MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. -- Marines with Mobile Assault Company, 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion developed their proficiency with the shoulder-mounted multipurpose assault weapon during a live-fire range at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, June 16.
The SMAW functions primarily as a portable assault weapon, with usage as an anti-armor rocket launcher made effective by Marines as well.
“Today was about the valuable training of getting our Marines experienced with the SMAW,” said Cpl. Dylan Isabelle, a squad leader with the company. “The SMAW is an effective weapon in our arsenal and vital to implement as a combat engineer.”
Marines operated the weapon in teams of two, with one identifying the target and assisting in the loading of the weapon while the second aimed and fired. Marines expended practice rounds, high explosive rounds and anti-armor rounds.
“It makes the Marines more confident; with enough practice the whole squad will know the weapon like the back of their hand,” Isabelle said.
The training was also a necessary preparation exercise for the battalion’s upcoming Deployment For Training evolution.
“We will be going down to Georgia for a DFT to focus on route clearance and battalion-level exercises,” said 1st Lt. George Mardre, a platoon commander with the company. “When you go out to do route clearance, you might not know what you’ll encounter, and if we come across enemy defensive positions or armored vehicles, we are able to engage those targets. It’s about having a variety of tools to fight.”
The battalion is slated to begin their DFT in August.
“This training adds another weapon to our arsenal, one internal to our platoon and one we can use if we find ourselves supporting the infantry,” Mardre said.
More Media