Back to basics: Marines conduct fire-team training

Photo By Sgt. Luke Hoogendam | U.S. Marines assigned to Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force- Crisis Response- Africa sharpen marksmanship skills during a fire-team exercise at Morón Air Base, Spain, Oct. 31, 2016. Fire-team training is designed for Marines to build confidence on their service rifles and rehearse team communication under stressful conditions in order to function as a cohesive unit. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Luke Hoogendam/Released)  

MORóN AIR BASE, SPAIN

11.02.2016

Story by Lance Cpl. Luke Hoogendam 

U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Europe and Africa     

Marines assigned to Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force - Crisis Response - Africa refined small-unit skills during fire-team training at Morón Air Base, Spain, Oct. 31, 2016.

The live-fire team training is designed for Marines to cultivate communication within the team and squad. The fully trained team functions as a cohesive unit while controlling fires from the maneuver element and an internal base of fire.

During the drill, Marines first increased their heart rates by performing stressful physical exercises before entering the range, where they were tasked with providing accurate supporting fire for team members.

“We fatigue them to simulate conditions they may experience during combat,” said Staff Sgt. Scott Levin, a platoon sergeant assigned to SPMAGTF-CR-AF. “Marines must be able to maintain composure and accuracy under duress; the team relies on effective suppression to gain ground on an objective.”

The stress-inducing exercise challenged the leaders both physically and mentally. Non-commissioned officers exercised the small-unit leadership of their squads and teams while they simultaneously accomplished the task and overcame fatigue and mental stress.

“Implicit communication is crucial to maintaining the tempo needed to maneuver, and close with and destroy an enemy,” said Sgt. Josh Porthouse, a squad leader with the SPMAGTF-CR-AF Ground Combat Element. “Fire-team leaders demonstrated command and control of their Marines, despite an overwhelming environment.”

The SPMAGTF is an expeditionary force that provides crisis response, humanitarian support, disaster relief, and embassy reinforcement, in the U.S. Africa Command area of responsibility.

“The one thing I want my Marines to take away from this exercise is to communicate and build trust between one another, so that when they apply this training and receive enemy fire, they’re able to protect each other,” Porthouse said.

• Date Taken: 11.02.2016
• Date Posted: 11.03.2016 03:13
• Story ID: 213661
• Location: MORóN AIR BASE, ES