Field training exercise keeps Comm warriors combat ready

Photo By Sgt. Juan D. Alfonso | Lance Cpl. Chad M. Foster, a data network specialist, provides security with an M-240G medium machine gun during a field exercise Nov. 6 at the Central Training Area.  

CENTRAL TRAINING AREA, OKINAWA, JAPAN

11.17.2006

Courtesy Story

III Marine Expeditionary Force   

By Lance Cpl. Juan D. Alfonso
III Marine Expeditionary Force PAO

CENTRAL TRAINING AREA, OKINAWA, Japan -- A field training exercise Nov. 6-8 in the Central Training Area marked the culmination of a three-week training package for Marines with Communication Company, Headquarters Battalion, 3rd Marine Division.

The training was designed to prepare the Marines for possible Iraq deployments, according to Maj. Ahmed T. Williamson, the Communication Company commanding officer.

"These Marines are experts in their technical military occupational specialties," Williamson said. "But they rarely get the opportunity to sustain their basic warrior skills. The overall purpose of the training is to make sure no one gets tasked with deploying to Iraq in a moment's notice, who hasn't already received pre-deployment training."

During the exercise, the division Marines conducted more than 20 convoys and defended camps from simulated suicide bombers, riots, sniper attacks and insurgent assaults.

The training also emphasized small unit leadership, teaching noncommissioned officers how to lead their Marines on difficult missions by having each of them serve as convoy and assistant convoy commanders.

"Every convoy we went on was attacked by (a simulated improvised explosive device)," said Pfc. Bret M. Arganbright, a field wireman. "Whenever we were hit with an IED or sniper fire, the NCOs took charge and quickly set up security."

The Marines also practiced their combat lifesaving skills, which they learned in a Combat Lifesaver Course earlier in the three-week package. After every simulated explosion or attack, the Marines had to treat and evacuate wounded Marines, civilians or enemy insurgents.

Communication Company put its skills to the test by performing a communication exercise in conjunction with the field exercise.

"The training was excellent; we never knew what to expect," said Lance Cpl. Shelly Perry, an automotive organizational mechanic. "We were all shocked, (when being attacked) and sleep deprived. All we had time to do was react."

Staff Sgt. Benjamin M. Laster, the company's training chief said the Marines grasped the basic combat skills they were supposed to learn.

"Before the training started, their combat proficiency was at a one," Laster said. "Now the Marines are at a five; we've done all we can. Combat and repetition is all they need to make them perfect 10s. The most important lesson they learned was that just because they're (communication Marines), doesn't mean they can't utilize their technical skills with their tactical skills."

• Date Taken: 11.17.2006
• Date Posted: 11.17.2006 09:10
• Story ID: 8288
• Location: CENTRAL TRAINING AREA, OKINAWA, JP