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NMCB 3 Increases Mission Readiness Through Improved Training

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS100712-04
7/12/2010

By Construction Mechanic 3rd Class (SCW) Christopher Carson, Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 3 Public Affairs

PORT HUENEME, Calif. (NNS) -- Seabees from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 3 completed another command post exercise (CPX) June 25 in Port Hueneme, Calif., in preparation for their upcoming field training exercise (FTX) in August 2010.

Prior to a major deployment, an NMCB must complete a FTX in which the battalion is tested on areas such as communication skills, chemical biological radiological (CBR) defense and security patrols.

During the CPX, NMCB 3 Alfa Company carried out a security patrol that was different from the practice patrols they were used to - it was done with "dummy" M-16 service rifles made of blue rubber. The training aids allowed Seabees to learn weapon handling skills safely during a tactical scenario.

According to Construction Mechanic 2nd Class Allen Mullins, the patrol leader, most Seabees felt that the CPX was a great change in training style and brought a major benefit to the company.

"Having everyone carry a replica training rifle increases focus during training," said Mullins. "Before we used sticks or just the notional idea of having a weapon, but now we have something very similar to the real thing. For some Seabees, FTX is the first time they are able to train in a realistic environment. But the new way we train for patrols during our CPX in homeport allows them to run before they walk, so to speak."

"During my first patrol as a new Seabee, we didn't have new gear like this, but now that we do it brings a beneficial edge of realism and allows us to get into more of a mind set of training." said Construction Mechanic 3rd Class (SCW) Gilberto Bonilla, "I feel that its a great way for new Seabees to have respect for the training we go through."

Bonilla, a veteran of five years in the Seabees who completed more than 30 security patrols during training exercises, felt that the new training weapons were a great change of pace.

For Construction Mechanic Constructionman Keith Roman, the whole experience was unexpected but very valuable.

"When I joined the Navy to be a Seabee, I didn't really think I would be doing patrols with a rifle, tactical vest and CBR gear," said Roman. "I thought that was only for Army and Marines. After doing my first patrol with the new training gear, I have a new respect for what we do as Seabees, and I feel more prepared for our upcoming FTX, which will be my first one."

Seabee battalions have altered their training to try and bring a sense of reality in order to better prepare them for any situation they may be put into. The new way that NMCB 3 and other battalions train their security patrols is just a glimpse into how realism will be emphasized in all aspects of combat training for Seabees.

NMCB 3 is one of the Navy Expeditionary Combat Command's warfighting support elements, providing host nation construction operations and security in support of overseas contingency operations.