Non-lethal weapons manage crowds
Marines train for riot control
USMC News
Story Identification Number: 20033260944
Story by Lance Cpl. Shawn J. Vincent
CAMP FOSTER, Okinawa, Japan(March 26, 2003) -- Protesters engulf the streets, venting their anger and famine, screaming while holding their picket signs, "We want cheese! We're starving!"
A detachment of Marines from Marine Wing Support Squadron-172, who have been chosen as the security detachment for a potential deployment, practiced simulated riots recently.
"Our goal is to control the chaos in a riot, find and pull aside the leader, and negotiate with them," said Staff Sgt. Marlon A. Villacres, Engineer Company Gunnery Sergeant, MWSS-1172.
With a recent outbreak of various different protests, riot control training is a valuable asset to possess.
"We see riots on the news everyday now like it's become a 'norm. It is our job to control them, if put in that situation," he said.
"We would use this training in any situation which involves or endangers Marines, for example a civilian riot due to lack of food or other needs," Villacres said.
Non-lethal weapons, including batons, helmets, shields, handcuffs, plexicuffs, pepper spray, 0-chlorobenzalmalononitrile (CS gas), bean bags, foam rounds, and pressure point tactics are the keys to success in controlling a riot.
"It's important to train with non-lethal weapons to practice de-escalating the situation at hand," said Gunnery Sgt. Thomas L. Johnson, mobile training team, military police.
Getting a taste of their own medicine, all of the Marines involved in the simulated riots got to participate in the different positions.
"We all got our turn to play the shield holder, baton holder, and aggressor, so we all know what it is like in each situation," said Sgt. Jason G. Peterson, a heavy equipment operator with MWSS-172.
"The most difficult part of the training was the realization of how intense and mean the crowds can get. It was such an adrenaline and panic rush," Peterson said.
Training for every situation, the Marines of MWSS-172 realize the danger in a crowd of angry and determined rioters.
"Rioting in an urban environment creates a list of possible threats which need to be addressed. We have to stay on top of the game and stay prepared for the changing world situation, and this is a good first step," said 1st Lt. James A. Curtis, Engineer Company commanding officer, MWSS-172. Curtis currently serves as the Officer In Charge of the security detachment.
Due to numerous deployments that U.S. Marines are on currently, along with potential future deployments, being prepared for any contingency is important.
"With the turmoil in the world today, you never know when training becomes reality and you have to use it in security. The Marine Corps is a force in readiness, so we must always be prepared," Peterson said.
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