Photo By Cpl. Cody Purcell | An overview of Landing Zone Boondockers, is displayed, on Marine Corps Base Hawaii,...... read more read more
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Modernization. Training. Readiness. For over a century, the Boondocker Training Area has provided
training for Marines and is now ready to expand its capabilities. Soon, complete with refurbishments
and upgrades, Boondocker will fulfill many of the training needs of the Marines – in a single place. This
modernization effort will create a more efficient training environment. Dan Geltmacher, a range and
training area manager with Marine Corps Base Hawaii (MCBH), revealed the ambitious goals behind the
construction project and transforming the military's training capabilities in Hawaii.
“The primary objective is to provide an on-site facility for tenant commands to conduct basic training
tasks," stated Geltmacher. This training includes physical and agility training with an obstacle course,
Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosive (CBRNE) training in a gas chamber, and
climbing, fast roping, and rappelling with a rappel tower. Additionally, a large outdoor covered
classroom will be a part of this training area.
When asked about the benefits of these modernization efforts, Geltmacher emphasized the unique
advantage of having an ease-of-access training facility. Marine Corps Training Area Bellows, Schofield,
and Pohakuloa Training Area (PTA) require some form of transportation, such as buses or aircraft lifts, to
reach. The Boondocker Training Area, however, offers an array of training opportunities within walking
distance. The facility will feature simulators like Combat Convoy Simulator (CCS) and Small Arms Virtual
Trainer (SAVT), ground vehicle egress trainers, a gas chamber, rappel and climbing towers, an outdoor
classroom, a Marine Corps Martial Arts Program (MCMAP) training pit, a helicopter landing zone, and a
Military Operations in Urban Terrain (MOUT) site.
One noteworthy highlight is that the Boondocker Training Area has attracted the attention of the New
Equipment Training Team (NETT) from Marine Corps Systems Command (MARCORSYSCOM). “They used
Boondocker for the initial stages of training related to the unmanned Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV),
which is set to become the platform for mounting the naval strike missile,” said Geltmacher.
The completion of the project is an ongoing effort. Once the rappel tower is complete, construction will
commence on the new gas chamber along with the obstacle course and outdoor classroom. While the
obstacle course is being re-constructed, the gas chamber will be receiving an upgrade, which will
provide both a more efficient filter and seal for the chamber.
The construction project at the Boondocker Training Area will dramatically improve military training at
MCBH by providing a wide range of on-site training opportunities and eliminating the need for
transportation to distant training sites. While the exact completion date remains uncertain, the future is
bright for this cutting-edge training facility.
| Date Taken: | 01.31.2024 |
| Date Posted: | 01.31.2024 23:02 |
| Story ID: | 462854 |
| Location: | MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII, HI, US |
| Web Views: | 39 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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