US, Spanish forces sharpen skills together

Photo By Gunnery Sgt. Vitaliy Rusavskiy | Spanish Marines joined forces with U.S. Marines from Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response-Africa during an infantry training package focusing on basic infantry skills, weapon familiarization and small unit leadership in a joint environment. U.S. and Spanish militaries have conducted more than 80 bilateral exercises in the past two years. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Vitaliy Rusavskiy/Released)  

SIERRA DEL RETIN, SPAIN

09.04.2015

Story by Staff Sgt. Vitaliy Rusavskiy 

U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Europe and Africa     

SIERRA DEL RETIN, Spain - U.S. and Spanish Marines gathered for a week of infantry training in Sierra del Retín, Spain, while the Spanish Senate approved amendments to the U.S.-Spain Agreement on Defense Cooperation.

The two platoons of U.S. Marines with Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis-Response-Africa are based out of Morón Air Base, Spain. The new terms for the agreement authorize up to of 2,200 military personnel and 36 aircraft in Morón as part of the permanent U.S. presence.

This bilateral training in Sierra Del Retín reinforces defense partnerships between the U.S. and Spain.

“It was a very important training opportunity because in today’s world, as a part of the NATO agreement, we need to work together and be ready for any mission we may be called upon,” said Spanish Marine 1st Lt. Daniel Oñate, a platoon commander with 3rd Company, 1st Battalion based out of San Fernandez, Spain. “Our partnerships have to be good and this type of training provides great collaboration between U.S. Marines and Spanish Marines. We have to continue training together and learning from each other.”

Both units concentrated on fundamental rifleman skills, moving and firing on targets and improved small unit leadership by employing their teams during live-fire maneuvers.

“The first day we went back to the basics (by) refreshing pivot drills, moving to target, and practiced various shooting techniques,” explained U.S. Marine Cpl. Cody Purciello with SPMAGTF-CR-AF. “On the second day we started with a course of fire which helps the team leaders employ their Marines based on the given scenarios.”

During the exercise, U.S. and Spanish Marines also had a chance to bond and familiarize themselves with each other’s weapon systems, learn basic disassembly procedures and weapon capabilities.

“Working with the Spanish Marines was excellent,” said Purciello. “It’s a good opportunity not only to build camaraderie between the two nations, but also to hone our skills and become better Marines.”

Spain has hosted U.S. military personnel for 62 years, contributing to European and global security and strengthening NATO’s capabilities.

SPMAGTF-CR-AF is a self-sustaining crisis-response force prepared for the protection of American personnel and facilities on the African continent, when directed by U.S. Africa Command. The presence of SPMAGTF-CR-AF in Spain has enabled a notable increase in joint training opportunities, with more than 80 bilateral joint exercises between our militaries in the past two years.

• Date Taken: 09.04.2015
• Date Posted: 10.05.2015 17:57
• Story ID: 178182
• Location: SIERRA DEL RETIN, ES