15th MEU to execute Realistic Urban Training prior to deployment

TWENTYNINE PALMS, CA, UNITED STATES

03.01.2017

Video by Cpl. Timothy Valero 

15th Marine Expeditionary Unit

Marine Corps story by Cpl. Hannah Perkins, video by Cpl. Timothy Valero

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. – Marine and Sailors of the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit will execute Realistic Urban Training March 6-18, 2017, from Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center 29 Palms, California, and varying cities in Arizona, in order to prepare for their upcoming deployment later this year.

The MEU is the nation’s rapid-response force, everything the Marine Corps does contributes to combat readiness, combat effectiveness, and trains Marines to move seamlessly between land-based exercises and amphibious forces. RUT is a land-based MEU exercise that provides Marines with the opportunity to practice individual and unit strengths, and develop a skill set in challenging and unfamiliar environments.

RUT provides an opportunity for Marines to refine their skills in operating in urban environments to be an effective fighting force and develop a better understanding how to operate in urban environments they are otherwise unaccustomed to for specialized raids of a limited scale.

“RUT is one of the field events where we build on the continuum of training we undergo prior to actually getting out the door and going on deployment,” said Major Christopher Baker, 15th MEU fire support officer.

A combination of live-fire daytime raid, helicopter-based raids, tactical recovery of aircraft and personnel missions, and two off-base nighttime raids help develop the ability of the MEU Command Element, Air Combat Element, and supporting components of the Ground Combat Element, Logistics Combat Element, and the Maritime Raid Force to execute the MEU’s standing missions while deployed as America’s crisis response force.

“This exercise helps Marines and Sailors by giving them an opportunity to build their confidence about what they need to do,” said Baker. “This basically gives us the time to hone our skills and prepare for our certification – the final test, and, in my opinion, the good things we will accomplish while deployed.”

• Date Taken: 03.01.2017
• Date Posted: 03.02.2017 16:59
• Category: Package
• Video ID: 512292
• VIRIN: 170301-M-HF454-001
• Filename: DOD_104126460
• Length: 00:00:32
• Location: TWENTYNINE PALMS, CA, US