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MWSS-271 readies for possible Iraq deployment

Marine Corps News

Story Identification #: 2004101592241
Story by Lance Cpl. Adam Testagrossa

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, N.C. (Oct. 7, 2004) -- The sounds of the M-16 service rifle and squad automatic weapon fire echoing off of buildings, dummy grenades and smoke grenades filling the air, are all part of the Stability and Support Operations training at Camp Lejeune for Marine Wing Support Squadron 271.

For 3 days, MWSS-271 got down and dirty. The Marines trained intensely to prepare themselves in the instance they are given the order to deploy. Almost 200 Marines were involved, or roughly a third of the squadron. The Marines of MWSS-271 currently have their combat engineers training in Florida, motor t and air operations companies in Yuma, Ariz. and running Forward Arming and Refueling Points at WTI.

"I think everything went well," said MWSS-271 training officer Myles H. Baer. "Small unit leadership at first was very rough, but after the second day the Non-Commissioned officers were getting the hang of it."

This is the first time for the whole squadron, said Baer. The Squadron's Provisional Rifle Platoon was trained in SASO techniques by Baer, Gunnery Sgt. Kelderman, and Special Operations Training Group.

Planning for the training portion of the operation dates back to August 10.
The highlight of the training was the downed vehicle scenario. The Marine were split up into two groups in a good guy bad guy scenario. The aggressors or bad guys had to stop the Marines from rescuing a downed vehicle while dealing with the aggressive locals who are attacking them with gun fire, incendiary devices and trip mines. The Marines were able to tie together all the classes and training they had received and see for themselves the progression in training they had made.

Baer was satisfied with the feedback from the Marines after the training completed. Looking at each Marine working together gave a great sense of unit cohesion.

"It is not everyday these guys get to do this type of thing," said Bear. They realized it was their first time and the Marines made room for improvement. Baer said he thinks the training was beneficial for both the enlisted and officers because every Marine was involved and executed their role to the best of their ability under harsh conditions.

"The Marines of MWSS-271 know that the odds for them to be called on to run such missions may not be as great as other units however, I know the Marines are confident in their NCO leadership and will be able to get the job done," said Baer.