U.S. Marines attend MAWTS-1 Expeditionary Ordnance Course at WTI

Photo By Sgt. Cody Rowe | U.S. Marines attend a class during a Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron 1 Expeditionary Ordnance course in support of Weapons and Tactics Instructor Course 2-18 at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Ariz., March 15. WTI is a seven-week training event hosted by MAWTS-1 cadre, which emphasizes operational integration of the six functions of Marine Corps aviation in support of a Marine Air Ground Task Force and provides standardized advanced tactical training and certification of unit instructor qualifications to support Marine Aviation Training and Readiness and assists in developing and employing aviation weapons and tactics. (U.S. Marine Corps photo taken by Lance Cpl. Cody Rowe/Released)  

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION YUMA, AZ, UNITED STATES

03.15.2018

Story by Lance Cpl. Cody Rowe 

Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron-1

Marines from around the world attend the third Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron 1 Expeditionary Ordnance Course during the Weapons and Tactics Instructors course at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Ariz., March 15, 2018.
“The course lasts the entirety of WTI,” said Master Sgt. Jason Daniel, an ordnance chief with MAWTS-1. “The minute they walk into the door they’re evaluated.”
The Marines selected to attend the MEOC course at WTI are taught new tactics, concepts and knowledge about expeditionary ordnance operations, allowing more efficiency for future missions and conflicts.
“Before they show up to the course, the Marines receive courseware they have to complete,” said Daniel. “They have books to read and papers to write based on what they read. This material then gets turned in and evaluated by our academics department.”
After the Marines turn in their work, they receive classes from the MEOC instructors and are given daily homework to complete.
In addition, the Marines are given made up scenarios, allowing practical application and guided discussions, said Daniel.
One of the many things the Marines learn are Distributed Short Takeoff Vertical Landing Operations. This concept allows Marines to refuel and arm fixed wing aircraft with vertical landing capabilities, said Capt. Ismael Alicea, an ordnance officer and MEOC instructor.
Following the academics portion of the course, Marines apply what they learned throughout the duration of WTI.
“This benefits the Marines because they utilize their new knowledge and new way of thinking,” said Daniel. “They have points deducted or added to their grade based on their performance, are given a score, then receive a certificate if they pass,” said Daniel.
Once the Marines pass the course, they are sent back to the fleet to spread their newly learned knowledge to their Marines.
“Because of possible future conflicts, the necessity to do expeditionary operations has grown,” said Daniel. “So when the time comes, they will have the knowledge.”

• Date Taken: 03.15.2018
• Date Posted: 03.23.2018 12:10
• Story ID: 270162
• Location: MARINE CORPS AIR STATION YUMA, AZ, US