• Military Menu                       

• Introduction
• Systems
• Facilities
• Agencies
• Industry
• Operations
• Countries
• Hot Documents
• News
• Reports
• Policy
• Budget
• Congress
• Links

• WMD
• Intelligence
• Homeland Security
• Space

"America's Battalion" trains with Philippine Marines Companies combine paramount strength

Story by Lance Cpl. Shawn J. Vincent
Story Identification Number: 200321321154

TERNATE CAVITE, PHILIPPINES(Feb. 10, 2003) -- Throughout the Philippine Interoperability Exchange exercise, also know as the Marine Interoperability Exchange exercise (MIX), L and I Companies from 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, have brought keen insight to their counterpart Philippine Marines.

Both companies attribute their success to the camaraderie they share within the battalion.

"Lima and India (Companies) are tight. All of (the battalion) is close. We're all good friends because of our experiences together," said Cpl. Kevin F. Hacker, rifleman, fire-team leader, 2nd platoon, I Company, 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment. "Hard charging is the only words to describe Lima Company. They have awesome super squads, and have outstanding Marines."

Likewise, L Company recognizes the energy I Company exerts during training hours.

"They are all extremely proficient at their jobs, and if there was one company I would have to be in a helicopter with, it would without a doubt be India," said Lance Cpl. Justin L. Steele, rifleman, fire-team leader, 1st platoon, L Company.

At Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, warriors from the two companies went through Special Operations Training Group (SOTG) together.

"SOTG teaches everything someone would need to know about special operations, the course doesn't miss anything," said L Company corpsmen Yoel E. Baronehernandez.

While L Company went through courses to become scout swimmers and coxswains (boat operators), I Company went through courses to make them more proficient in their jobs.

"In a real world operation, one scenario would be that India Company would fly in about a mile into the shoreline, drop down and provide security for Lima Company to raid the beaches in the boats - an amphibious landing," Hacker said.

"Working together, the two companies performance would be a pure success. We provide each other the equipment for mission accomplishment, which wouldn't work without the other's help," he said.

Although the two companies are not working side by side throughout the entire duration of PIX, both companies have been working hard with their Philippine counterparts.

"We truly enjoy working in different environments, and practicing amphibious operations...I Company enjoys practicing helicopter operations," Steele said.

With several operations and exercises to come, the battalion's dynamic duo is sure to link up again in the future.

"Lima and India are power companies. We have a mission and we get it done, proficiently. We both work hard...and deservingly, we both play hard," Hacker said.