CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. – Marines with Mobility Assault Company, 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion, conducted breaching operations to sustain and improve their capabilities for accomplishing their mission at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, May 19, 2016.
The Marines practiced the basic engineering skills necessary for breaching by making charges, otherwise known as explosives, to detonate. They also practiced placing those charges, and performing at a tactical level in an urban environment.
The engineers started off by building their charges then calculated the necessary distance for their standoffs, which is how far they must stand away from the explosion to safely avoid the blast.
“Along with standard safety procedures,” said Staff Sgt. Matthew Monteforte, a platoon sergeant with 2nd CEB. “We have our unit leadership out here on the training site to assist in monitoring.”
After charges were in place and Marines formed their stack by standing one behind the other in a straight line, they braced themselves for the blast and detonated the charge.
This particular charge was simulating blowing a door knob off, allowing the Marines to open the door and to charge in and secure the building.
“The overall purpose of breaching is for Marines to gain entry into a building in order to clear the compound,” said Monteforte. “At the end of the day our goal is to get inside those doors.”
Exercises like breaching operations are critical to the unit in terms of mission readiness. They conduct them every three to four months in order to keep the knowledge fresh in the minds of the Marines.
“You never know what to expect when you get deployed to somewhere you’ve never been, so we want to make sure we get all the practice we need so when we do get the word that we have to deploy we can execute proficiently,” said Sgt. Stephen Winther, a squad leader with 2nd CEB.
By breaching and blowing up doors or obstacles, 2nd CEB improves the mobility of Marine infantry units, ensuring they are able to carry out their mission.
Completing these tasks requires teamwork, forcing the Marines to work together and build relationships throughout the duration of the operation.
“This kind of exercise helps cross-train Marines to do different jobs so we can learn from each other and become a better asset to the Marine Corps by being versatile,” said Winther.
2nd CEB’s role is to provide engineering support for 2nd Marine Expeditionary Force, and be ready to go wherever the Marine Corps needs them. The exercise will help prepare the unit for an upcoming deployment.