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Marines master tactics before deployment

US Marine Corps News

12/21/2010
By 1st Lt Jeffrey L. Williford, 1st Battalion (1/23)

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. -- For the second time since terrorists ruthlessly attacked our homeland on September 11, 2001, the Marines of 1st Battalion, 23d Marines have left behind their civilian jobs, their college textbooks, beloved family members to again answer the call of a grateful nation, and to stand up against those who would threaten democracy and our very way of life.

The Battalion executed an extremely successful annual training (AT) and drill out period during the month of October, during which time the Marines were able to accomplish much of their individual level pre-deployment training plan requirements (PTP).

Marine Corps training has always been heavily focused on the tactics, techniques, and procedures that the Marine Corps has established over the years. 1/23’s mission dictates that the Marines should be masters of the basics but also should be prepared to engage with the local populace. Understanding the language and culture is very different than our own is absolutely paramount. Marines were exposed to many language courses, briefs , and training events that focused specifically with culture, language, and the history of the region in which they will be operating. The goal was for Marines to learn common words, phrases and Afghan customs so the Marines can effectively communicate simple intentions if the need should ever arise or present itself. Numerous other training events were being conducted at the same time. Tactical Site Exploitation (TSE), Combat Lifesaver Training (CLS), IED Dog Handling Training, Up Armor HUMVEE Drivers Training, Isolation Briefs, COACL - Language / Culture briefs, IED and counter IED Lane training, etc..Were non-stop for the Company’s.

October also meant Dental and Medical Readiness…shots, blood draws, and eye exams were continuous. Plus, additional gear issued out of: cammies, new boots, “frog suits”, gloves, plate carriers, warming layers, etc…all items that the Marines will need in future training and also in Country. With October coming to an end and Halloween rapidly approaching the Marines of 1/23 were leaning forward into return flights to their respective Reserve Training Centers (RTC) and for a few days off with families and friends prior to the November 1st activation.

On November 1, 2010, 1st Battalion 23d Marines’ companies were at their individual RTC’s getting mobilized to support OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM and in preparation to take the fight to Al Qaeda and the Taliban in Afghanistan.

During this first week of November , our dispersed Companies, Command Staff, and their Inspector-Instructors counterparts worked diligently to execute the administrative mobilization requirements and logistical coordination to bring the 1/23 onto active duty orders and to prepare for the Marines return flights to Camp Pendleton, California in order to complete the main bulk of our pre-deployment training evolutions.

While the 1/23 Commands were preparing for mobilization, our Family Readiness Team concurrently prepared and executed an outstanding Yellow Ribbon Event(s) at all the Reserve Training Centers to reach out to you,…our devoted 1/23 families and friends. The information, points of contact, and recourses that were made available at these Yellow Ribbon Events will prove as invaluable assets for a successful deployment here at home while our Marines are gone. I was extremely pleased at the turn out, participation, and excitement that I observed from families that attended. Your support from family and friends is crucial, absolutely crucial to the overall success of your Marines and to our overall mission as a unit.

As the first week of November came to a close, all the 1/23 Company’s returned, in waves, to Southern California here aboard Camp Pendleton. By November 9th, the Battalion was once again all together, just in time to celebrate the 235th Marine Corps Birthday together at Camp Margarita. Following a five-mile motivational Birthday hike to the top of Margarita Peak that over looked the Camp, the Battalion held a cake cutting ceremony on the Parade Deck, recognized the oldest and youngest Marines serving in the Battalion by tradition, and the day culminating with 1/23 Marines being treated to a steak and lobster dinner provided by the Camp Margarita – 33 Area chow hall.

Throughout the month of November , the focus of our training effort has shifted from the skills of the individual Marine to more squad and platoon tactics and techniques. After three weeks of intense round robin training evolutions, the Battalion secured for a well deserved 96 hour long weekend to celebrate the Thanksgiving Holiday with family, friends, and their fellow Marines.

Continuing to lean into it again in December, the Battalion was able to complete a Battalion level training event at Twenty- Nine Palms , California that allowed the Command Staff to exercise our ability to fight as a cohesive unit conducting dispersed operations. Select members of the Command also executed a 15-day Pre Deployment Site Survey (PDSS) trip to Afghanistan to see both the area our Marines will be operating , and to conduct some face to face turnover of information with the personnel from the Unit we will be replacing in Country. The PDSS trip was a great success and the knowledge gained from their experiences and observations thus far in their tour will prove invaluable when we get on deck.

Nearing the Holiday season, the Battalion is again fortunate to be able to observe a 10-day block leave period for Marines to return home to spend time with 1/23 family and friends. While I am extremely grateful for this opportunity to give Marines some well earned time off for both the Thanksgiving and Christmas Holidays, I cannot help but think about and remise of the Marines and Sailors already deployed around the world and Afghanistan during this Holiday season that will not have such an opportunity.

I would ask you keep those so far away from home for the Holidays, defending democracy, and our way of life in your thoughts and prayers as you enjoy this time with your Marines and Sailors.