US, Colombian Marines strengthen bonds through nonlethal weapons training 

Marines with Company A, 2nd Assault Amphibian Battalion, Ground Combat Element of Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force Continuing Promise 2010 taught nonlethal weapons tactics to Colombian Marines at Colombian Marine Corps Base Covenas, Colombia, Aug. 14, as part of a six day subject matter expert exchange.

Subject matter expert exchange is just one essential mission of Operation Continuing Promise 2010, which also includes medical, dental, veterinary and engineering support, and disaster relief to partner nations to the Caribbean, Central and South America. The Special-Purpose MAGTF plays a vital role in sharing and learning valuable experience from host nations.

U.S. Marines geared up with riot shields, shin guards and batons to show Colombian Marines the basics in nonlethal weapons and riot control. These skills are essential when dealing with a populous that turns desperate after a natural disaster. Security and crowd control are chief concerns when providing humanitarian assistance. Colombian Marines also learned proper takedown techniques and enjoyed practical application with both U.S. and Colombian Marines.

The six day exchange between Colombian and U.S. Marines included jungle survival, physical training, weapons and improvised explosive devices classes, a combat fitness test, amphibious assault vehicle demonstration and an amphibious assault landing while the USS Iwo Jima was in Covenas, Colombia, in support of Continuing Promise 2010.

For more information about the Special-Purpose MAGTF supporting Continuing Promise 2010, check out the unit's official website at http://www.marines.mil/unit/2ndmaw/spmagtf.