MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. - 2nd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion’s infantrymen patrolled a simulated improvised explosive device course at the Home Station Lane Training IED course aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Feb. 22, 2013.
The IED course training refreshed the Marines’ IED detection and reaction skills while the junior Marines learned how to work within their squads and follow their noncommissioned officer’s lead. The NCOs received experience leading patrols and their junior Marines.
The infantrymen were midway through their scout package, which consists of various combat scenarios and training exercises. The IED course was the next step in the package.
Classes about IED variations, along with an instructor led walkthrough brought the classroom to a real-world scenario.
“Learning how to work with the different companies will help if anything should happen in combat,” said Cpl. Christopher R. Norwood, infantryman, 2nd LAR. This training prepares us to keep our cool.”
The Marines learned how to work together as new Marines followed the older Marines’ example and orders.
“I’m new with the unit, so this is really helping me understand how to work with the Marines I’m going to fight with,” said Pfc. Dakota A. Fauver, a Delta Company infantryman. “I’m learning a lot from the classes and from my corporals and sergeants. They’ve got [real-world] experience with this stuff from their deployments to Afghanistan.”
Light Armored Vehicles supplemented the infantrymen as simulated support during the patrols.
Hunter squads, squads of Marines who scout a perimeter ahead of the main patrol, trudged through thick woods as the Marines progressed through the course and came across suspicious mounds or landmarks.
“I saw this blue container kind of hidden with what looked like a wire so I called it in,” said Cpl. Zachary C. Spicher, an Alpha Company infantryman, who saved his squad because he found the secondary device.
The instructor explained how the main IED was placed after the secondary device so the Marines would be pushed back into the secondary device’s range.
The Marines pressed on and finished the training on a high note by impressing the instructors with their communication and detection during the remainder of the course.