MARINE CORPS AIR GROUND COMBAT TRAINING CENTER TWENTYNINE PALMS, Calif. – After a month of constant combat logistics patrols, counter-insurgency training and live-fire shoots in the sun-scorched desert, the Marines and sailors with Combat Logistics Battalion 1, Combat Logistics Regiment 1, 1st Marine Logistics Group, completed Enhanced Mojave Viper training here, April 28.
During the monthlong training evolution, the Marines and sailors trained in realistic scenarios using mock towns and villages populated with roleplayers. The training helped them understand how to successfully apply counter-insurgency techniques and interact with the native population. Throughout the training, CLB-11 mainly supported 2nd Marine Division’s 3rd Battalion, 6th Marines and 1st Battalion, 9th Marines.
“Key leader engagements were part of combat logistics patrols through towns,” said Lt. Col. Brian H. Kane, commanding officer, CLB-1, CLR-1, 1st MLG. “We were asked to deliver medical supplies and basically interact with the personnel in the hospital. We would also ask other questions to see if we could get basic [intelligence]. Basically for us, our key leader engagements revolved around our combat logistics patrols and what we can do.”
As the Marines prepare for their deployment later this year, they are well on track to becoming an efficient logistical element in southern Helmand province, where they will be based during most of thier deployment.
“The Marines and sailors basically exceeded all expectations,” said Kane, 40, Dover, N.J. “We just all came together as well with our different elements. The biggest reason was just having a learning attitude. It came together well; our NCOs and junior Marines just made it happen.”
The training exemplified what each Marine’s role will be in Afghanistan. It gave each of them a taste of what they will be doing when they deploy in a few short months. CLB-11 plans on returning to Enhanced Mojave Viper training in July to further perfect their skills.
“It’s a great training experience,” said Lance Cpl. Stephen B. Smith, chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear specialist, CLB-1, CLR-1, 1st MLG. “I haven’t deployed yet, and it was an interesting way of looking at things. We still have a little room for improvement, and I’m looking forward to the next [Enhanced Mojave Viper] and seeing how we improve,” added Smith, 21, Littleton, Colo.