ROK, U.S. Marines rehearse squad tactics at Nightmare

Photo By Lance Cpl. Patrick McMahon | Republic of Korea and U.S. Marines rehearse their fire and maneuver tactics July 23 at Nightmare Range, Republic of Korea during the Korean Marine Exchange Program 12-7. The ROK and U.S. Marines also spent the rest of the afternoon firing the M2 .50 caliber machine gun and the Mark 19 automatic grenade launcher at fake targets. The overarching goal of KMEP 12-7 is to enhance and increase the combined capabilities of the ROK and U.S. Marine Corps forces. The ROK Marines are with 8th Artillery Battalion, ROK Marine Corps. The U.S. Marines are with 12th Marine Regiment 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Patrick J. McMahon)  

NIGHTMARE RANGE, 26, SOUTH KOREA

07.23.2012

Courtesy Story

III Marine Expeditionary Force   

NIGHTMARE RANGE, Republic of Korea -- Republic of Korea and U.S. Marines conducted a fire and maneuver exercise July 23 at the Nightmare Range, Republic of Korea during the Korean Marine Exchange Program 12-7.

The exercise allowed both ROK and U.S. Marines to rehearse squad level tactics and fire the Mk 19 automatic grenade launcher and the M2 machine gun.

“We’re sending seven squads through a live fire maneuver with the ROK Marines.” said Sgt. Matthew Whitfield, a field wireman with 12th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force. “The objective is to give the Marines the best training possible and also remain safe in the process.”

“I want my Marines to build a good relationship with the ROK military.” said Whitfield. “It is an excellent opportunity for us to learn something from them and for them to learn something from us.”

During the exercise, the ROK and U.S. Marines patrolled to the maneuver range, conducting fire and maneuver exercises, and patrolled to a mock chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear scenario.

“The Marines will be receiving excellent training.” said Sgt. Harold Van, an embark specialist with the regiment. “For many of them, this is their first field operation and it’s not often they will receive this level of training and work together with the ROK Marines. We will be able to see how they operate in the field and learn from them by training side by side.”

The goal of KMEP 12-7 is to enhance the combined capabilities of both the U.S. and ROK Marine Corps forces.

“I think this exercise provides us with an excellent opportunity to build a relationship with the U.S. Marine Corps.” said Master Sgt. Lee Chong Sop, a Medic with 8th Battalion, 2nd ROK Marine Division. “My goal for my Marines is for them to learn from the experience of the U.S. Marines and also to enhance a relationship with them.”

KMEP 12-7, which continues until August 14, is a regularly scheduled combined training exercise, which enhances the readiness and interoperability of both the ROK and U.S. Marine Corps forces.

• Date Taken: 07.23.2012
• Date Posted: 07.24.2012 21:37
• Story ID: 92096
• Location: NIGHTMARE RANGE, 26, KR