Photo By Cpl. Victor A. Arriaga | Pfc. Amanda M. Sanderson fires blanks during Marine Wing Headquarters Squadron 2 field...... read more read more
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MARINE CORPS OUTLYING LANDING FIELD ATLANTIC, N.C. - More than 50 Marines and Sailors from Marine Wing Headquarters Squadron 2 conducted a field training exercise Sept. 23-26 at Marine Corps Outlying Landing Field Atlantic.
Marines and Sailors participated in training consisting of land navigation, convoy operations, conditioning hikes and weapons handling to refresh fundamentals learned at entry-level training.
“We had a great field exercise and had a great time,” said Sgt. Maj. Scott D. Grade, the squadron’s sergeant major. “We struggled the first night, but the Marines pushed through and did a fantastic job.”
The training exercise was a learning experience for Marines who normally do not get to partake in field exercises, said 1st. Lt. Kyle R. Mirabelli, the adjutant for the squadron.
“We brought the Marines out here so they can get used to conducting their jobs in a field environment,” said Mirabelli. “This is a great opportunity for Marines who normally don’t get to leave their office to come out and do Marine things because every Marine is a rifleman and we can’t forget that.”
Each Marine was armed with an M-16 A4 service rifle throughout the exercise and refresher classes were given to Marines on assembly and disassembly of the M-240B machine gun.
“This is great because most of these skills are perishable if you don’t revisit them every once in a while,” said Pfc. Amanda M. Sanderson, an intelligence specialist with MHWS-2. “We don’t get to do this often so it’s a nice change of pace.”
After the classes, Marines set off on a mock convoy operation which was ambushed by an enemy using simulated improvised explosive devices.
“Even with all the confusion after the initial attack, the Marines had a successful convoy operation because they learned what it may be like in a real-world combat situation,” said Mirabelli. “It’s important that we go over convoy operations and scenarios because no matter what military occupational specialty you have, there is always the chance that you will get thrown on a convoy.”
For many Marines of MWHS-2, the field training exercise fostered increased unit cohesion and esprit de corps.
“I think this was a great way to build unit cohesion,” said Lance Cpl. Timothy Coleman, a warehouse clerk with the squadron. “All of us were able to get something out of the exercise and it brought us closer together.”
The exercise concluded with a three-mile conditioning hike through Atlantic field. Upon completing the hike, Marines were rewarded for their hard work with a warrior’s night where they enjoyed roasted pig, shrimp, baked potatoes and beans.
“Eating chow together, hurting together and doing everything together these past couple days has been a great experience for us,” said Sanderson.
| Date Taken: | 09.25.2013 |
| Date Posted: | 10.03.2013 15:32 |
| Story ID: | 114697 |
| Location: | MARINE CORPS OUTLYING LANDING FIELD ATLANTIC , NORTH CAROLINA, US |
| Web Views: | 108 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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