Marines take part in green training enhancing leadership skills, maintaining combat readiness

Photo By Gunnery Sgt. Jessika Alarcon | Master Sgt. Shane J. Gersley, an operations specialist with Company A, 4th Assault Amphibian Battalion, 4th Marine Division, explains to Marines with U.S. Marine Forces Command the differences between three variations of amphibious assault vehicles during a training event June 11 at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story. The training allowed the Marines to gain experience while doing something out of their everyday working routine. The Marines got a closer look at the vehicles and learned how each one plays a vital role during an amphibious assault mission. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Jessika Acosta)  

VIRGINIA BEACH, VA, UNITED STATES

06.11.2015

Story by Cpl. Jessika Alarcon 

Fleet Marine Force Atlantic, Marine Forces Command, Marine Forces Northern Command

JOINT EXPEDITIONARY BASE LITTLE CREEK-FORT STORY, Virginia Beach, Va. -- Each month, staff members with Headquarters and Service Battalion, U.S. Marine Forces Command, create field training events to keep Marines in the warrior mindset and allow them the opportunity to do something outside their everyday routine. The events range from battalion physical training to other combat-oriented training.

Nearly 30 Marines and sailors with the battalion partook in a tactical training event June 11 at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story.

The training began with Master Sgt. Shane J. Gersley, an operations specialist with Company A. 4th Assault Amphibian Battalion, 4th Marine Division, giving the Marines a tour of the different variations of amphibious assault vehicles. Gersley explained the mission of each variant and allowed the Marines to take a closer look at each vehicle.

Once assigned the mission that would require the Marines to land and secure Anzio Beach they immediately rehearsed what each squad’s responsibility would be while securing the beach. Each part of the event gave the Marines a glimpse of how operational units would conduct an amphibious assault in a field environment.

“It provides an opportunity for us to get out there and do these motivational Marine Corps things,” said Col. Paul P. Ryan, the commanding officer of H&S Bn. “It’s always fun, but it’s also very important to do so we are ready to defend our country at a moment’s notice.”

For most Marines, this was the very first time they worked with others in a combat-related environment since Marine Combat Training, an infantry based regimen for non-infantry Marines. It was also the first time that junior Marines took on the responsibility to lead others, both young and old.

“A few got to practice some leadership training that they don't get to do on a daily basis, like working small-unit tactics,” said Ryan, a Prescott, Ariz., native. “This facilitates individual readiness.”

Although not all Marines could make it due to work commitments, the Marines who could learned new things and worked hard to accomplish the mission at hand.

Shortly after learning about different AAVs, sailors with Assault Craft Unit 2 took the Marines on a tour around Landing Craft Unit 1653 prior to taking them to their mission on Anzio Beach. Once the LCU hit the beach the Marines poured out into the water and onto shore where they fired at role-playing enemy troops. The Marines practiced basic combat skills such as buddy rushing and ensuring that they always had the upper hand.

“A lot of us wanted to get out and experience something new,” said Lance Cpl. John H. Keeter, a planning specialist at MARFOCOM. “It gave me a sense of responsibility because when it comes time to take part in something like this in the future, I will have experience.”

Participating in the training allowed the Marines to practice small-unit leadership and gave them an opportunity test their endurance while building comradery.

“It makes me feel good to know that we have Marines who also want to participate in events like this,” said Keeter, an Anniston, Ala., native. “It’s Marines like them I know will have my back if needed.”

Shortly after they secured the beach, the Marines gathered and Ryan shared some words of encouragement and commended all who participated for a job well-done. Marines shook hands and talked about the things they did right and the things they would’ve changed.

“I really enjoyed doing it,” said Lance Cpl. Ethan O. Mawhinney, a planning specialist at MARFORCOM and Pittsburgh, Pa., native who also took charge as one of the squad leaders for the event. “I learned the importance of practice and learning each Marine’s role so when it’s time to get out there everyone knows what their duty is.”

At the end of the day, the training did more than break the Marines’ daily routine. Marines not only developed unit cohesion but also practiced good effective leadership.

“There’s always a chance, at a moment’s notice, that we can be called into harm’s way to defend our nation’s freedom and to defend the world’s freedom,” Ryan mentioned. “Therefore as individual Marines we have to be prepared as possible.”

• Date Taken: 06.11.2015
• Date Posted: 06.23.2015 17:03
• Story ID: 167861
• Location: VIRGINIA BEACH, VA, US
• Hometown: ANNISTON, AL, US
• Hometown: PITTSBURGH, PA, US
• Hometown: PRESCOTT, AZ, US