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"War Dawgs" bite into training 2/7 returns from training in Korea

Marine Corps News

12/29/2002

Story by Cpl. Ryan D. Libbert

CAMP SCHWAB, Okinawa, Japan(Dec. 20, 2002) -- The "War Dawgs" of 2nd Battalion 7th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, returned to Okinawa this week from Korean Intergraded Training Program 1-03, a month-long training exercise that allowed U.S. and Republic of Korea Marines to conduct bilateral training.

Deployed here from Twentynine Palms, Calif., the battalion left for Korea at the beginning of November. The Marines' experiences were both diverse and exciting, according to Lt. Col. James A. Cameron, commanding officer.

"KITP (Korean Integrated Training Program) was a great experience for the Marines to get off Okinawa and see a different country as well as their culture," the Hampton Beach, N.H., native said. "One of the main reasons we come to Okinawa is for regional engagement, and to have a unique opportunity to work closely with our allies." "This deployment gave us an opportunity to work on our skills and maintain our proficiency. It gave us a chance to talk to people very different from us." Cameron added.

According to Sgt. Maj. Charles D. Castle, battalion sergeant major, the training that took place kept the Marines busy on a regular basis.

"While in Korea, we experienced different types of training," the Newport News, Va., native said. "The Marines got to do some mountain warfare training, squad attacks, long-range movements across rugged terrain, and a three-day field operation against a battalion of R.O.K. (Republic of Korea) Marines."

"All the training we conducted was done jointly with the Republic of Korea Marines," Castle added. "During the FTX (Field Training Exercise), the R.O.K. (Republic of Korea) Marines were in the defense and we were in the offense, and then we traded up. Interpreters were also present to help bridge the gap made by the language barrier."

Cameron and Castle both pointed out the many challenges that stood in the way and how their Marines overcame them. "The weather was very cold," Cameron said. "The temperature was in the twenties most of the time; the wind was blowing 15 to 20 knots. It was a good experience for us to hone our cold-weather training while we were there."

Castle also reflected on the more memorable parts of the deployment.

"The tour that we had the opportunity to take of the Korean Demilitarized Zone was pretty incredible," Castle said. "Being there in person and experiencing it in 'real-time' is nothing compared to what you see in a picture or on TV. Being there and actually seeing the sites like the 'bridge of no return' and the North Koreans and their weapons, it becomes more real to you than what you find in a book."

Cameron said the attitude of the Republic of Korea Marine Corps was very positive towards the battalion.

"The treatment we received from them was extremely good. The people in general were very friendly and very open. They treated my Marines extremely well; we felt very welcome and comfortable," Cameron said.