3rd Marine Logistics Group conducts command post exercise

Photo By Sgt. Breanna Weisenberger | Marines with 3rd Marine Logistics Group Headquarters debrief during a command post exercise at Combat Town, Marine Corps Base Camp Butler, Okinawa, Japan, Dec. 12, 2017. The CPX was a four-day field exercise designed to test the limits of 3rd MLG in its abilities to command and control logistics units from a jump combat operations center. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Breanna L. Weisenberger)  

CAMP HANSEN, OKINAWA, JAPAN

12.12.2017

Story by Cpl. Breanna Weisenberger 

3rd Marine Logistics Group

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP BUTLER, Okinawa, Japan— Marines with 3rd Marine Logistics Group Headquarters conducted a command post exercise (CPX) at Combat Town, Marine Corps Base Camp Butler, Okinawa, Japan, Dec. 11-14, 2017.

The CPX was a four-day field exercise focused on command and control (C2) operations. Specifically, it was designed to test 3rd MLG’s ability to transition C2 capabilities from a permanent group logistical operations center (GLOC) to what is known as a ‘jump’ combat operations center (jump COC), named due to its temporary, mobile structure.

According to Maj. Charles Parker, the 3rd MLG Operations Officer, the goal was to provide the same capabilities in the jump COC as a forward COC with the minimum amount of logistics and Marines possible, while still allowing the commanding general to have command and control of a logistics element.

“Our focus is on maintaining constant communication about the mission with the different major subordinate elements (MSEs) across the Marine Expeditionary Force, through the GLOC to the main body,” Parker said.

While addressing the challenges associated with C2 operations, 3rd MLG underwent additional stressors that were incorporated into the exercise to test the Group’s physical security measures.

Fire team-sized units role-played as antagonists, attacking the jump COC and surrounding compound at random. MLG Marines who provided essential combat security at the forward operating position learned how to shape their tactics, techniques and standard operating procedures accordingly.

“[An infantry battalion] may not be able to pull back and provide security for the logistics position,” said GySgt. Peter Ramos, the staff non-commissioned officer in charge of the security force for the MLG. “This training will prepare Marines to support our fight and sustain themselves.”

According to Ramos, the ability to execute their jobs and provide mission essential security will help Marines prepare the logistics element to become a more effective response force.

“We need to be ready to fight tonight,” said Maj. Nicholas Tverdosi, lead communications officer for the COC. “We don’t know when we’re going to be called in support of the MEF, so CPX is a way for us to test our ability to respond.”

The Marines will have another chance to test their capabilities at a follow-on CPX scheduled in the spring of 2018.

“A lot of hard work went into this particular exercise,” Parker said. “I am optimistic that we will learn quite a bit that will benefit us on future deployments in the Pacific.”

• Date Taken: 12.12.2017
• Date Posted: 12.20.2017 00:03
• Story ID: 258800
• Location: CAMP HANSEN, OKINAWA, JP