Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C. -- Marines with 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, performed squad attacks and live fire exercises as part of their training for future deployments, aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., July 26, 2011.
The squads went on simulated patrols until reaching their objective point where silhouette targets popped up and the Marines fired live rounds at the targets.
The sounds of M16 assault rifles, machine-gun teams and M203 grenade launchers tested the mental and physical will of the Marines to accomplish their goal.
“This is the first time a lot of the Marines are doing something like this since (the school of infantry) and they performed great,” said Lance Cpl. Peter Trudeau, the squad leader for 2nd Squad, 2nd Platoon, Charlie Company. “The most important training we can get as infantry and Marines are the live fire exercises that will prepare us for future deployments.”
Five squads performed the mock exercise successfully, with only minor mistakes. The practice benefited each Marine as they became more fluent in their squad’s movements after running through the exercise.
“Most of the Marines in my squad haven’t deployed or have seen combat, so it’s very beneficial performing this exercise, and it adds to their knowledge of how to respond if we take contact in country,” said Trudeau. “We perform a lot of mock operations throughout the year, and each one is great practice when they are performed right and we performed great here at this exercise.”
2nd Lt. Michael Smith, the platoon commander for 2nd Platoon, said tactics, techniques and procedures are all put into practice when Marines perform their job. Ranges and live fire exercises like this improve on those abilities.
“We strive to do realistic training because it benefits the Marines the most,” said Smith. “They did a very good job given the experience level, and we look forward to doing more training like this in the near future.”