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CASTEX - Combined Arms Staff Training Exercise

Despite the absence of distant explosions, echoing cannon fire and aircraft screaming overhead, Marines gathering at the Combined Arms Staff Training simulator here still get realistic practice using supporting fire to destroy targets. Every Camp Pendleton unit can schedule classes at the simulator to give members a broader understanding of their role in combat missions. The simulator features 24 cells that represent up to 24 supporting or maneuvering elements, such as airplanes, helicopters, artillery, naval gunfire and mortars. Small teams study map grids and coordinates, and use navigation skills to pinpoint targets. Using a network of communications, the team coordinates with various supporting elements to ensure their targets are destroyed. To add realism to the exercise, lasers projected from mounts on the ceiling indicate the exact impact location on a large terrain map in the center of the room.

Service members from Marine Expeditionary Unit command staffs, to units of administrative Marines train at the simulator. Most units complete their training in as little as one or two days. While the simulator facilitates highly realistic training, it does have one unrealistic drawback. Marines sit around terrain boards observing from an unrealistic vantage point. However, that advantage doesn't make it any easier on Marines as they crunch grids and try to communicate to supporting elements exactly when and where to strike.

26th MEU CASTEX I took place from 25-29 June 2001, at the Camp Lejeune, NC CAST Trainer facility. Blue and Green representatives from entire Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) conducted two operational scenarios, which involved MEU R&S and BLT FiST Teams coordinating air, sea-based, and ground delivered indirect fire assets. Each FiST team experienced integrating all available assets and effectively using the established engagement criteria/priorities. Simultaneously, the SACC and FSCC worked on enhancing communication to facilitate turnover and of controlling fires.