FORT HUNTER LIGGETT, Calif. -- U.S. Marines and sailors from the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit began realistic urban training here Dec. 5.
The purpose of RUT is to provide the MEU the opportunity to conduct training in unfamiliar environments in preparation for their upcoming deployment.
“Realistic urban training allows the Marines and sailors of the 15th MEU to exercise vital skills to better prepare them for what they may face while forward deployed,” said Col. Vance L. Cryer, the 15th MEU’s commanding officer.
The mission of the MEU is to provide a rapid-response force capable of conducting conventional amphibious and selected maritime operations from the sea, surface or air.
“Bringing together the entire Marine Air-Ground Task Force in an exercise such as this one allows us quality, realistic training that is essential for unit readiness,” Cryer said.
The MEU is composed of a command element and three major subordinate elements. They are Battalion Landing Team 3/1, Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 161 (Reinforced) and Combat Logistics Battalion 15, the ground, aviation and logistics elements respectively.
The training will continue through Dec. 16 with a series of scenarios in several locations throughout California in preparation for deployment to the Western Pacific and Middle East next spring.