Fuji Warrior 2014: Marines, sailors conduct advanced rifle training

Photo By Sgt. Wes Lucko | Marines and sailors execute advanced live-fire training with the M16A4 service rifle and M4 carbine June 11 at Combined Arms Training Center Camp Fuji as part of Exercise Fuji Warrior. The training better prepares the service members to rapidly react to hostile contact should they deploy to a regional contingency or crisis. The Marines and sailors are with Combat Logistics Regiments 35 and 37, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Wes J. Lucko/Released)  

SHIZUOKA, JAPAN

07.02.2014

Story by Lance Cpl. Wes Lucko 

III Marine Expeditionary Force   

COMBINED ARMS TRAINING CENTER CAMP FUJI, SHIZUOKA, Japan — Marines and sailors with Combat Logistics Regiments 35 and 37 executed advanced live-fire training with the M16A4 service rifle and M4 carbine June 11 at Combined Arms Training Center Camp Fuji as part of Exercise Fuji Warrior.

“This lets the Marines come out here and hone their skills on infantry weapons, tactics and what they could expect if they were to deploy,” said Gunnery Sgt. Travis Hamilton, a logistics mobility chief with CLR-37, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force, and range safety officer for the exercise.

“With the Marines and sailors outside the infantry military occupational specialty, it allows them to understand that if they were to go on a patrol or on a convoy, they would have the necessary skills to contact and maneuver (against) the enemy if needed.”

The training, commonly known as Table 3, builds upon the marksmanship standards required by all Marines, and introduces Marines to the next tier of rifle familiarization, enhancing the basic knowledge that all Marines possess.

Throughout the evolution, Marines learned how to engage their targets while pivoting and walking from distances ranging from 5-25 feet.

“Familiarizing these Marines with these weapons builds confidence,” said Capt. José Rodriguez, a ground supply officer with CLR-37, 3rd MLG, III MEF, and officer in charge during Fuji Warrior. “If they are ever in a contingency operation where they are going to be taking fire, they will have the skills necessary to perform with these weapons.”

From the first day of Marines’ careers, they learn that every Marine is a rifleman first. Fuji Warrior refreshes basic weapons-handling skills by mirroring the pre-deployment training program.

“It can be a common occurrence when deployed to conduct operations outside your MOS,” said Hamilton, a Dodge City, Kansas, native. “I deployed with I MEF back in 2012, and prior to deployment, all Marines and sailors who were going downrange had to undergo the pre-deployment training program, just so they knew what to expect if they were to encounter the enemy outside the wire.”

Fuji Warrior takes Marines and sailors away from their daily routines and out of their comfort zones to experience combat training in a field environment.

“Whether they’re in combat or not, this will give them that good sense that they have the ability to operate their weapon,” said Rodriguez, a Justin, Texas, native. “They know their weapon. It’s been a few years for some of them, and this is just us getting them back to the basics and push a little further from there as well.”

• Date Taken: 07.02.2014
• Date Posted: 07.02.2014 03:37
• Story ID: 135064
• Location: SHIZUOKA, JP
• Hometown: DODGE CITY, KS, US
• Hometown: JENKS, OK, US
• Hometown: JUSTIN, TX, US
• Hometown: ST. LOUIS, MO, US