This week we are republishing a story that appeared on our pages on this date in history. We hope it will give you an appreciation for our Corps’ illustrious heritage and a unique look at the style and tone of journalism during these years. Today’s article features 6th Marine Regiment training in combat-in-towns, night combat and helicopter operations.
The early days of March were busy ones for men of the 6th Marine Regiment at Camp Lejeune. Its two undeployed battalions trained vigorously in combat-in-towns, night combat and helicopter operations.
Activities of the 2d Battalion’s rifle companies were highlighted by training at Camp Geiger’s Combat Town and night-long exercises in the field.
Combat Town confronts Marines with the problems of battle in built up areas. Stress is placed on teamwork and cooperation between units.
Fire support between small units is a key technique during combat-in-towns and cities, where any building, or pile of rubble might conceal an enemy. Movement is fast, but progress is made on a house-to-house basis, slowly and cautiously with liberal use of hand grenades.
Realism during the Combat Town training was enhanced by use of blank ammunition and aggressor teams who fought back from house to house.
Night attacks were conducted by 6th Marines’ rifle companies last week to give Marines added confidence in their ability to wage effective combat in the dark. These exercises emphasized how to wage effective combat in the dark. These exercises emphasized the role of the individual Marine both in offensive and defensive situations.
Night combat is made difficult by the need for friendly elements to maintain contact in the dark and the hazards moving semi-blindly over unfamiliar terrain. At night every patrol has a 360-degree front.
The 1st Battalion, 6th Marines stressed helicopter training this last week. Each of the battalion’s four rifle companies took indoctrination flights in Marine Aircraft Group 25 helicopters from New River, N.C.
Besides a busy training week which included night patrolling and night defensive tactics, Company “D”, 1st Battalion, took time to work out with the infantry’s close-in-weapon…the bayonet. Company “D” claims a special affinity for the bayonet. Although the bayonet often seems neglected in training these days, Marines who may have to charge up hills in a future war will surely find it as indispensable to them for fighting as the can opener is for eating. Company “D” would be hard to beat with cold steel.