Marines and soldiers come together for the upcoming regimental exercise

Photo By Staff Sgt. Immanuel Johnson | Army soldiers meet and greet with Col. Clifford J. Weinstein and Brig. Gen. Julian D. Alford following the combined arms rehearsal brief aboard Fort Bragg, N.C., March 12, 2015. Upon conclusion of the brief, Marines and soldiers alike embark to their destination to start the combined arms training evolution.  

FORT BRAGG, NC, UNITED STATES

03.12.2015

Story by Lance Cpl. Immanuel Johnson 

II Marine Expeditionary Force   

FORT BRAGG, N.C. - Marines and soldiers gathered around the terrain model showcasing the units and their tasks involved in the exercise about to be carried out. One by one officers from both branches made their way up to the front and explained their pragmatic plan for the exercise as Brig. Gen. Julian D. Alford, the assistant division commander for 2nd Marine Division, and Col. Clifford J. Weinstein, commanding officer of the 10th Marine Regiment, listened closely.

Marine and Army officers conducted a combined arms rehearsal designed to explain the plan for the regimental exercise while eliminating any potential flaws that may arise aboard Fort Bragg, N.C., March 12, 2015.

“A demonstration of the exercise taking place for the next 3-4 days is being shown today,” said Capt. Kevin Bishop, an assistant fire support coordinator with 1st Battalion, 10th Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, and native of Weymouth, Massachusetts. “The purpose is to work out any misunderstandings and flaws that may prevent the proper execution of the exercise.”

The purpose of Rolling Thunder is to exercise, assess, and improve the regiment’s ability to shoot, move and communicate in a field environment, while demonstrating to the supporting commanders the capabilities and effects the regiment provides to the division and Marine Air-Ground Task Force operations.

“Ensuring all elements are on the same sheet so everything comes together properly is why we are here,” said Army Maj. Robert Pratt, an assistant fire support coordinator with 10th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, and native of Moorefield, West Virginia. “There’s a level of trust working with Marines, being able to provide guidance when needed.”

“Working with the Army, you learn their procedures, the coordination with adjacent units within the regiment,” said Bishop.

Throughout the combined arms rehearsal, Alford and Weinstein kept the planners on their toes by asking questions on their proposed courses of action.

“I was a Marine before I became an Army officer, the battles that come up abroad provides a more joint environment working with Marines,” said Pratt. “Our goal today is to make sure everyone has a clear understanding of the mission.”

• Date Taken: 03.12.2015
• Date Posted: 03.19.2015 15:51
• Story ID: 157536
• Location: FORT BRAGG, NC, US
• Hometown: MOOREFIELD, WV, US
• Hometown: WEYMOUTH, MA, US