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Marines take aim for future exercise

US Marine Corps News

7/22/2010
By Lance Cpl. Tyler C. Vernaza, Marine Corps Bases Japan

CAMP SCHWAB, OKINAWA, Japan -- About 50 Marines with Combat Assault Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, participated in live-fire training on Camp Schwab July 14.

The Marines conducted this training exercise in order to prepare for a larger scale training exercise they will conduct at Camp Fuji later this year.

The training began with a sustainment hike out to Range 10 with the Marines carrying a full combat load on their backs as well as a few of the crew-served weapons systems they would fire later that day.

The training is designed to help the Marines familiarize themselves with some of the weapons they will be using in the future, said Gunnery Sgt. Michael Guzman, company gunnery sergeant, Headquarters and Service Company, CAB.

Instructors taught the Marines the basics of the crew-served weapons systems, such as firing, loading and unloading, basic maintenance and proper misfire procedures.

“I’m excited I’m learning about all of these weapons systems.” said Lance Cpl. Roger Lemley, an optics technician.

The Marines were also taught a few advanced techniques.

To the untrained eye it may have seemed as if the Marines were fidgeting or bumping into each other, but in reality they were learning communication techniques essential in combat.

From a stern tap on the top of a Kevlar to pushing their heel against the shooter’s leg, the Marines were learning a system to communicate how to alter the direction of fire when voices cannot be heard.

“I’m enjoying all the weapons training despite the hot weather,” said Lemley. “I’m also learning the importance of teamwork on these weapons systems.”

Once the sun set, the Marines conducted a night live-fire shoot during their stay at the range.

The Marines now say they feel ready and more confident in their ability to use these crew-served weapons systems.

The Marines will conduct basic field exercises and train with various machine guns along with the MK19 grenade launcher while training at Camp Fuji, said Guzman.