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VOLUME 75, EDITION 11
The
GL BE SERVING CAMP LEJEUNE AND SURROUNDING AREAS SINCE 1944
Forest Light Exercise
Purple Heart Medals recognize sacrifice | 3A
Enhances readiness | A THURSDAY MARCH 14, 2013
WWW.LEJEUNE.MARINES.MIL WWW LEJEUNE MARINES MIL
Photo by Cpl. Austin Long
A Marine with 2nd AA battalion waits for the command to fire from the range safety officer. As part of the basics, Marines fired from the 100 yard line with and without gas mask to become accustomed to the differences and to gain confidence with the weapon systems and tactics used on various missions.
LOGISTICS
Training Evolution 2nd AAV Bn Marines’ confidence, readiness improves through training exercises CPL. AUSTIN LONG 2nd Marine Division
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eployments to Afghanistan had Marines in the 2nd Amphibious Assault Battalion operating as riflemen, rather than amphibious assault vehicle crewmen. Now that the war in Afghanistan is beginning to wind down, the battalion wants to draw focus back on amphibious operations while still maintaining readiness and confidence in performing dismounted operations. From Feb 24 to March 1, 2nd AA battalion trained in two areas, mounted and dismounted techniques. The training is a two-part evolution. One part is for the Marines to gain confidence with rifles, patrols, maneuver drills, raids and fire, while the other part is to practice amphibious operations, tactics, and movements with the vehicles said Sgt. Richard Wheeler, section leader. “For the first part of the firing portion we had Marines doing the basics, just to get them used to the weapon again,” said Wheeler. “We had them doing controlled pairs,
hammer pairs, box drills and basic turns and pivots with a rifle.” A controlled pair is a slow, twoshot sequence. The purpose is to accurately and effectively engage an enemy. A hammer pair is a two-shot sequence, judged by how close the shots are together on the target. The reason for quick, closely placed shots is because it creates a larger wound on the enemy and produces a more fatal result, according to the marksmanship coaches. The box pair drill teaches Marines how to engage multiple enemy targets using controlled pairs followed by either a head or groin shot to both enemies. “The training is more focused on real-life scenarios,” said Staff Sgt. Christopher Mullins, a platoon sergeant. “Also it’s to allow the Marines to gain confidence with weapons. The more you shoot, the more comfortable and precise you are.” After a shaky start, Marines trained and improved as the week continued. “The first day, we saw some of the Marines shaking, but over time they became more confident. From start to finish we were been able to notice a drastic change for
the better,” r,” said Wheeler. The fire re and maneuver portion were re influenced by both th Marine Corps instr uct i o n booklets and experiences from m Marines in the company who deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan, Wheeler said. id. “I thought ht the shooting part of training really lly helped,” said Lance Cpl. Cody Mayle, a crew chief. “It’s not just a yearly rifle range. It allows them to practice the closequarters shooting they could experience in combat.” The leadership believes Marines should be balanced throughout the areas they operate in. Just knowing the vehicle side of their job is not enough. “Overall. we want the Marines to be balanced,” said Master Sgt. Shawn Johnson, the first sergeant and ops chief. “You can’t just be good at your job. We want them to be both technically and combat effective.” “The AAV is our primary
weapon system. As the Marine Corps gets back to its amphibious roots, it’s extremely important we’re able to deploy the amtrack in support of ground combat units; specifically tanks and infantry,” said 2nd Lt. Daniel Wallenstein, a platoon commander. “The vehicles have a .50 caliber machine gun and MK19 (40mm grenade launcher) able to provide heavy volumes of fire to help units complete their objectives,” said Wallenstein. “We’re also able to cover multiple terrains while traveling at 45 mph and carrying an
Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune
A health-and-comfort inspection into each room, office and common area throughout the barracks of 8th Engineer Support Battalion aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune revealed more than just contraband March 4. Staff noncommissioned officers and officers probed drawers, closets, ventilation shafts and any place a sneaky
service member could hide contraband during the inspection directed by the commanding officer of 8th ESB with support from the Provost Marshall’s Office, 2nd Law Enforcement Battalion, Jacksonville Police Department and the base’s Special Response Team. “We supported the battalion commander’s health-and-comfort inspection with coordinated assets (from local and base law enforcement),” said John Murray, the II Marine Expeditionary
Force director of Force Preservation. “This integrated support is all part of the II MEF Counter Drug Campaign and is the first of many operations to come.” The campaign supplements already existing substance abuse programs and is intended to provide a huge blow to drug threats across II MEF. Since November 2012, the campaign resulted in random vehicle checks at all entry points to local installations and a MEFwide urinalysis. “This is unprecedented,”
News Briefs
SEE TRAINING 11A
Barracks health, comfort inspection reveals contraband LANCE CPL. JACKELINE M. PEREZ RIVERA
Photo by Cpl. Austin Long
2nd AA Battalion stages amphibious assault vehicles before leaving the ramp to do last minute communication checks, gear checks, and accountability.
Lejeune pups turn tides 1B
Photo by Lance Cpl. Jackeline M. Perez Rivera
A Marine was apprehended March 4 after a narcotic was found in his living quarters at the barracks. said Maj. Mark Bai- types of inspections and ley, the provost marshal other nontraditional with Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune. “These SEE CONTRABAND 11A
Families celebrate St. Paddy’s Day Picnic 1C