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Javelin Thrust brings reserve Marines to Nevada

US Marine Corps News

6/18/2010
By Pfc. Nana Daansaappiah, Marine Forces Reserve

HAWTHORNE ARMY DEPOT, Nev. -- More than 1,300 Marines from Marine Forces Reserve arrived at Hawthorne Army Depot, Nev. over the weekend to participate in Javelin Thrust 2010, a two-week exercise which started on June 14 to showcase the Force’s aviation, ground combat and logistic capabilities.

Javelin Thrust is designed to prepare reserve units for their role in a deployed Marine Air Ground Task Force in compliance with the Defense Department’s goal to prepare reserve Marines for overseas contingency operations.

“We are trying to get a better understanding of Afghanistan by simulating the logistics challenges of supporting operations in diverse climates,” said Maj. Claude Clark, a logistics officer for Javelin Thrust.

The different locations involved in the exercise simulate the different operational environments in Afghanistan. Marines are conducting assault exercises at the Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center, Calif. to imitate the counter-insurgency operations currently going on in Afghanistan and Hawthorne will represent their forward operating base.

Commanders in Hawthorne will be required to maintain control of ground units from the 4th Marine Division as they negotiate through terrain elevations ranging from 4,000 feet to 10,000 feet to conduct assaults.

“The Marines will have an opportunity to travel these roads in the mountains and face similar obstacles to those in Afghanistan,” added Clark.

They will receive support from the Logistics Command Element consisting of Marines from 4th Marine Logistics Group, who are responsible for supplying personnel and fulfilling equipment needs to support the exercise.

The Aviation Command Element consisting of Marines from 4th Marine Air Wing will also support the ground units and conduct door gunnery live fire and casualty evacuation exercises.

“An exercise of this size necessitates that all elements within the Marine Air-Ground Task Force work cohesively to ensure mutual support and mission accomplishment,” said Lt. Col King, the exercise’s lead planner.

Senior Marine Forces Reserve leaders will evaluate the involved units’ abilities to successfully function as part of a deployed MAGTF.