First for the cold: Marines train with British Royal Marines

Photo By Cpl. Antonia Mercado | U.S. Marines with 2d Combat Engineer Battalion (CEB), 2d Marine Division, practice using skiis during cold weather training at Fort Drum, N.Y., February 14, 2018. 2d CEB participated in training designed to improve the units capabilities in extreme cold weather environments. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by LCpl. Antonia E. Mercado)  

FORT DRUM, NY, UNITED STATES

03.09.2018

Story by Lance Cpl. Elijah Abernathy 

2nd Marine Division

Approximately 500 Marines and Sailors from 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion (CEB), accompanied by the British Royal Marines, conducted cold weather training near the Canadian border.
The purpose of cold weather training is to conduct combat operations as the ground component of either a Marine Air-Ground Task Force or other task forces in mountainous, high altitude, and cold weather environments.
Historically, the Marine Corps has sent Marines and Sailors to Bridgeport, California at the Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center to conduct cold weather training. The Marines and Sailors of 2nd CEB were the first Marine Corps unit to engage in cold weather training at Fort Drum.
The Marines spent the duration of the training improving their cold weather survival skills, snow movements, and winter contact under fire drills, as well as sharpening their weaponry skills and vehicle maneuvers.
“Being able to work with the U.S. Marines is a great opportunity,” said Staff Sgt. Mike Roberts, a British Royal Marine with 24 Commando Royal Engineers. “It’s a good experience for them to learn from us and us to learn from them to obtain new skills.”
2nd CEB participated in training designed to improve their capabilities in extreme cold weather environments. The culmination of training tested the Marines’ abilities to effectively operate in any situation.
“From the beginning, we train to be the best” said Lance Cpl. Derek S. Baker, a Combat Engineer with Alpha Company, 2nd CEB. “This training helps us solidify that.”
Some of the classes taught include cold weather injury and treatment, risk management, snowshoeing and skiing, developing winter fighting positions, camouflage, and concealment.
“It’s a challenge working in the snow,” said Lance Cpl. Baker. “Your body gets cold and you move slower, but that’s why we train to overcome any challenge.”
The experiences the Marines acquired from this training makes them more knowledgeable on the effects of cold weather on both themselves and their equipment.
“It’s a great opportunity to be out here in the cold of Fort Drum,” said Cpl. Peter Hornebeck, a crew chief in charge of the Armored Assault Vehicle-R7, 2nd Maintenance Battalion. “The environment here allows us to train to our full potential as Marines. It allows us to uphold our spirit of truly fighting in any clime and place.”
Cold weather training sustains the Marine Corps’ mission readiness in different environments and further enhances leadership skills within the unit.

• Date Taken: 03.09.2018
• Date Posted: 03.28.2018 13:12
• Story ID: 270839
• Location: FORT DRUM, NY, US