ITB trains in urban environment

Photo By Staff Sgt. Kirstin Spanu | Marines with 2nd platoon, Charlie Company, Infantry Training Battalion set up security outside a house during Marine Operations in Urban Terrain training at the Enhanced MOUT Complex aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., March 17, 2015. The MOUT training allows Marines to apply infantry fundamentals in a complex environment. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Kirstin Merrimarahajara/released)  

CAMP LEJEUNE, NC, UNITED STATES

03.20.2015

Story by Cpl. Kirstin Spanu  

II Marine Expeditionary Force   

CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. - After spending 13 weeks at Marine Corps Recruit Depot-Parris Island, South Carolina, earning the titles of United States Marine, some graduates report to the School of Infantry-East aboard Camp Geiger, North Carolina, where they participate in another nine weeks of mentally and physically tough training.

More than 100 students with the Marine Occupational Specialty “0311” Basic Rifleman spent one of those weeks training in a Military Operations in Urban Terrain facility. They mastered the basics of performing traffic control points for vehicles and pedestrians and the basics of clearing rooms, stairways and entire buildings at the Enhanced MOUT Complex aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, from March 16-20, 2015.

The five training days include a combination of classes, practical applications and performance evaluations. Combat instructors provide periods of instruction and role-play during certain scenarios. Students get to use a hands-on method of learning in the MOUT exercises.

“I think the training is great,” said Pfc. Shane Summers, a student with 2nd Platoon, Charlie Company, Infantry Training Battalion and a native of Baltimore, Maryland. “I’m very confident in what my abilities will be when I get to the fleet because I learn by actually doing things and the training here is realistic.”

MOUT training allows Marines to perform in an urban environment similar to those found in Iraq and Afghanistan.

“With the diverse nature of operating environments and the Marine Corps’ call to be the most ready when the nation is the least ready, it’s very important for Marines, especially infantrymen, to be able to operate in any number of environments,” said Capt. Alexander White, commanding officer of the company and a Fredericksburg, Virginia, native.

The MOUT training gave Marines the confidence to perform in a situation where they may be unfamiliar with the surroundings. The training taught the Marines how to think in these situations and to be successful in any environment.

“After they graduate, if some of the students find themselves moving into a hostile country, we know that they are prepared to encounter whatever comes up and execute as Marines have for the past 239 years,” White said.

• Date Taken: 03.20.2015
• Date Posted: 03.24.2015 15:54
• Story ID: 157917
• Location: CAMP LEJEUNE, NC, US
• Hometown: BALTIMORE, MD, US
• Hometown: FREDERICKSBURG, VA, US