Live-fire exercises provide 1/6 Marines with realistic combat environment

[USMCRET6391]

MARINE CORPS AIR-GROUND COMBAT CENTER, TWENTYNINE PALMS, Calif. (May 30, 2006) -- Pinned down in a covered position with enemy gunfire impacting overhead and the explosions of enemy mortars moving ever closer, Marines in combat have one thing to rely on….each other.

As the next step in their pre-deployment, Mojave Viper training evolution aboard Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, the Marines of 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, have shifted their focus from individual skills training to team building and unit-driven operations.

“It was a big step, but a natural one,” said 2nd Lt. John D. Branson, a platoon commander for Company B, 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, “It was a built in progression to the training.”

From May 15 - 22, the battalion focused on live-fire assaults, coordination of supporting fire and unit cohesion training.

Using the many ranges provided by the Tactical Training Exercise Control Group (known as the “Coyotes”), the battalion has been able to provide realistic combat scenarios to the Marines.

“With all the noise and explosions, I think it really simulates that fog of war,” said Lance Cpl. Jorge L. Rivero, a team leader for Company A, 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment.

Many of the Marines who participated believe that using live rounds in the exercises provides the necessary element of danger for infantry Marines.

Some of the combat tactics employed by the Marines can only be demonstrated by the use of live ammunition.

“For an infantry platoon, geometry of fire is everything,” said Branson, a 23-year-old native of Washington, D.C., “You can practice with blanks all day long, but the Marines aren’t going to get it until you put live rounds down range and their buddies are running around them.”

The live ammunition, pop up targets and elaborate entrenchments add excitement and accomplishment to the training cycle.

The realistic environment also helps to build confidence on the battlefield, according to Lance Cpl. Michael J. Howard, a team leader for Company B, 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment.

“Anytime you can put rounds down range it’s a good day,” said Sgt. Gilbert J. Hernandez, a machine gun section leader for Company B, 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment.

Now, almost three weeks into the training cycle, the battalion is pleased with the abilities and progression the Marines are making.

With a deployment looming in the near future, the Marines of 1/6 “Hard” recognize the training as important, effective and necessary.

“The way we perform out here is the way we will perform in Ramadi, and the Marines know that,” Branson said.