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CAMP HANSEN, Japan - From the rooftops of buildings to the
streets winding throughout the base, the Marines tested their skills
in nearly every situation they could face in combat.
Marines
of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit's Air Naval Gunfire Liaison
Company detachment, along with members of 5th ANGLICO, honed their
combat proficiencies during a two-day training event on October
30-31, 2013.
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Marines with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit's Air Naval
Gunfire Liaison Company detachment treat a simulated casualty while
arranging an evacuation during a sustainment training event on
October 31, 2013. The detachment, along with members of 5th ANGLICO,
honed their numerous combat proficiencies during a two-day training
session. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by
Sgt. Paul Robbins)
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Basic patrolling and security, combat life-saving,
landing zone selection, casualty evacuation and “talking-on”
close air support were the primary skills practiced during
the training. As a support element that can be attached to
any Marine unit for nearly any contingency, an intimate
understanding of a diverse range of skills is a must.
“As fire supporters, we are expected to be proficient in
a wide variety of tasks outside of our primary duties and we
must train to many different standards,” said Capt. Jasen E. Lee, a firepower control team leader for the
ANGLICO Detachment, 31st MEU.
The first event
brought two ANGLICO teams to the rooftops of headquarters
buildings, providing them adequate distance and elevated
viewpoints for coordination. From their high vantage point,
the teams used each other to “talk-on” notional aircraft to
a target. Talking-on involves using a reference point, an
object or terrain feature, that can be seen by the pilot of
the supporting aircraft and the fire controller to ensure
both parties positively identify the target.
“Talk-ons
can often be complicated, therefore we need to practice them
often,” said Lee, a native of San Jose, Calif.
On
the second day of training, nearly all of the skills
required of ANGLICO Marines were tested in realistic
scenarios. The teams donned flak jackets and Kevlar helmets,
grabbed their radios and rifles, and stepped off on a
three-hour foot patrol.
ANGLICO team leaders serving
as evaluators simulated enemy contact at pre-determined
patrol points, in the form of an improvised explosive device
or sniper fire. Then, a Navy corpsman accompanying the group
assigned specific injuries and evaluated the Marines'
treatment of the patient. After the patient was stabilized,
the Marines located an LZ, called for CASEVAC, and got the
wounded Marine safely onto the notional aircraft.
“With training like today, we try and create a stressful
environment so Marines learn how to think through these
situations,” said Cpl. Stephen W. Vandersteeg, a joint fires
observer for the ANGLICO detachment, 31st MEU, and a native
of Memphis, Tenn. “With our guys, especially the newer ones,
this type of training is huge for confidence.”
Each
team member rotated jobs within the squad, from team leader
to radio operator to rifleman, providing the broadest range
of experience to the Marines. The simulations involved
detailed radio reports to higher command, transporting
non-ambulatory wounded, land navigation, setting security
perimeters, LZ selection, guiding aircraft and more.
The training ensured the Marines of the ANGLICO
detachment sustain their depth of knowledge and are
comfortable in applying what they know.
“We pride
ourselves in not only being good at our own jobs, but being
capable of performing the jobs of the men to our left and
right,” said Cpl. Patrick Heinen, a joint fires observer for
the ANGLICO detachment, 31st MEU, and a native of Lamar, Mo.
“This training helps to ensure that regardless of the
circumstances, ANGLICO teams will be able to perform.”
The ANGLICO detachment provides the 31st MEU commander a
liaison capability that plans, coordinates, and conducts
terminal control of fires in support of joint, allied and
coalition forces. Most recently, the Marines of ANGLICO were
attached to 3rd Brigade, Royal Australian Army, serving as
fire support liaisons for bilateral training in Australia
following exercise Talisman Saber 13.
The 31st MEU
is the Marine Corps' force in readiness for the Asia-Pacific
region and the only continuously forward deployed MEU.
By USMC Sgt. Paul Robbins
Provided
through DVIDS
Copyright 2013
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