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Marines turn up HEAT during training

US Marine Corps News

7/22/2010
By Lance Cpl. J Nava, Marine Corps Bases Japan

CAMP HANSEN, OKINAWA, Japan -- Being inside a vehicle during a collision or rollover can be a terrifying experience. However, there is training available that can give Marines a heads up when their world turns upside down.

Using the Humvee Egress Assistance Trainer on Camp Hansen, Marines from several units across Camp Hansen, including 9th Engineer Support Battalion and 3rd Intelligence Battalion, prepare for a Humvee roll-over July 14.

HEAT is a simulated cab of a Humvee that rotates like a rotisserie with the ability to flip completely upside down or turn sideways, with four Marines inside.

Training with the HEAT gets Marines out of their comfort zone, said Alex Deloach, HEAT instructor trainer. “It gives them what they need for a real life situation, so that they’re not held up by any surprises.”

The training consists of the simulator spinning several times and then stopping on either its side or roof. The Marines inside then have to safely work their way out of their safety harnesses and seats to find an exit, which could be any one of the doors or the gunners hatch.

After exiting the vehicle, the Marines provide 360 degrees of security around the overturned vehicle and engage any hostiles.

“Everything slowed down as we spun,” said Pfc. Taylor Beckett, intelligence specialist, All Source Fusion Platoon, 3rd Intelligence Bn., III Marine Expeditionary Force. “I got dizzy and disoriented. It really caught me by surprise.”

The training also included several loose objects inside the Humvee to simulate falling debris that would be encountered during a real rollover.

“This training really prepares Marines for the fight,” said Anazawa Naoto, HEAT assistant operator. “It helps Marines work out all the kinks in training so they stay alive in combat.”

In addition to loose debris, during certain rollovers, one Marine from each team was designated to act as a casualty, adding another real-world challenge to the training. His teammates then had to haul his body out of the Humvee and provide security with one less rifleman.

“This training taught me to maintain my situational awareness and not to panic,” Beckett said. “I feel prepared and confident in my abilities if this were to ever happen for real.”

The HEAT training gets better and better everyday, in turn making the Marines better and better, Deloach said. “The Marines had a great attitude and performed the training in an outstanding manner.”