Lance Cpl. Joe Escobedo, a rifleman with Golf Company, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, looks toward a target after conducting a squad attack aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., July 28. The training incorporated multiple weapon systems, including the M16A4 service rifle, M203 grenade launcher, Shoulder-launched Multipurpose Assault Weapon and M249 Squad Automatic Weapon to help increase interoperability between weapons in training operations. (

Photo by Cpl. Lucas Hopkins

Pushing through: 2/2 conducts squad attack exercise

28 Jul 2015 | Cpl. Lucas Hopkins 2nd Marine Division

CAMP LEJEUNE, North Carolina --

Marines with Golf Company, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, conducted a squad attack exercise on range L-5 aboard Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, July 28, 2015.

The training pushed three squads from the company’s 1st and 2nd platoons through the course. The Marines moved stealthily through the woods, two machine gunners helped suppress a makeshift enemy position on the range by providing suppressing fire.

“This training allows our squads to use support from Weapons Platoon and work on their fire and maneuver,” said 1st Lt. Patrick Kolb, a platoon commander with the unit.

The Marines began the training by gathering at an assembly area before progressing toward the objective. As they approached the assault point, the machine gunners fired at the targets, aiding the other Marines in taking out the enemy.

Small-unit leadership and interoperability between the different sections played a key role throughout the evolution.

“This really helps unit cohesion,” said Sgt. Robert Davis, a squad leader with the unit. “It helps build the communication between the squad leader and fire team leaders while also allowing us to work with other elements.”

By combining the skills of riflemen, assault men, mortar men and machine gunners, and using the firepower from weapons like the Shoulder-launched Multipurpose Assault Weapon and M249 Squad Automatic Weapon, the Marines feel confident in their ability to accomplish any mission at hand.

“We all have specialized jobs, and when we come together, we can do those jobs better,” said Davis.

The Marines of Golf Company are staying prepared for future training and potential real-world operations.

“This sets the conditions for us to conduct a night live-fire with machine gunners shifting fire toward a moving element,” said Kolb. “It also helps us prepare for our upcoming deployment with the Unit Deployment Program.

After the last rounds had been shot, the Marines ran off the battlefield, sweaty, tired and ready for what’s next to come.

“Like anything in the Marine Corps, you always have somewhere to improve,” said Kolb. “This range allows everyone to leave feeling accomplished.”