IWAKUNI, Japan -- Riflemen with Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 1st Marines, conducted convoy operations training, Jan. 14, 2015, at Penny Lake Fields aboard Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan.
The training is part of combined arms training focused on improving unit cohesion and combat readiness.
As part of the training, Marines learned basic skills on dismounting Humvees during a fire fight as well as checking for improvised explosive devices and providing security for a stationary convoy.
“We are not just on foot when we go out on patrols,” said Staff Sgt. Rolando Dehoyos, a rifle platoon sergeant with Bravo Company. “We have to learn and teach Marines how to react in case one of those convoys comes under fire or gets hit by an IED.”
Marines practiced exiting the Humvees while taking simulated fire from multiple directions, evacuating casualties from a vehicle struck by an IED, escorting the injured to a safe location and how to sweep around a Humvee for explosive devices.
“As some of the leadership prepares to head to bigger and better things, we must prepare our junior Marines to take up those leadership roles,” said Sgt. Edwin Lopez, a squad leader with Bravo Company. “In order to ensure the Marines are ready to lead they must learn how to not only execute this kind of training but also teach their Marines to keep the company combat ready and efficient at all times.”
Lopez added that he is impressed by the speed in which the Marines picked up the skills taught, he ensured his men that if they continue training they would master invaluable skills that may save their lives one day.
“When you are in combat you may not have time to think of what to do next,” said Cpl. Jeffery Dale, a rifleman with Bravo Company. “So, learning these skills now will make them second nature in the future. When we are able to act and not hesitate we become more efficient as a unit able to carry out orders without any flaws.”
Dehoyos stated that he looks forward to continuing the training with his Marines, as they can be called into action at any given time and they must be ready for any challenge the Marine Corps may throw at them.