MARINE CORPS AIR GROUND COMBAT CENTER TWENTYNINE PALMS, Calif. – Marines from Task Force Power and the Personal Security Detachment of Regimental Combat Team 5 put their training to the test during the Motorized Operations Course here June 6.
As two of the regimental combat team’s most unique units, TFP and the PSD have been refining their motorized operations tactics, techniques and procedures during the first two weeks of Enhanced Mojave Viper training.
First Lt. Shon Roegge, an artillery officer from Rushville, Ill., is the officer in charge of TFP.
“Task Force Power’s mission is to maintain sustainability equipment at the various forward operating bases, combat outposts and patrol bases in RCT-5’s area of operation,” said Roegge.
His 25-Marine unit is composed of generator mechanics, electricians and motor transport personnel. While conducting combat logistics patrols in theater, TFP will utilize five mine resistant ambush protected vehicles, with a mine roller on the lead vehicle, each armed with a M240B medium machine gun, M2 .50 cal heavy machine gun, or MK 19 grenade launcher.
The mission of the PSD is to provide security and protection for the RCT-5 commander, Col. Roger Turner, and other key leaders as required within RCT-5’s AO. The 26 personnel of the PSD, infantry and communications Marines along with two Navy corpsmen, will travel the battlespace in five MRAPs with weapon systems similar to those utilized by TFP.
The officer in charge of the PSD, 1st Lt. Zach Ota, sees the value of the two units training together despite the difference in mission.
“Even though we have two different missions, my Marines and those in Task Force Power have to be proficient in all aspects of motorized operations,” said Ota, an infantry officer from Kona, Hawaii. “We are likely to face similar situations traveling throughout our AO.”
During the MOC exercise, the Marines of TSP and the PSD tested their abilities through several scenarios along the course.
Shortly after leaving the assembly area, or starting position, each unit had to conduct the proper procedures for detecting an improvised explosive device. Next, the units put their immediate action drills to the test by reacting to a simulated ambush. Marines manning medium and heavy machine guns in the MRAP turrets laid down suppressive fires as the vehicles quickly made their way through the kill zone.
Following this live fire portion of the exercise, Marines of TFP and the PSD responded to simulated IED detonation that disabled one of their vehicles and wounded several members in their unit. This phase incorporates casualty evacuation procedures and is perhaps the most important of the exercise.
“The [motorized operations] course prepares our Marines to deal with the worst possible situations,” said Ota. “They learn that they’ll have to work together and act quickly in the event IED attack.”
Losing one of their Marines is not something that Ota or Roegge like to think about. However, they recognize that training for the possibility is essential to force protection and overall mission success.
“Rehearsing CASEVAC procedures prevents further loss of life,” said Roegge. “When the worst possible scenario does happen, we’ll be ready to deal with it.”
The Marines of TFP and the PSD, along with the rest of RCT-5, are currently completing their final weeks of EMV training in the southern California desert. In preparation for its upcoming deployment, RCT-5 will continue to fine-tune its command and control capabilities as the first regimental combat team to participate in this combined arms exercise.
| Date Taken: |
06.06.2011 |
| Date Posted: |
06.11.2011 12:23 |
| Story ID: |
71949 |
| Location: |
TWENTYNINE PALMS, CALIFORNIA, US |
| Web Views: |
253 |
| Downloads: |
0 |
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This work, Task Force Power and Personal Security Detachment Marines conduct motorized operations course, by 1LT Chris Harper, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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