MCT hones Marines’ combat skills

Marine Corps Installations East
Story by Lance Cpl. Justin Rodriguez

Date: 09.25.2013
Posted: 10.02.2013 14:50
News ID: 114615
MCT hones Marines’ combat skills

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. - As the world’s finest fighting force, Marines have to prepare each other for the challenges of being in combat, this process starts aboard Camp Geiger.

Regardless of military occupational specialty, there comes a time when a Marine has to effectively deploy a weapons system.

Instructors at Marine Combat Training teach Marines common skills to effectively close with and destroy the enemy.

Following the completion of training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island or San Diego, Marines report to the School of Infantry, the second stage of training for all non-infantry Marines. It transitions them to combat-ready Marines.

Marine Combat Training is a 29-day course where Marines’ basic combat skills are honed. This training includes marksmanship, combat formations, patrolling and other combat related skills.

“I love teaching Marines,” said Staff Sgt. Tory A. Rice, a platoon commander with Company I MCT Battalion.

The MCT course has improved over the years, teaching Marines advanced skills and providing them more of an opportunity to shoot automatic weapons systems like the M-249 light machine gun and the M-240 machine gun.

“I’m looking forward to everything the combat instructors are going to teach me,” said Pvt. Lucas Hopkins, a student with 3rd platoon, Company I. “I’m excited to start learning about weapons systems.”

Rice added he believes the MCT curriculum allows for combat instructors to have better opportunities to mentor their Marines individually.

Marines have been training since 1775, but MCT is ensuring today’s Marines are ready for modern-day combat conditions.

Company I started its training schedule Sept. 24 and is scheduled to graduate Oct. 22.

Visit http://www.tecom.marines.mil/soieast/UnitHome.aspx for more information about SOI.

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