7th Engineer Support Battalion wraps up 3-week training at Camp Roberts

Photo By Jennifer Brofer | Pfc. Shae A. Ealy, a security guard with Security Platoon, Engineer Support Company, 7th Engineer Support Battalion, 1st Marine Logistics Group, 19, from Columbus, Ohio, picks up his gear and catches up to his fellow Marines, as security is the last to leave after all the equipment is secured. Marines from four different companies within 7th ESB traveled to Camp Roberts for three weeks of pre-deployment training.  

CAMP ROBERTS, CA, UNITED STATES

08.04.2009

Story by Pfc. Khoa Pelczar 

1st Marine Logistics Group

UNITED STATES ARMY NATIONAL GUARD AND RESERVE BASE CAMP ROBERTS, Calif. — "Practice makes perfect" is a phrase that serves as a guideline for everything that Marines do, and practicing for deployment is no different.

The Marines of 7th Engineer Support Battalion, 1st Marine Logistics Group trained at Camp Roberts, July 9-27, on a forward operating base they built here in May. This time, they used the FOB in order to conduct training in preparation for a future deployment to Afghanistan.

"We have 585 Marines from the battalion coming out to train, and we also brought 332 major end items [heavy equipment] out here with us," said Staff Sgt. Juan L. Zurita, S-4 chief with Headquarters and Service Company, 7th ESB, 1st MLG.

"The training exercise is a pre-deployment requirement," said Zurita, 37, from San Antonio. "It involves things we've learned in basic training and more."

After arriving at the FOB, the Marines set up radio communication, then went through the Combat Marksmanship Program with rifles, grenades and a few crew-served weapons to make sure everything worked properly. Then they began to plan and analyze the mission in accordance with the climate of Afghanistan.

"It helps me get used to the heat over there in Afghanistan, especially when we have to wear these flaks all the time," said Pfc. Shae A. Ealy, a security guard with Security Platoon, Engineer Support Company, 7th ESB, 1st MLG, 19, from Columbus, Ohio. His flak was covered in sweat as the sun burned up the training field. "I also enjoy patrolling, but shooting was the best part."

Marines also posted interior guards, as they would in a real situation. To secure the FOB perimeter, Marines went patrolling and set up convoy operations, which required them to refresh their memory on land navigation. They also tested their gas masks in a gas chamber and then simulated improvised explosive device explosions so Marines had to provide medical care for the simulated casualties from the blast until medics arrived.

Even though the Marines were from the same battalion, some of them had never worked with each other before.

"We have Marines from four different companies in our battalion out here," said 1st Lt. Valerie R. Garcez, supply officer with H&S Co., 7th ESB, 1st MLG, from San Bernardino, Calif. "There are Marines from H&S Company, from Bulk Fuel Company, Engineer Support Company and Charlie Company."

While a unit is deployed, they have to work together and depend on one another, so it is crucial that they learn how to work together beforehand.

"I feel great after the exercises," said Lance Cpl. Joseph F. Neitzschman, a heavy equipment operator with Engineer Support Company, 7th ESB, 1st MLG, 20, from New Orleans. "There was a lot to learn, new things outside of my job, and it got me prepared for the upcoming deployment."

After about three weeks of intense training, the Marines were ready to head back to Camp Pendleton.

Before they left Camp Roberts, the Marines held a Super Squad Competition between the four companies. The competition involved assembling a radio and establishing communication, land navigation, mission planning and analysis, a 500-meter casualty evacuation and finished off with grenade tossing.

"The whole event covered about eight miles total," said Maj. Jerry Delira, executive officer of 7th ESB, 1st MLG, 35, from Chicago. "The first company to go started at [6 a.m.], and the other companies started later in 15 minute intervals."

Bulk Fuel Co. dominated the competition, being the third company to go and giving it everything they had, they finished the race first with a time of 2 hours, 43 minutes, about an hour ahead of the second place team.

When the competition ended, it was also a sign that the 3-week field exercise was finally over. Marines packed up and prepared to be bused back to Camp Pendleton, feeling more prepared and ready for the upcoming deployment to Afghanistan.

• Date Taken: 08.04.2009
• Date Posted: 08.04.2009 15:49
• Story ID: 37137
• Location: CAMP ROBERTS, CA, US