U.S. Marines assigned to Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force-Crisis Response-Africa ground combat element conducted a squad level field training at Naval Air Station Sigonella, Italy, Sept. 27, 2017.
The aim of the day long training was to get the Marines ready to accomplish a raid operation and enable them become better war fighters.
“Becoming a better war fighter means that everyone is ready for mission ahead of us,” said Sgt. Rafael Vilagora, the weapons platoon section leader. “As a GCE element we should be ready for any ground mission whether it is a squad or platoon level.”
The training consisted of urban terrain movement, radio, verbal and non-verbal and communication skills. The Marines were also tested on combat effectiveness and efficiency to conduct such mission without supervision.
“Our seniors have passed down the required skills to conduct such missions and be competent enough to accomplish the tasks given to us in a timely fashion,” said Lance Cpl. Sage Campbell, platoon squad leader. “It’s important to be proficient at it and be able to accomplish the mission without supervision.”
Conducting such training involves a lot of behind the scene planning like, knowing the number of personnel required to effectively carry out the mission, study map overlays of the area and conducting briefs with the unit to ensure everyone is on the same page.
The Marines have to rehearse and discuss the operation tactics and maintain close relation and have confidence with each other to carry out the mission with high proficiency.
“The ability of the team is measured by confidence of everyone and so I want to be as confident as my team and know everything that takes place,” said Campbell. “It helps build unit cohesion and camaraderie because we have to be in sync and be able to complement each other’s skills to accomplish the mission.”