1/6 trains to fight

II Marine Expeditionary Force
Story by Lance Cpl. Michael Dye

Date: 02.08.2013
Posted: 02.08.2013 09:16
News ID: 101676
1/6 trains to fight

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. – “Buddy Rush, Buddy Rush, Buddy Rush!” yells Sgt. Paul Chambers, a platoon sergeant with Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment. The Marines leap forward sprinting a few yards then dropping in the prone position covering the next Marine who rushes past him.

They set up in an offensive position but then a casualty is called out and the corpsman rushes out to render aid while two more Marines advance to provide cover. The Marines reach the end of the treacherous 600-meter course once the simulated enemy bunker was destroyed.

The exercise these Marines have completed is called “Platoon Attacks”. This training is just a glimpse of what happens on a day-to-day basis with Bravo Co., 1/6 to keep the Marines at the top of their game.

“This type of training is crucially important for the Marines,” said Chambers, an Ocean City, Md. native. “This type of training gives Marines on a squad level the ability to see the coordination of fire.”

Chambers stated the course simulates an assault on a platoon-sized enemy fortified in bunkers. During the Marines’ assault they have to work together by using their fire team and buddy pairs to capture the enemy. Chambers said he has seen these types of scenarios on deployment.

Weighted down with 40 pounds of personal protective gear, radio equipment, machine guns and various other weapon systems, the Marines rush from berm to berm. Even though it is a cold February morning the Marines are covered in sweat from the physically demanding challenge of maneuvering down the long course. With dirt smeared in their face and grass in their hair the Marines with Bravo Co. 1/6 never ease up on their way to the objective.

“The training gives us plenty of practice so we can be ready for it in real life,” said Lake Charles, La., native Pfc. Jonathan Whitson, a rifleman with the company. He also said that it’s a lot of fun when you get to do live-fire exercises and put some rounds down range.

“The exercise reinforces the basic principles of fire and maneuvering and small unit leadership,” said 2nd Lt. Joe Crider, the range officer in charge and a Nashville, Tenn., Native.