CLB-11 MT Company Marines conduct Combat Skills Training

Photo By Lance Cpl. Jerrick J. Griffin | Marines with Motor Transport Company, Combat Logistics Battalion 11, Combat Logistics Regiment 17, 1st Marine Logistics Group, assess a simulated wounded civilian portrayed by a role-player during a combat skills training exercise at Camp Pendleton, Calif., July 22. The purpose of the training was to give the Marines an opportunity to see first-hand what they might experience during deployment.  

CAMP PENDLETON, UNITED STATES

07.22.2011

Story by Lance Cpl. Jerrick J. Griffin 

1st Marine Logistics Group

CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. - The combat logistics patrol begins to travel up the winding road, not knowing the danger that could be lurking ahead. Suddenly, shots are fired and the Marines dismount their vehicles and send suppressing fire to the enemy. This training scenario gave the Marines a realistic feeling of situations that may happen during an actual deployment.

Motor Transport Company Marines with Combat Logistics Battalion 11, Combat Logistics Regiment 17, 1st Marine Logistics Group, participated in a Combat Skills Training exercise that put their aptitude to the test here, July 22.

During the training, Marines learned how to detect and handle improvised explosive devices, how to react to small-arms fire, and deal with many other scenarios they may encounter overseas.

“The purpose is to give these Marines an opportunity to see first-hand what they would see on deployments,” said Gunnery Sgt. Gerardo Alvarez, instructor, Combat Skills Training School, CLR-17, 1st MLG. “Some of them have already seen it before and have an idea on what to do in the situation, but for the ones who haven’t, this increases their knowledge.”

During one scenario, the lead vehicle of the combat logistics patrol struck an IED, and the rest of the convoy had to provide security so a wrecker crew could recover the downed vehicle. The task was challenging because the vehicle struck the IED on a shallow road going uphill. The Marines met the obstacle head-on.

“During the vehicle recovery, they did a good job,” said Alvarez, 35, from Chula Vista, Calif. “It was difficult to do because the road is so thin and there are a few trucks moving along the route, but they still managed it without a problem.”

Another scenario the Marines experienced was when a vehicle with three male passengers stopped near the street, as the combat logistics patrol passed by. One of the men suffered a gunshot wound to the shoulder and the Marines had to assess the situation and give the patient proper treatment.

“It was all unexpected,” said Lance Cpl. Jeremy Liu, motor transport operator, MT Company, CLB-11, CLR-17, 1st MLG. “The vehicle came out of nowhere, and when the victim got out and showed he was hurt, that’s when we sprung into action,” said Liu, 21, from Spokane, Wash.

Throughout the whole exercise the Marines performed well, according to the instructors, but they still have room for improvement.

“Overall they handled the situation pretty well,” said Alvarez. “There were some things they did wrong, but that’s why they’re in this course so that they can learn and correct their mistakes.”

• Date Taken: 07.22.2011
• Date Posted: 07.26.2011 18:48
• Story ID: 74350
• Location: CAMP PENDLETON, US