.”

Second Lt. David A. Serrano, the battalion intelligence officer, created a scenario that tested the ability of Marines to conduct combat operations in a contaminated environment.

“It gives the Marines the opportunity to train in the environment in which they could potentially fight, should any threat arise,” said Serrano.

Another valuable aspect of the training was the opportunity to cooperate with Japanese allies, according to Serrano.

“It reinforces our alliance with Japan,” he said. “The Japan Ground Self-Defense Force assists us when we train in their homeland, and, when they see that we are constantly prepared to be that ‘911 force,’ it reminds them that we are still here to help them protect their country.”

Both Kamm and Serrano described the training as a success.

“The firing batteries were phenomenal,” said Kamm. “They exercised their Fire Direction Center command and control, put rounds down range accurately and conducted timely convoy operations.”

“I think the Marines got good training out of it,” said Serrano. “The commanders got to be on the other side of a moving, thinking enemy, and they made the right decisions.”

• Date Taken: 07.01.2011
• Date Posted: 06.30.2011 21:06
• Story ID: 73061
• Location: CAMP GONSALVES, OKINAWA, JP