Photo By Sgt. Neysa Huertas Quinones | Marines with the 2nd Marine Low Altitude Defense Battalion Alpha Battery wait in a...... read more read more
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MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, N.C. - Marines with Alpha Battery, 2nd Low Altitude Air Defense Battalion conducted a 10-mile conditioning hike to build unit cohesion and sharpen combat readiness at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., Jan. 13.
Alpha Battery has incorporated conditioning hikes into their training schedule to increase strength and improve physical fitness across the unit.
The hikes also give the battery’s leaders a chance to showcase their abilities, said Gunnery Sgt. Fernando Galvan, the battery operations chief.
“The hikes not only serve as good training for the Marines but also bring the battery together,” said Galvan. “Noncommissioned and staff noncommissioned officers get the opportunity to connect with their fellow Marines more and show leadership skills.”
According to Galvan, the hikes put the Marines’ combat readiness to the test by pushing their mental and physical limits.
“These hikes are more than just conditioning,” said Galvan, a native of Murrieta, Calif. “It is about building strong bonds within the battery and being mission ready. The Marines motivate each other and push through as a unit rather than as individuals.”
The hikes are coordinated in advance and the Marines are notified of the event with enough time to prepare. Planning ahead allows the unit time to ensure all the necessary precautions are taken for the hike.
“These hikes must be organized a month in advance to ensure the proper safety. We map out roads, make gear checks and take personnel accountability,” said Staff Sgt. John Shackelford, a platoon sergeant with the battery.
Shackelford was one of the Marines in charge of the preparations by mapping the roads that were going to be used.
“It is great to see them bonding, getting along and supporting one another.” said Shackelford, a native of Sand Springs, Okla.
| Date Taken: | 01.13.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 01.20.2015 15:37 |
| Story ID: | 152313 |
| Location: | MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, NC, US |
| Hometown: | MURRIETA, CA, US |
| Hometown: | SAND SPRINGS, OK, US |
| Web Views: | 82 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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