CAMP MUJUK, POHANG, Republic of Korea -- Marines with Company A, 3rd Law Enforcement Battalion, executed improvised explosive device recognition lane training June 3 on Camp Mujuk, Republic of Korea.
The Marines maneuvered through different terrain which simulated patrolling an area where possible IEDs may be present.
The training familiarized the Marines with IED indicators and put them in the combat mindset necessary to spot the deadly explosive devices, according to Lance Cpl. Joshua I. Rodriguez, a military policeman with Company A, 3rd LE Bn., III Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group, III MEF.
“IEDs are a common obstacle we face in combat,” said Rodriguez. “It’s important as we train and as we work bilaterally with other countries that we understand that IEDs are everywhere, and that in any scenario out in combat we need to be ready for that kind of an attack.”
The Marines learned how to operate a compact metal detector while patrolling. The training also covered the proper procedures on how to respond when discovering an IED on either foot or vehicle patrols.
“The IED threat right now is extremely common and it’s extremely effective,” said 1st Lt. Daniel Vacchio, a military police officer with the company. “Regardless of where the fight takes us, the IED threat will always be there, so training on these procedures and how to respond to the IED threat is something that we will always stay current with.”
Explosive ordnance disposal technicians with 3rd EOD Company, 9th Engineer Support Battalion, led the training, providing their experience and expertise on IEDs to pass on to the military police Marines.
“It’s been great out here working with 3rd LE Bn.,” said Staff Sgt. Jarret Garibaldi, an EOD technician with 3rd EOD Company, 9th ESB, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, III MEF. “We’ve been working well together and have been giving them all the best training we can.”
The training was a refresher for the Marines in preparation for the Korean Marine Exchange Program 14-8, which is slated to take place June 9-21.
KMEP 14-8 is a combined, small-unit training exercise, which enhances the combat readiness and interoperability of ROK-U.S. Marine Corps forces.
“This is a great opportunity for the U.S. Marines to both teach the ROK Marines and share some of their experiences,” said Vacchio. “We’re looking forward to seeing how the ROK Marines train and how they fight.”