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Live-fire training with a blast

US Marine Corps News

12/10/2010
By Lance Cpl. Garry J. Welch, Marine Corps Bases Japan

CAMP SENDAI, Japan -- Marines from 3rd Battalion, 12th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, concluded this evolution of the Artillery Relocation Training Program at Camp Sendai, Japan, Dec. 1.

The purpose of the live-fire training was to maintain operational readiness of the artillery battalion and to support the U.S.-Government of Japan security alliance.

“Our artillery training has been completed successfully and we have achieved all of our training objectives. The training area here in Ojojihara presented the Marines with unique challenges to overcome; the weather and terrain,” said Maj. Jeramy Brady, executive officer of 3rd Battalion, 12th Marines. “We train to fight in any clime and place and Ojojihara gives us the opportunity to test ourselves. The Marines of 3rd Battalion, 12th Marines appreciate the patience of the local community during our training period.”

Bravo Battery, 3rd Battalion, fired five M777A2 howitzers during the training. The battery, normally based in Hawaii, is currently stationed on Camp Hansen, Okinawa as part of the Unit Deployment Program.

“The training went very well,” said Staff Sgt. Eddie Morales, section chief with Gun Team Four, Battery B, 3rd Bn. “The Marines were all motivated. It was a good experience to train in a different (location).”

The training allowed the unit to conduct live-fire they cannot conduct in other areas of Japan, while still operating in a controlled-training area. The unit also conducted a crew-served weapon’s range, firing the M240G machine gun and .50 caliber heavy machine gun.

“It helps touch up on the (military occupational specialty) skills,” said Morales. “A lot of these Marines just got to the fleet so this is their first field operation. Some Marines who are not artillery men learned a lot about the weapon and got to work on the gun line.”

Lance Cpl. Miguel Salinas, cannoneer with Gun Team One, Battery B., 3rd Bn., experienced his first deployment here during ARTP 10-3 Ojojihara.

“This is the coldest weather I ever been in since joining the Marine Corps,” said Salinas. “It didn’t affect me in training because I was moving around so much on the gun line. We went out there and did what we had to do. I didn’t have time to think how (cold) it was.”