CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. — Marines with General Support Motor Transport, Combat Logistics Regiment 1, 1st Marine Logistics Group, conducted a field exercise in support of the 11th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division here, Feb. 6-10.
During this period, 11th Marines conducted a live-fire exercise. Spread out in various locations throughout 25 Area, the loud booms could be heard from far away. The weapons that were being used were the M777 howitzer, which is a towed artillery weapon, and mortars.
Marines with GSMT were not only there to support, but to train and become more proficient with missions they have to accomplish while deployed. They set up a field motor transport lot and refueling stations. Marines also performed multiple resupply missions in order to get more practice with conducting combat logistics patrols and vehicle recovery missions.
They provided fuel, water, and motor transport support to aid the warriors of 11th Marines continue with their training. As the training period progressed, members from both units benefited from each other.
“We’re out here providing 11th Marines with Motor T support,” said Sgt. Michael Stephens, motor transport operator, GSMT, CLR-1, 1st MLG. “We have [motor transport] operators, [heavy equipment] and refueling stations.”
During the exercise, the Marines worked hard to make sure all vehicles were up and running, as well as maintaining their direct support to 11th Marines as needed. The training also gave the Marines who recently joined the unit time to get more hands-on training during a real life situation.
“It’s good to be out here with [11th Marines] training with them,” said Stephen. “It may not seem like we’re doing much to most, but without support, they wouldn’t be able to sustain the operation.”
By providing combat service support in garrison, it prepares the Marines better for the mission they will carry out while forward deployed.