Reaching the distance: 1/2 conducts deployment for training

Photo By Staff Sgt. Heather Atherton | Mortarmen with Weapons Company, 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, prepare to fire an 81mm mortar system during an infantry platoon battle course as part of a deployment for training exercise at Fort Pickett, Va., Feb. 23, 2018. The course provided Marines the opportunity to improve maneuver tactics using the various military occupational specialties within 1/2 during a large-scale combined arms range. The DFT refines collective warfighting skills and functions in order to prepare for future combat operations. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Pfc. Heather Atherton)  

FORT PICKETT, VIRGINIA, UNITED STATES

02.23.2018

Story by Pfc. Heather Atherton 

II Marine Expeditionary Force   

Ringing echoed through the air as Marines fired 81mm mortars into the sky during a deployment for training exercise at Fort Pickett, Virginia, Feb. 23-28, 2018.

Marines with 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division exerted many hours preparing for this DFT exercise, which in return is expected to prepare the Marines for their upcoming deployment with the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit. This training is to ensure the Marines can accurately provide effective and efficient support for the battalion.

“This training prepares us for real world scenarios,” said Pfc. Christian Drumheller, a mortarman with Weapons Company. “It gets us in the right mindset for combat, and it prepares us to fight an enemy in any situation, at any time.”

Marines with Mortar Platoon stretched the boundaries and pushed their tactical limits during the training by implementing advanced tactics.

Unmanned aerial assets were used to observe impact areas while roving gun drills were used to showcase how Marines could sneak through tree lines, and set up a temporary line of defense with the 81mm mortar system, concealing the primary firing line from enemy forces.

“In a real world scenario this training will all come to light,” said 1st Lt. Aidan Fromback, the platoon commander with Weapons Company. “If we’re looking at near peer enemies we’re going to be able to use roving guns. Our overhead camouflage is in case they have drones.”

The 22 MEU will push-off later this year with many exercises and work-ups between now and then. This training exercise provided 1/2 with the opportunity to work with each other during a fast-paced, live range, and in doing so, see how training such as this will prepare them for their future deployment.

Locate, close with and destroy the enemy is the Battalion’s mission, and with this training, 1/2 is staying true to their word.

• Date Taken: 02.23.2018
• Date Posted: 03.12.2018 09:46
• Story ID: 268757
• Location: FORT PICKETT, VIRGINIA, US