MARINE CORPS AIR GROUND COMBAT CENTER TWENTYNINE PALMS, California -- 1st Battalion, 12th Marine Regiment, bravo battery, Marine Corps Base Hawaii, HI, arrived at the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Calif., Jan. 11, 2018, for Integrated Training Exercise 2-18. One training exercise during ITX is a Fire Support Coordination Exercise, which units use to enhance the lethality and co-operability between the four elements of a Marine Air Ground Task Force.
FSCEX is a training exercise lasting up to 46 days during ITX that supports maneuver elements down range. Throughout the exercise, Marines are placed in a realistic combat zone and practice calling in support fire to suppress and eliminate the enemy.
“This training is beneficial to the Marine Corps because it allows all elements of the MAGTF to come together,” said GySgt. Joshua Barber, company first sergeant, 1/12, bravo battery, Marine Corps Base Hawaii, HI. “Every element has an important role, but when you don’t have them, you always have artillery.”
Artillery is an indirect fire support asset to ground elements that are comprised of mortars, tanks and communications. Their primary mission is to eliminate and destroy the target. One of the weapons that are utilized by artillery units is the M777 Howitzer, which is capable of demolishing targets up to 23 miles away.
“My experience throughout the training has been outstanding,” said Lance Cpl. Dontraviou Terrell, A gunner, 1/12, bravo battery, Marine Corps Base Hawaii, HI. “It has allowed for many new learning and leadership opportunities for me and has helped me get into a combat mindset.”