Photo Information

A Marine with 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment throws a simulated grenade during lane training at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., Oct. 20, 2015. Marines with the company were required to assault a bunker and when within range, throw a grenade to eliminate any possible threats. The training consisted of four stations, each of which would provide instructions and hands-on training in radio communications, grenade employment, patrolling and emplacing M18 Claymores.

Photo by Cpl. Preston McDonald

Weapons Co., 3/6 returns to the basics, conducts lane training

22 Oct 2015 | Cpl. Preston McDonald The Official United States Marine Corps Public Website

As basic infantrymen, Marines are required to proficiently shoot, move and communicate in a hostile environment. Marines with 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, conducted lane training at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, Oct. 20.

The lane training consisted of four stations, where a group of Marines would enhance their basic skills in communications, patrolling, grenade handling and emplacing M18 Claymores.

“These are the basic skills that any infantryman needs to know,” said 2nd Lt. Benjamin Hunter, a platoon commander with the company. “We have to re-hit this training every three months as a refresher for the Marines. If we can’t conduct these basic skills, then the mission won’t be successful.”

Hunter said that the Marines didn’t get a lot of opportunities to go on field operations while on deployment with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit.

He added that the training is a good chance to get out and enhance on their skills.

“A lot of our guys have left since we got back from deployment,” Hunter said. “This is [our] first training operation together so we’re getting it under our belt. We’re going to learn as we go so later on we can continue to keep getting better and better.”

The company stressed that starting out with the basics will create a better transition into larger scale training exercises down the road.

“If you can master this, you’re going to be sounder as a unit,” said Lance Cpl. Chris Ware, a machine gunner with the company.

The training that the company conducts directly correlates to the overall readiness of the battalion.

“We’re an asset for the battalion commander because we have all this firepower that can come to the fight quickly,” Hunter said. “We need to be constantly ready and always ahead of the power curve.”