In conducting a recent mission readiness exercise along Onslow Beach here, the Ground Combat Element of Security Cooperation Task Force Africa Partnership Station 2011 revealed themselves to be not only an effective fighting force, but also an invaluable tool in providing and spreading American diplomacy.
The Ground Combat Element of SCTF APS-11 kicked off the exercise early in the morning, drowning out the roar of amphibious assault vehicles with the sound of their hulls crashing into the ocean as they barreled through six-to-eight foot waves.
The three-day exercise included much more than AAV beach landings and dynamic launches from the task force's mother vessel, the USS Whidbey Island.
Securing a site and establishing an evacuation control center, or ECC, were paramount in allowing the acting infantry element to effectively conduct training specifically tailored to noncombatant evacuation operations.
Marines acting as role players portraying civilians, immigrants in need of medical care, drunken individuals and terrorist suspects were just a few of the obstacles that the Ground Combat Element faced. Each situation was unique, and had to be handled differently based on individual circumstances.
"The MRX tested the Marines' ability to act independently with little supervision and to make sound decisions in rarely encountered situations," said Capt. Brian Vukelic, commanding officer of the GCE. "The Marines' reactions to these situations greatly increased my confidence in their abilities and proves they are ready to deploy."
Though diplomacy was a key player in the overall effectiveness of the exercise, it did not serve to undermine the SCTF's abilities as a fighting force.
Concertina wire, AAVs and tents made up most of the ECC, where standard operating procedure involved ID check, basic destination inquiry and direction to an appropriate lane for processing. Various AAVs were strategically positioned at entry points to provide 360 degree security for the Marines and mock evacuees alike.
The various stations manned and the tactics that were employed to search, detain or aid personnel during the exercise tested the capabilities of the task force beyond what the unit may experience in a combat zone. Humanitarian assistance and evacuation training evolutions provided the unit with a broadened perception of how quickly the mission can change, and why such training is necessary.
"We are mission capable already, but if need be we can perform beyond our combat capabilities," said Sgt. David Smith, squad leader for third squad, third platoon.
Trained for amphibious missions and now ready in the event of possible noncombatant evacuation operations, SCTF APS-11 is ready for its upcoming deployment along the coast of Africa. Aboard the USS Whidbey Island and among select U.S. allied nations, the international militaries will observe one another and conduct theater security cooperation events as part of the Marine Corps' ongoing interest in military-to-military exchanges.
"This exercise shows that our mission as Marines is viable as ever," said Vukelic. "We are not just a combat force, but an expeditionary force in readiness prepared to secure and protect America, her citizens abroad, and build partner relationships with our allies abroad."