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Marines sharpen MOUT skills

USMC News

Story Identification Number: 200342320749
Story by Sgt. Daniel L. Patterson

CAMP SCHWAB, Okinawa, Japan(April 24, 2003) -- Nearly 40 Marines from the Motor Transportation, Supply and Administration Sections from Combat Assault Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, recently participated in combat training, unique to their military occupational specialties.

The Marines, who normally spend their days on administrative duties, driving, fixing vehicles and storing supplies, spent two days learning and practicing Military Operations in Urban Terrain before their practical application exercise.

The Marines ate, slept and conducted all training in a field environment.

"The exercise was put together to give the Marines a chance to do something different. They don't get a chance to do this type training often," said Staff Sgt. Pete Conklin, truck master, Motor Transportation, Combat Assault Battalion.

During the exercise, the Marines learned the basics skills to conduct combat operations in an urban environment. They learned how to clear buildings, stairwells and rooms using two or four-man teams.

"The course teaches small groups to work as one and how to communicate effectively with each other," said Cpl. Justin L. Phillips, infantryman and MOUT instructor, E Company, 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division.

Every Marine carried his own M16-A2 service rifle during the operation. The weapons were used for both offensive and defensive positions during the exercise.

The aggressors took a defensive role during the exercise to ensure their buildings were not taken over. Marines conducting troop movements took on an active role to engage their targets, but also kept their guard up against the aggressors.

The classes were taught using the crawl-walk-run method to ensure the Marines understood everything they were taught.

"We started off slow to build their confidence and slowly progressed to them actually conducting various scenarios on their own," Phillips explained.

Aggressors tried hard to stop the opposing four-man-teams from accomplishing their missions, however, the teams succeeded in completing their tasks.

The aggressors took out many members of the teams by firing simulated paint rounds from their rifles. The opposing teams also had rounds, and returned fire on the aggressors.

As part of the exercise, the simulated casualties played a big role in the final mission. The Marines had to move the injured to a casualty collection point to be evaluated for their injuries.

The overall success of the exercise has sharpened the Marines' skills.

According to Conklin, the Marines did well. He also emphasized the importance of sustaining what they learned.

Although the training only lasted three days, it ensures the Marines know they can perform under stressful environments.

"As Marines, we need to be prepared for anything, no matter what our military occupational specialty is," said Pfc. Daniel O. Ramirez, dispatcher, Motor Transportation, CAB.

Throughout the training evolution the Marines put everything they had into making the exercise successful.

"These Marines had a positive attitude and were eager to learn for the entire exercise," Phillips concluded.