MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. -- Marines with 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division fired the M41A4 Saber and the FGM-148 Javelin missile launchers during a live-fire training exercise aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Jan. 6.
“This is the last bit of training before we deploy,” said Sgt. Jeremiah Henck, an anti-tank missileman with Weapons Company. “We’ve been focusing on dismounted infantry tactics. Now, we are getting back to our trade by working with these weapon systems and firing them.”
The Marines fired three Javelin missiles and 11 simulated tube-launched, optically tracked, wire-guided anti-tank missiles, or TOW. The TOW missiles were fired from Sabers mounted to the turrets of Humvees, in order to simulate a combat environment.
The Javelin is a missile equipped with lock-on before launch and automatic self-guidance. It uses a top-attack method; meaning the missile flies into the air and comes down on top of the target from a max altitude of 500 feet. The missile is also capable of firing directly at a target. This is beneficial for Marines when engaging targets such as helicopters.
“It’s important that the Marines demonstrate a mastery of their skills,” said 1st Lt. Benjamin E. Radcliff, the platoon commander of 2nd Platoon, Weapons Company. “During the deployment our skills may be needed, so it’s important that when called upon we are able to answer satisfactorily.”
In preparation for their deployment the Marines continue to train and hone the skills they will be using while overseas, said Radcliff.
“We’re still going to be operating and training ourselves to the high standards we hold,” said Radcliff. “The only difference is we will be doing it alongside partnered forces. That’s why it’s important that when we go into this, we want to be at our best so we can best represent the high expectations we train to attain.”