MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. -- Marines with Combat Engineer Battalion and 2nd Tank Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, joined together for a field exercise Nov. 12 through Nov. 13 in which they conducted breaching and clearing techniques aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune. The units worked together to complete the course with little to no problems.
The Marines that attended the field exercise were out in the field for two days with the first day preparing for the breaching and clearing course. The breaching and clearing course was executed on the second day of the field exercise.
1st Lieutenant John Hopson the Platoon Commander for Alpha Company, 2nd CEB, 2nd Marine Division, said “We [Tanks and CEB] had to work together today to complete the breaching and clearing course successfully.” During the exercise Ten M1 Abrahms Main Battle Tanks joined a group of Assault Breacher Vehicles to conduct the exercise.
“We conducted a deliberate breach exercise during the field exercise in which we are conducting mechanized breaching along with Tanks,” said Hopson.
The Marines in the field worked alongside each other to complete the course without error.
Corporal Dakota Day a vehicle commander for an Assault Breacher Vehicle, 2nd CEB, said that the exercise went well and that there were little to no problems while working with the Marines from the Tank Battalion.
The training gives Marines the practice they need to be able to perform in a combat zone.
“This training is to give us an opportunity to advise, plan and coordinate our efforts to breach enemy obstacles,” said Hopson.
Tanks and CEB conduct these techniques.
“It depends on the situation in combat to wether or not the breach and clearing techniques we use are needed or not,” said Hopson.
Not knowing when you are going to be needed means to always be ready to the Marines from CEB and Tanks.
“Weather its out at field exercises, in the dig ditch or running the tank trails, we practice every chance we get,” said Day.