MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. -- Marines patiently watched the windows, streets and rooftops of the Military Operations in Urban Terrain facility knowing danger could strike at any moment. Sniper threats, improvised explosive devices and hostile crowds plagued the streets as these Marines worked their way through various scenarios here Jan. 23.
These Marines, nicknamed the Warlords, of Weapons Company, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, bombarded the MOUT facility during the first day of the Battalion’s Field Exercise in preparation for a deployment to Iraq.
“We discuss the mission with platoon leaders and platoon sergeants,” said Brian Walsh, the mission manager of the MOUT facility. “After discussing the mission, we tailor the town for each unit.”
Various situations lurked around each corner, mimicking Iraqi lifestyles
and activities. Nearly 60 Iraqi role-players roamed the streets, giving the
Marines a chance to practice their cultural skills.
“This tests the squad leader’s abilities to handle situations and pass orders to negotiate their way through scenarios,” Walsh said.
The MOUT facility is comprised of four streets, also called lanes. Different challenges waited to challenge the Marines’ abilities to investigate and stop individuals who would cause harm by any means possible.
“It’s good training being able to be in a place with these surroundings,” said Lance Cpl. Gary Babb, a machine gunner with the battalion. “They do such a good job with pyrotechnics, and there is something different in every corner.”
The Warlords conducted an after action review of the previous events after passing through each lane. They received valuable lessons on their strengths and flaws during these reviews. Their Marine leaders and civilian contractors who run the facility answered any questions the Marines had.
“I’m learning how to interact with the Iraqi people,” said Pfc. Joshua Osborne, an assaultman with the battalion. “It’s bringing the team closer
together and gives us a better understanding of what to expect in Iraq.”
Actual Iraqi-American role players including a town mayor, civilians and police officers lived life in relative peace. The Marines got a great chance to see some of the events they will witness overseas and learned about customs and courtesies of a culture far different from their own.
“A variety of scenarios are set up around the town from weddings to funerals” Walsh said. “There are hostile crowds, rocket-propelled grenade attacks, Vehicle Borne Improvised Explosive Devices and snipers. All of these situations will better prepare the Marines for their upcoming rotation in Iraq.”
Some Marines knew the town like the back of their hands while others experienced their first time at the MOUT facility. The instructors still came up with ways to challenge the more experienced Warlords’ leadership abilities. One Marine says there is no such thing as being too prepared.
“You can never get enough training,” said Lance Cpl. Chris Newman, a machine gunner with the battalion. “We know that here we’re making mistakes that in Iraq we can’t afford to.”
The whole battalion will rotate through the MOUT facility over the five-day exercise. Each company’s mission will determine the challenges they will encounter, preparing the Warlords for their future deployment to Iraq.