Fire and maneuver: 2/8 Marines attack the range

Photo By Sgt. Patrick Osino | Marine Pfc. Aaron Healey launches an M69 training hand grenade during a fire team training exercise at Camp Lejeune, N.C., May 9, 2017. The exercise focused on fire team tactics to enhance their combat abilities in both day and night operations. Healey is an infantry Marine with 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Patrick Osino)  

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, NC, UNITED STATES

05.12.2017

Story by Lance Cpl. Patrick Osino 

II Marine Expeditionary Force   

Marines from 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division conducted a fire team live-fire exercise at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, May 8-10.
The exercise consisted of day and night combat operations at a fire team level, setting their sights on their ability to shoot, move and communicate as a team.
“The purpose of the exercise was to familiarize the fire teams on how to maneuver and communicate together while being engaged by the enemy,” said 2nd Lt. Alec Lippmann, a platoon commander with the unit. “This drill is so important to the unit because it teaches the Marines basic fundamental skills we need to have in a fire team.”
The exercise started with confirmation shots to ensure that the rifles and optics were accurate, followed by dry runs where the Marines rehearsed fire and maneuver drills and weapons handling procedures.
The Marines executed their combat skills with accuracy, speed and fluidity as they transitioned between different weapons and gained ground against the targets.
“I felt an adrenaline rush when we were going through the training,” said Pfc. Austin Hook, an infantry Marine in the unit. “Working together, makes us better and helps us feel more confident to get the mission done.”
On top of honing their individual infantry skills, the training was an opportunity for the team leaders to focus on the cohesion and effectiveness of the team, despite battlefield challenges.
“For them to function as a team, they have to know each other well,” Lippmann said. “I take a lot of pride in my team leaders, as they work together and get better.”
The training was a stepping stone for the unit’s future operations which include mountain warfare training in Bridgeport, California and jungle warfare training in Japan during the unit’s upcoming deployment to the Pacific in 2018.

• Date Taken: 05.12.2017
• Date Posted: 05.12.2017 11:13
• Story ID: 233631
• Location: MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, NC, US