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Marines send rounds down range during pre-deployment training

US Marine Corps News

4/15/2010
By Lance Cpl. Antwain J. Graham, Marine Corps Bases Japan

Marines from III Marine Expeditionary Force Special Operations Training Group, 7th Communications Battalion, Combat Assault Battalion, Marine Wing Headquarters Squadron 1 and augments from other III MEF commands cooperated together during a machine gun shoot at a live-fire range in the Central Training Area April 9.

The Marines from the various III MEF units have been conducting the pre-deployment training process together during the recent months in preparation for upcoming deployments.

During the shoot, Marines were re-familiarized on the employment of the M240G medium machine gun and the M249 Squad Automatic Weapon.

While augments from SOTG were preparing to go to Afghanistan, the PTP was also for Marines deploying to Iraq and the Philippines in the coming months.

“It’s good that so many Marines can get in on this training at once, because, as Marines, we’re always deploying and need to be ready at any given time,” said Gunnery Sgt. Demarko D. Cannon, data chief with Headquarters Battery, 12th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, who is preparing to deploy to the Philippines.

The training was led by the SOTG Pre-Deployment Training branch and Augment Training Group instructors.

“It’s our job to ensure that these Marines go out on a deployment with a refreshed combat mindset,” said Melvin Allen, a civilian ATG instructor.

For Marines who don’t often utilize specific tactical skills, this training could define their performance in a combat environment, Allen said.

“Up to now, my job has only required me to do paperwork,” said Lance Cpl. Carlos P. Rios, a maintenance clerk with 12th Marines who is deploying to the Philippines in May. “The last time I’ve done this was at Marine Combat Training.”

Jacob Park, an ATG instructor and former Marine said this training should be conducted more often to keep Marines efficient in any environment.

“You have to keep these skills in tact, regardless if you deploy or not,” said Park. “As a Marine in any environment, there is no space for error when your fellow Marines are depending on you.”

The Marines will continue pre-deployment training throughout the month.