SecFor Marines “Ace” target practice

Photo By Sgt. Danielle Rodrigues | A Marine with Security Forces Company, Marine Wing Support Squadron-373, Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force-Crisis Response-Central Command, participates in a live-fire and maneuver range while forward deployed, July 18, 2016. SPMAGTF – CR – CC is a self-sustaining expeditionary unit, designed to provide a broad range of crisis response capabilities throughout the Central Command area of responsibility, using organic aviation, logistical, and ground combat assets. (Photo by Cpl. Danielle Rodrigues/ Released)  

(UNDISCLOSED LOCATION)

07.18.2016

Story by Cpl. Danielle Rodrigues 

Task Force 51/5th Marine Expeditionary Brigade

“Two to the chest, one to the head!” shouted a Marine over the piercing sound of gunfire. The target never stood a chance as multiple rounds pelted the wooden body.

Marines with Security Forces Company, Marine Wing Support Squadron-373, decimated the wooden targets as part of a live-fire and maneuver range while forward deployed in the Central Command area of responsibility, July 18, 2016. The range involved buddy-rushing maneuvers between points and multiple static target engagements.

“Our mission is to have a well-disciplined security force and to have flawless air-ground support; to be able to respond to any situation very quickly and efficiently,” said Cpl. Christopher Truax, a team leader with 3rd platoon. The company’s mission is to ensure the safety and security of the base to which they are assigned.

“This training would come into play in two scenarios: the first being an active shooter within the base and the second being a direct fire threat from outside the base perimeter,” said 1st Lt. Robert Winter, the platoon commander, of Fairfield, Calif.

“This type of training is important to keep the Marines proficient, to make sure we know how our weapon systems are operating,” he added. “It’s also important for the leadership so we know where we are deficient and what we need to work on.”

The company is made up of Marines from a variety of backgrounds outside of Marine Corps infantry. The range, and the advanced shooting skills reviewed, better prepare them to reacting to a myriad of possible security threats. Truax, a food service specialist by trade, added another important aspect of the training was how his team displayed the skills as a whole.

“We get to see where we’re at as a fire team,” said Truax, of Horseheads, N.Y. “We also get to communicate well; focus on the sounds of each other and how each member moves.” The course of fire requires teams of Marines to engage multiple targets as they make their approach, the intent being to prepare the security forces for any threat they may face.

As part of the SPMAGTF-CR-CC, MWSS-373, colloquially known as “Aces,” has the mission to provide aviation ground support for the task force. Security Forces Company plays a critical role in ensuring support for Operation Inherent Resolve continues uninterrupted. The base they guard is home to the F/A-18 Hornet squadron, Marine All-Weather Fighter Attack Squadron-533, currently conducting airstrikes again the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant.

SPMAGTF-CR-CC is a self-sustaining expeditionary unit designed to provide a broad range of crisis response capabilities using organic aviation, logistical, and ground combat assets.

• Date Taken: 07.18.2016
• Date Posted: 08.08.2016 00:40
• Story ID: 206299
• Location: (UNDISCLOSED LOCATION)
• Hometown: FAIRFIELD, CA, US
• Hometown: HORSEHEADS, NY, US