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A vehicle convoy, operated by Marines with 2nd Transportation Support Battalion, prepares to exit the simulated Forward Operating Base Greater Sandy Runs Area to conduct counter-improvised explosive device training during a tactical operations package with Battle Skills Training School, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, at Camp Lejeune, N.C., Feb. 3, 2016. The course is conducted to refresh Marines from non-infantry military occupational specialties on infantry-related skills and tactics in a five-week span. (U.S. Marine Corps photo illustration by Cpl. Joey Mendez/Released)

Photo by Cpl. Joey Mendez

2nd TSB hones skills during Tactical Operations Package

4 Feb 2016 | Cpl. Joey Mendez II Marine Expeditionary Force

Marines with 2nd Transportation Support Battalion participated in the tactical operations package from Battle Skills Training School, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, from Jan. 5 through Feb. 5.

The course is conducted to refresh Marines from military occupational specialties on infantry-related skills and tactics in a five-week span.

“These Marines are primarily conducting maintenance rotations and field rotations, so they don’t get to practice their basic Marine Corps skills often,” said Staff Sgt. Joel R. Scott, the officer in charge of the training with BSTS. “We have had the chance to refresh them on machine guns, patrolling, mounted patrols, counter-improvised explosive devices and security operations. In case they deploy to a forward area, they’ll be more prepared to do [infantry-based skills].”

The exercise develops the Marines’ skills by putting them into realistic combat scenarios, with a few instructors acting as an opposing force.

“There are hostile enemies in the area so we have to keep track of personnel going in and out, patrols going out every five hours, and random counter-IED operations and a quick reaction force in the forward operating base in case the FOB takes contact,” said Cpl. Devin K. Maddox-White, a fire team leader and motor vehicle operator with 2nd TSB.

With approximately 50 Marines who do not practice these skills on a daily basis, it requires a lot of focus and cooperation from the students.

“Every Marine is taught these skills in the School of Infantry but if you don’t do it often they are perishable,” said Maddox-White. “I feel like this is a great refresher for not only me but all of the Marines in this unit. You can see the improvement in our skills.”

The skills reinforced in this exercise will allow Marines to go forward with external units and do their part to support the needs of 2nd MLG.

“I believe this training helps the mission of 2nd MLG because a lot of these Marines, working in motor transportation, don’t refresh on this often and it is important because even though this unit does not deploy as a whole we get augmented to units at a moment’s notice and we need to be ready to help complete that unit’s mission,” said Maddox-White.

The unit is preparing to take part in an Integrated Training Exercise at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California, later this year.

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