Rising to the occasion
ELMACO trains for future deployments
USMC News
Story Identification Number: 2003225185647
Story by Cpl. Trevor M. Carlee
CAMP KINSER, Okinawa, Japan(Feb. 20, 2003) -- The Marines of Electronics Maintenance Company, 3rd Materiel Readiness Battalion, 3rd Force Service Support Group, recently conducted a capability exercise here to practice for future deployments.
The company, also known as ELMACO, chose not to deploy for training as a unit due to the large amount of logistical support required from external units, according to Chief Warrant Officer-3 Charles McCarrell, maintenance officer, ELMACO. Therefore, ELMACO Marines constructed a simulated field area where they could practice their work as if they were deployed.
McCarrell said the exercise affords Marines the opportunity to learn more about their job, how to set up vans that serve as deployable maintenance shelters, and how to put up camouflage netting.
"All of us learned something new in putting up the new `cammie' netting; we were used to the old style," the Boley, Okla., native said.
McCarrell explained that ELMACO's mission in the Marine Corps is to provide intermediate maintenance for electronic repair and calibration to III Marine Expeditionary Force.
ELMACO is comprised of four different sections, according to McCarrell. They include the radio, computer/switchboard, circuit card and calibration repair sections. Since all ELMACO jobs are electronic related, McCarrell said the Marines are able to perform numerous tasks.
With a variety of different job sections, a lot of equipment is required to carry out ELMACO's mission. Because it wouldn't be economically feasible to deploy all of it's equipment for training, ELMACO does not deploy as a full unit. It only deploys as a unit if it is involved in an exercise with III Marine Expeditionary Force, according to McCarrell.
McCarrell further stated that this exercise is good for testing capabilities, training Marines and getting them ready for future deployments.
"This whole operation is very helpful in honing the skills of our Marines for the world's current situation," he said.
ELMACO experiences a high turnover rate with Marines rotating in and out of the unit. By the time the Marines reach the efficiency level needed to perform well in the field, they are preparing to move to another duty station.
"It may be a challenge to keep our Marines here but while they are here, they are motivated Marines," McCarrell stated.
McCarrell said the ELMACO Marines rise to the occasion when called upon. The exercise runs two 12-hour shifts for two weeks and provides the Marines enough work to stay busy.
"I feel like I get more work done here than I do in the lab," said Lance Cpl. Vinh Truong, calibration technician. "Plus, it's nice and cozy in here."
McCarrell said this training helps Marines become proficient in their jobs when they're operating in a deployed environment.
"This (exercise) gives us a chance to understand deployment operations a little more," explained Lance Cpl. Joseph Walkowiak, radio repairman. "Although I would prefer to do this training out in the field and really feel what it's like, I believe I'll walk away from this exercise with a better understanding of doing my job in a deployed environment."
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