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RCT-8 trains for war

US Marine Corps News

10/24/2010 By Lance Cpl. Clayton L. VonDerAhe, 8th Marine Regiment

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION YUMA, Ariz. — The desert stretches as far as the eye can see. Dust storms come screaming through a small combat outpost without warning, tearing down tents while people are still inside. When someone makes a mistake, it is quickly corrected, because mistakes can be the difference between success and failure, life and death. Though this may not be a combat zone, the Marines with Regimental Combat Team 8, 2nd Marine Division are treating it as such so when a situation occurs, they can rise to it.

RCT-8 is spending roughly two and a half weeks aboard Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Ariz., to prepare themselves for their upcoming deployment to Afghanistan.

The intense desert environment helps simulate the conditions Marines and sailors with RCT-8 will face when they begin operating in Afghanistan for their year-long deployment.

While in Yuma, the regimental headquarters is conducting a multitude of training to certify that all of their Marines are fully trained, qualified and capable of operating in a combat zone.

“They say train like you fight,” said Lance Cpl. Michael G. Vazquez, an information specialist with Headquarters Company, RCT-8. “If this training is any indicator (of what to expect on deployment) then I am prepared for a wide variety of situations that may occur. Whether we are going out and doing patrols or I am back doing data work, I feel confident in myself.”

The simulated combat environment continually reminds all who are participating what they are up against. The regiment is constantly out under the blistering sun executing combat marksmanship programs, machine gun ranges, convoy assault courses, humvee driving courses and many other various large scale training exercises.

In between larger training exercises, the regiment’s Marines keep themselves sharp with smaller, more basic classes. These classes ensure the Marines and sailors waiting for the next lesson are taught basic knowledge that will be helpful both in combat and in garrison.

“This gives me a good heads up on what Afghanistan is going to be like,” said Lance Cpl. Henry Reyes, an electric optical ordinance repair technician with Headquarters Company, RCT-8. “I’m learning a lot about what to expect in country. I’m also learning how to improvise, especially without computers. I have never used so much 550 cord in my life.”

A large portion of RCT-8 Headquarters Company is an assembly of Marines from other units that have been attached to support the regiment. Though many Marines are not familiar with each other, camaraderie quickly develops while the day in and day out training forces them to work with each other a get to know one another. As the companionship develops, the Marines and sailors learn to work well with their new unit.

“Camaraderie to me is building relationships with people you would not normally spend time with, converse, or hang out with, but you are going out and doing everything with them,” said Vazquez. “When we are out here, all we have is each other.”

Despite the fine sand finding its way into every place it is unwanted, the harsh elements, dangerous wildlife, or the long and early hours of operations, the Marines and sailors have kept themselves in high moral.

“I’m glad we got the resources to come out here,” said Cpl. Brett Burton, an engineer with Headquarters Company, RCT-8. “This is what we needed.”