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3/2 Marines charge up to deploy

Marine Corps News

Story Identification #: 200523151948
Story by Lance Cpl. Lucian Friel

MARINE CORPS AIR GROUND COMBAT TRAINING CENTER TWENTYNINE PALMS, Calif. (Feb. 3, 2005) -- With deployment to Iraq on the horizon, the Marines of 3rd Battalion, 2d Marine Regiment participated in one last training evolution.

They participated in the Combined Arms Exercise training and Security and Stabilization Operations Jan. 7-28.

The Marines hit the ground running when they arrived in Southern California’s Mojave Desert.

During CAX the battalion participated in a number of live-fire exercise and movements to prepare the Marines for shooting on the move and moving as a cohesive unit. They conducted both squad and company sized attacks, convoy operations and other live-fire ranges using various weapon systems.

“This was our last training exercise. It was centered on what we are going to be doing. It was as real as it was going to get,” said Staff Sgt. Benjamin C. Ricard, the battalion’s assistant operations chief.

After CAX the Marines were bused to March Air Reserve Base in Moreno Valley, Calif., where they conducted SASO training at an abandoned base housing neighborhood.

The Marines were faced with the task of setting up stable firm bases in this neighborhood and fortifying their positions.

The conducted patrols, convoys and humanitarian operations throughout the “town” while interacting with role-playing Iraqi civilians, who tested the Marines’ ability to handle the local people surrounding their firm bases.

“This training opened everybody’s eyes. It made the doubters believe in what they are doing and we all realize the obstacles we will face and how to overcome them,” explained the Cartersville, Ga., native.

The Marines were challenged with Improvised Explosive Devices, irate locals and other situations that could happen while the Marines are deployed.

As 3rd Battalion, 2d Marines prepare to deploy to Iraq in a couple weeks they have completed their last training evolution and are ready to accomplish their mission in Iraq.

“There is not one doubt in my mind that we are prepared. All Marines should go through this training because this is where we will be for the next several years and Iraq will be the Marines’ focus,” Ricard said.