Marines


II MEF News

1/2 Marines complete ITX 1-17; prepare for upcoming deployment

1 Dec 2016 | Lance Cpl. Juan A. Soto-Delgado II Marine Expeditionary Force

Marines with 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, participated in Integrated Training Exercise 1-17 at Marine Corps Air-Ground Combat Center Twenty-nine Palms, Calif., Oct. 21-Nov. 12, 2016. The training is in preparation for an upcoming deployment with Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Crisis Response and the Black Sea Rotational Force.

During the exercise, the unit teamed with multiple air, logistical and other ground elements to train on defensive and offensive tactics, breaching techniques and implementation of warfighting capabilities.

“This is the best training you’re going to get,” said Lt. Col. David Emmel, the commanding officer of 1st Bn., 2nd Marine Regiment, who also reinforced the idea of maintaining a tactical mindset throughout the course of training in preparation for the unit’s deployment.

Upon their arrival, the Marines hit the ground running by conducting company sized attacks on simulated targets. Engineers with 2nd CEB assisted by breaching and positioning themselves to provide suppressive fire and flanking the simulated enemy bunkers.

“I enjoyed the training, overall it was the best training of my career,” said Lance Cpl. James Obrin, a grenadier with 2nd Platoon, Company C, 1st Bn., 2nd Marine Regiment. “We got a chance to apply what we’ve learned such as control rates of fire and maneuvering over the harsh terrain.”

The Battalion successfully accomplished the mission of eliminating three simulated targets with minimal simulated casualties. The unit then moved on to a mechanized assault course which consisted of tanks, amphibious assault vehicles and air support.

“The Platoon did an excellent job. We got there and the enemy withdrew because of too much suppressive fire,” said 2nd Lt. John S. Robinson, the platoon commander of 2nd Platoon, Company C, 1st Bn., 2nd Marine Regiment. “The amount of fire power was very impressive; during the defense, the simulated enemy got into our defensive position, but the platoon did a great job at countering the assault and making the simulated enemy withdraw.”

Finally, the Marines executed Military Operations in Urban Terrain training. The unit cleared a mock city, thwarting simulated enemies, while also gathering intelligence and providing security to role players.

Events like MAC and MOUT are perfect opportunities for an infantry unit to enhance their combative skillsets for potential real-world situations faced on deployment.

"Training this way as a battalion and integrating the MAGTF to become a more lethal fighting force is something we don't have the opportunity to do in Camp Lejeune,” said Capt. Kevin Nicholson, the commanding officer of Charlie Company, 1st Bn., 2nd Marine Regiment. “"The training here with Tactical Training Exercise Control Group is as realistic as it gets and it allows us to strengthen our weaknesses before we deploy."

The Marines of 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment are scheduled to deploy in early 2017.