CAMP LEJEUNE, NC, UNITED STATES -- 121 Marines with Echo Company, 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment conducted defensive operations training to improve proficiency with combat tactics at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina Aug. 29-31.
The training consisted of Marines performing ambushes, patrols and re-supplies while also having Marines within the company act as an oppositional force to provide them with the most realistic training possible.
“What makes this training unique is we have a dedicated living, breathing and thinking forces to challenge our defensive positions,” Said Capt. Daniel Green, the commanding officer of Echo Company. “The opposing forces are really honing in on our platoons’ defensive skills to help make the training more beneficial.”
The use of simunition rounds and having an opposing force is a unique opportunity that places the platoons in a challenging environment and helps combat complacency during training.
“One of the biggest motivating factors for the oppositional force is how rare of an opportunity it is,” said Sgt. John Fisher, an oppositional force unit leader with the company. “The platoons going up against a tactical force, puts them in a more crucial situation and allows them to react to more scenarios.”
This training is just one of the many exercises the Battalion is using to prepare for their upcoming deployment to Okinawa.
“The driving factor in all of this is the long standing Marine Corps Mission,” said Green. “So, it’s our job as leaders to make sure our Marines are ready.”
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