The Box

FORT IRWIN, CA, UNITED STATES

03.17.2019

Story by Sgt. Justin Smith 

2nd Marine Division

Three-hundred and forty-two Marines and Sailors with 2nd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion trained in a primary conventional combat operations at the National Training Center, nicknamed “The Box”.
Second LAR alongside soldiers with 2nd Squadron, 11th Armored Calvary Regiment acted as the opposing force to 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Light Dragoon Squadron, British Army, 2nd Royal Canadian Regiment, Canadian Army, and the Joint Aviation Command, United Arab Emirates Air Force at Fort Irwin, California, March 17.

In January 2019 General Robert B. Neller, the commandant of the Marine Corps made a statement in his Message to the Force. He urged Marines to “Continue the Attack”’ that the Marine Corps needs to up their game in training against thinking foes. Neller wants the Corps to focus on training to face a peer fight, sustaining and improving standards, and educating to prepare for the unknowns of future fights.

“Facing a thinking enemy improved our unit both in conduct and planning,” said 2nd Lt. Samuel Bryant, a platoon commander with 2nd LAR. “It forced unit leaders at all levels to focus more on their adversaries, such as the enemies capabilities, limitations, and most likely courses of action.”
The Marines had to understand the best advantages of the terrain and their equipment. The unit was able to hone their skills on reconnaissance, armor identification, weapons capabilities, and reacting to the unknown of the battlefield.

With an ever-evolving battlefield that changes as new technological advances are made, the Marine Corps must adapt to outmaneuver its adversaries in the information battlespace as well as improve readiness to fight and win battles.

“We have incorporated Unmanned Aircraft Systems into each company,” said Lt. Col. Christopher S. Conner, the battalion commander of 2nd LAR. “Utilizing this equipment allowed the unit to conduct reconnaissance of a much greater distance as well as not putting anyone in danger. They were able to locate enemies from the air and prosecute their targets while remaining undetected.”

The National Training Center hosts a 722 square miles, or 462,000 square acres, training area that provides rugged desert terrain, numerous urban terrain towns, and live-fire ranges for various weapon systems from individual to missiles and bombs.

“My Marines and I learned a lot during this training exercise,” said Cpl. Josh Lolarga, a vehicle commander. “This is my second time participating in a NTC and I finished this second rotation with more knowledge and experience than before.”
The vehicles commanders learned how to direct their gunners, guide drivers, and communicate effectively on a platoon level. The gunners acquired new scanning techniques as well as utilizing the weapons systems of a light armored vehicles. The drivers were able to identify terrain features and maneuver safely through the rugged terrain of the National Training Center.

The training evolution of the exercise was completed on March 17, and included more than 5,000 service members from 5 countries..
“Second LAR was invited to return next year,” said Lt. Col. Christopher S. Conner, the battalion commander of 2nd LAR. “This opportunity will allow Marines and Sailors of 2nd Marine Division to implement the commandant’s guidance for 2019 and continue to grow as an operational force in readiness.”

• Date Taken: 03.17.2019
• Date Posted: 04.12.2019 09:24
• Story ID: 316770
• Location: FORT IRWIN, CA, US