1/6 prepares for security course

Photo By Sgt. Chris Garcia | Marines with 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment use the M249 light machine gun to shoot at practice targets during live fire training aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., Sept. 22 – 23, 2015. The training aimed to improve the Marines’ proficiency with multiple weapons systems and to prepare the Marines for a security element course. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Chris Garcia/Released)  

CAMP LEJEUNE, NC, UNITED STATES

09.29.2015

Story by Lance Cpl. Chris Garcia 

II Marine Expeditionary Force   

Marines with 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, conducted live-fire training in preparation for a security element course to improve their precision and marksmanship skills aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., Sept. 22-23, 2015.

Approximately 31 Marines participated in a training exercise to improve their ability to shoot accurately from unknown distances, preparing them for the security element course. The security element course will teach the Marines about close-quarters tactics, including how to set up blocking positions.

Throughout the training, the Marines used multiple weapon systems at various distances, including the M4 carbine, M203 grenade launcher and the M249 light machine gun.

“We are hitting the basics so that we are prepared for the course,” said Staff Sgt. Zachary Grainger, the platoon sergeant in charge of the training, “The Marines also need to understand exactly how far away the enemy is and where they need to put them in their sights in order to kill them.”

The Marines must have a first class physical fitness and combat fitness test scores, be qualified in advanced water survival, possess the correct security clearance and have had no non-judicial punishment within the last six months to participate in the security element course.

During the training, one squad shot at targets for score while another learned the basics of radio procedures and maintenance. The squads then switched roles to ensure all the Marines have the required marksmanship and radio skills.

“This training is very important because it focuses on speed and accuracy and it’s something that we don’t get to do very often.” Said Cpl. Ryan Phelps, a squad leader going through the training. “The Marines are now seeing that they not only need to be able to meet the timeline, but they also need to be accurate in their shots.”

• Date Taken: 09.29.2015
• Date Posted: 09.29.2015 10:32
• Story ID: 177470
• Location: CAMP LEJEUNE, NC, US