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Division staff gives MEF a boost for UFL

Marine Corps News

Release Date: 8/28/2003

Story by Cpl. Ryan D. Libbert

CAMP HANSEN, Okinawa, Japan(Aug. 29, 2003) -- More than 400 Marines and Sailors from 3rd Marine Division geared up for two weeks of training in the Central Training Area for exercise to support exercise Ulchi Focus Lens 2003.

Exercise UFL, primarily taking place in Korea, is a command post exercise in which the staff of III Marine Expeditionary Force, 1st Marine Air Wing, 3rd Force Service Support Group and 3rd Marine Division train for possible conflict in Korea.

"This exercise prepares the battle staff of the division for possible contingencies in a Korean conflict," said Capt. Virgilio G. Arcega, operations officer for Headquarters Battalion, 3rd Marine Division. "A staff is formed within all the major commands involved and a scenario is presented to them through computer simulation."

Although the division could not fight alongside their fellow Marines in Korea, they were still able to participate from their locations at LZs Falcon and Pigeon through the help of attachments from various communication units.

"Due to certain restrictions such as funding, we were not able to deploy the division to Camp Mu Juk in Korea for the exercise," Arcega explained. "Due to the tremendous help from our attachments we're still able to participate through the help of our communication assets."

The task of sending and receiving information vital to the exercise is entrusted to Marines like Sgt. Monclova Rodriguez, radio operator with Communications Company, 3rd Mar Div.

"Our job out here is to provide communication services and configurations for the various (Combat Operations Centers) as well as monitoring all the networks," the Ocala, Fla., native stated. "The tasking is pretty steady but it can get really hectic whenever communication problems arise."

During the exercise, the bulk of the Marines that were responsible for building the base camp, also received training while the division battle staff conducted UFL.

"Not all Marines will be stuck behind a desk doing collateral duties in times of combat," said Master Sgt. Tyrone C. Alexander, headquarters commandant for exercise UFL. "We're training the Marines on common battle skills and familiarizing them with field environments."

As for the overall experience, exercise UFL has been an enjoyable trip to the field so Marines can do what Marines are meant to do said Cpl. Chelsie L. Fors, administrative clerk for Headquarters Battalion, 3rd Mar Div.

"I'm having a good time out here," the San Antonio, Texas native said. "I like what I do and the people around me are really motivating."