CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. - From May 12 through May 17, 1st Marine Division will conduct a large-scale, combined arms, live-fire exercise integrating aviation and logistical support from 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing and 1st Marine Logistics Group.
Desert Scimitar enables 1st Marine Division to test and refine its command and control capabilities by acting as the headquarters element for a forward-deployed Marine Expeditionary Force, while simultaneously offering participating units the opportunity to hone their conventional war fighting skills.
The exercise will encompass training areas at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Fort Irwin National Training Center, Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow and the Boron Prison Complex. Residents near these installations should expect to see tactical vehicles on Interstate 40, U. S. Route 395, Route 58, Route 247 and Route 62 during this period. There are no scheduled road closures as a part of this exercise.
Interviews with 1st Marine Division staff members serving in the field will be available beginning May 12.
Photos, stories and video packages will be uploaded throughout the exercise to the following link: www.dvidshub.net/unit/1md
Participating units include: Marines and Sailors from 1st Marine Division Headquarters, 1st Marine Regiment, 5th Marine Regiment, 7th Marine Regiment, 11th Marine Regiment, 1st Tank Battalion, 3rd Assault Amphibian Battalion, 3rd Combat Engineer Battalion, 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 3rd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, as well as elements from the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing and 1st Marine Logistics Group.
Any queries regarding the exercise or interview requests should be addressed to 1st Lt. Spencer Kenyon, spencer.kenyon@usmc.mil (760) 763-9378.