CAMP GONSALVES, Japan - Simulated ammunition snapped through the dense jungle vegetation as Marines with Kilo Battery conducted a simulated ambush during the jungle skills course at the Jungle Warfare Training Center at Camp Gonsalves, Sept. 29.

The battery, from Camp Lejeune, N.C., is currently assigned to 3rd Battalion, 12th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, on Okinawa as part of the Marine Corps’ Unit Deployment Program.

Instructors acting as the opposing force provided realistic training for the Marines.

“It was nice to come out here and get realistic enemies and to be able to maneuver the way you would in an actual tactical situation,” said Lance Cpl. Robert M. Newton, a fire direction controller with the battery.

The Marines moved through the rough jungle to the site where they set up an ambush on a simulated supply route.

The Marines considered their targets, patiently lying in wait as the majority of the enemy entered the kill zone, before opening fire.

“We set up our ambush, sat and waited for the enemy to roll through,” said Newton. “The enemy broke contact, and we buddy-rushed toward them, it was really good training.”

This course is not intended to make Marines experts in a single week, but to familiarize them so they are proficient in jungle warfare, said Cpl. Caleb R. Smith, an instructor with the center.

After the firefight started, Marines shouted back and forth calling out enemy locations.

The Marines took casualties while pursuing the enemy, complicating their already serious problem. Eventually, instructors called the training to an end and spoke to the Marines about how they could have done better.

“It’s a break from their normal job, and it’s a good learning experience,” said Smith. “They get to do stuff that they normally wouldn’t do on a daily basis. They get to rappel, go through our land navigation course, learn how to patrol, and set up ambushes.”

We are absolutely more knowledgeable than when we started, said Newton.

“It’s not every day you get to take a whole unit out here and try something different,” said Newton. “I recommend to any other units that are out there to lock this [training] on. It’s definitely worth your time.”

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