FORT PICKETT, Va. -- Marines with Weapons Company, 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, conducted a live-fire range through the Urban Assault Course at Fort Pickett, Va., during a deployment for training exercise Dec. 2, 2016.
The Marines trained at the UAC to enhance their infantry skills and gain experience fighting in an urban environment.
“In every war fought since Vietnam we have fought in urban environments,” said Staff Sgt. Travis A. Musto, a platoon sergeant with the unit. “Therefore, every Marine needs to be technically and tactically proficient in military operations on urban terrain, individual taskings within MOUT and the training and readiness taskings according to their military occupation specialty.”
During the course, Marines executed combat drills moving together in pairs, fire teams and then squads. This helps the Marines learn to coordinate and communicate effectively as a team.
“They’ve improved leaps and bounds in their communication skills and knowing what avenues to cover,” said Musto.
They were challenged with clearing windows, doorways and rooms through several different stations of the UAC.
“Some of the challenges of this course are that you’re never going to know as you’re going through a door what’s beyond it,” said Lance Cpl. Navarro J. Merriman, a field radio operator with the unit. “It could be simply a wall or it could be enemies. There might even be civilians in there.”
Musto added through repetition, experience of small-unit leaders and guidance from him and other leadership, he is confident in his Marines ability to develop these necessary skills.