CLC-36 sees entire battlefield

IWAKUNI, YAMAGUCHI, JAPAN

03.15.2012

Story by Pfc. Nicholas Rhoades 

Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni

IWAKUNI, Yamaguchi, Japan - Marines from Combat logistics Company 36 returned March 15 from Camp Fuji after two weeks of infantry based training during Exercise Forest Light, training focused on cold weather tactics.

The Marines from ClC-36 originally set out to teach cold weather infantry tactics to the Japanese Ground Self Defense Force during Forest Light. In preparation, the logistic Marines began training weeks in advance.

Unfortunately, unfavorable sea conditions prevented the high-speed vessel from completing the journey to Hokkaido in northern Japan.

To adapt and overcome they ventured to the Combined Arms Training Center Camp Fuji to execute their training.

“Although we had to change our plans, we still had a great training schedule,” said Maj. Andres H. Caceres-Solari, CLC-36 commanding officer.

To continue training, leaders created a schedule which tested many skills from basic to advance.

“We completed land navigation, a modified table three with M16 service rifles, a machine gun shoot, along with simulated platoon and a company sized attacks,” said Caceres-Solari.

Although infantry based training was used within the schedule, a majority revolved around the original plan for cold weather infantry training.

“The weather was fantastic,” said Caceres-Solari. “It imposed a lot of challenges from heavy snow, to wet and muggy, to dry and sunny. The Marines had a great time and accomplished some great training.”

The Marines received a wide variety of training using field-based skills, which they developed in garrison.

“Small unit leaders were relied on a majority of the time for tasks varying from administrative issues to leading Marines with training patrols and attacks,” said Cpl. Austin W. Fry, CLC-36 acting interpreter and administration specialist.

Non-commissioned officers played an important role in the training and practiced leadership roles in the field.

“There were great squad and fire team leaders in the field with us and they performed very well,” said Fry. “They allowed us to get the most out of our training.”

All of the Marines pitched in and helped to create a training environment, which permitted Marines to see a vast majority of what was happening out on the battlefield. This advantage ultimately will lead to mission success and the safety of their fellow Marines.

• Date Taken: 03.15.2012
• Date Posted: 03.28.2012 03:34
• Story ID: 85875
• Location: IWAKUNI, YAMAGUCHI, JP