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MSSG-13 license Command Element, BLT 1/1, HMM-163 (Rein) Marines for tactical vehicles

USMC News

Story Identification Number: 20033201341
Story by Sgt. Mark P. Ledesma

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif.(March 13, 2003) -- Motor transportation plays a key role in the Marine Corps' mission, whether it is transporting troops or equipment. For the limited motor transportation Marines assigned to the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, supporting all three MEU components is a great responsibility.

To accommodate the numerous requests for support, the Marine Expeditionary Unit Service Support Group 13 motor transportation Marines give lessons to 13th MEU Marines from the Command Element, Battalion Landing Team 1/1 and Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 163 (Rein) on how to operate various tactical vehicles.

"We take Marines who practically know nothing about the specific vehicle they are learning to drive and mold them to licensed operators of that vehicle," said 26-year-old Sgt. Casey N. McCullin, motor transport operations chief and licensing noncommissioned officer, MSSG-13.

The courses cover different aspects of the vehicles such as safety, maintenance and operations.

"The maintenance portion teaches the Marines how to do minor maintenance such as fluid changes and inspections," said McCullin.

Safe operation of the vehicles is highly stressed, said McCullin. The students are taught to strictly follow the speed limits and to be constantly aware of their surroundings.

"The most important thing I learned from the course is the safety precautions of driving a HMMWV (High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle) while carrying troops," said 22-year-old Lance Cpl. Clinton E. Greve, HMM-163 (Rein) ordnance technician, while going through the M1123 HMMWV course. The M1123 HMMWV is a troop carrying variation of the vehicle.

According to McCullin, if training grounds are available, the students experience driving on different types of terrains.

"If possible, we take the vehicle to its maximum capabilities," said McCullin.

The purpose of taking the vehicle on rugged terrains is to build the students' confidence on the vehicle and their driving, said McCullin.

"When the Marines have an actual mission they have to accomplish, it eliminates any worries they might have about the vehicle making it through an obstacle," said McCullin. "They learn what obstacles the vehicles can overcome and what it can't."

According to Greve, HMMWVs are essential to his unit's mission because they are used to transport ordnance.

"Going through the course is a great learning experience," said Greve. "Not everyone gets an opportunity to drive a HMMWV. I'm also a better asset to my unit now because I'm getting my license."

To be license for a tactical vehicle, Marines must pass the Base Validation Test, which covers safe driving and California driving laws, and the tactical vehicle test, which covers specific characteristics of the vehicle.

"The students must also have 40 hours of driving time and pass the road test," said McCullin.

According to McCullin, the tactical vehicle courses are ongoing. As the licensing NCO, McCullin has taught numerous students from different 13th MEU units on driving various tactical vehicles.