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U.S., Indonesian Marines Patrol Java

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS080730-05
Release Date: 7/30/2008 4:00:00 PM

By Lance Cpl. Andrew S. Avitt, Commander, Task Force 73 Public Affairs

BALURAN, Indonesia (NNS) -- U.S. Marines from 3rd Marines Combat Assault Company (CAC) and Indonesian Marines with 3rd Marine Infantry Battalion trained together in the Indonesian hills July 22.

After exchanging tactics on patrolling, the troops set out on a five-kilometer joint patrol exercise at the Marine Camp Baluran Training Center.

As part of this year's week-long naval engagement activity (NEA) between the two countries, U.S. Marines taught their Indonesian counterparts satellite patrolling techniques, a tactic used in urban environments, and the Indonesians taught the U.S. forces how they conduct jungle patrols.

Lance Cpl. Jared Carlson, instructor for the satellite patrolling class and a CAC fire team leader, noted the key differences between patrol techniques. Jungle patrols usually stay together along a designated route; satellite patrols split up to cover a larger area.

The low visibility and difficult terrain in the jungle make it challenging to establish landmarks. As a result, teams had to rely on land navigation.

"When you're in the jungle, you can't really say, 'Hey, I'm by the tree,'" said Cpl. Kenneth Lansdell, a fire team leader with CAC. "We have to stay together, or we run the risk of getting lost."

The downside is that a single group presents a perfect target for the hit-and-run tactics often used by guerrillas. With satellite patrols, ambushes are less likely.

Once the teams were underway, the action soon started. Not more than 20 minutes into the exercise, Marines received simulated fire from a nearby ridge.

Responding to the threat, Cpl. Jacey Mark's fire team moved to neutralize the hidden gunman.

Platoon Commander 1st Lt. Muhammad Kharis of the Indonesian Marines said it is not easy to gain the advantage against skilled forces.

"The U.S. Marines displayed great knowledge in tactics," Kharis said.

The NEA is part of an annual series of bilateral maritime training exercises between the United States and several Southeast Asian nations designed to build relationships and enhance the operational readiness of the participating forces.

For more news from Commander Task Force 73, visit www.navy.mil/local/clwp/.