MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. -- Navigating narrow hallways, clearing small rooms and extracting unknown targets safely were the objectives of the Marines with 2nd Force Reconnaissance Detachment 6 at Expeditionary Operations Training Group compound at Stone Bay on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, March 6, 2015.
Marines trained using close-quarters tactics as part of a reconnaissance and surveillance course for pre-deployment training for a Marine Expeditionary Unit. Part of the task list included specialized limited skill raids that consist of making entry into a hostile area in a dynamic assault, and securing unknown targets and high-value targets while maintaining safety procedures and a combat mindset at all times.
“During the training, we used mechanical and explosive breaching techniques with exterior charges,” said Staff Sgt. Corey Gonzalez, a team leader with 2nd FRD 6 and a native of Lovelock, Nevada. “Our priority today was to focus on speed and consistency while going through the mock rooms and buildings.”
Thirty-eight Marines with 2nd FRD 6 moved through buildings in four teams to clear, extract and safely exit once the mission was completed. Teams used 3-strand detonation cords to breach locked doors, flash bangs to blind targets and secure open rooms and glow sticks to mark rooms and hallways so that the Marines can safely leave once the mission is complete.
“Key factors when conducting these tactics are being safe and sound, maintaining a combat mindset, adhering to procedures being taught and maintaining proper tactical situational awareness,” said Staff Sgt. David Wilson, an EOTG instructor with the CQT and a Fort Myers, Florida native. “The Marines today kept all this in mind and conducted the training smoothly and intelligently.”
The CQT training within the R&S course is part of a pre-deployment training package for Marines with a MEU. The instructors with EOTG have been coaching 2nd FRD 6 for over a week with close quarter tactics, team movements, gear assessment and safety.
“The EOTG staff and instructors are extremely experienced and allow us to see things from another perspective to come up with another solution to a problem,” said Gonzalez. “This training package is the most in depth, instructional and all-around great training. The coaches are passionate in their instructing for pre-deployment training.”
As an instructor, Staff Sgt. David Wilson enjoys seeing Marines work together and complete each training mission smoothly and safely.
“It’s amazing to see the Marines come together and work cohesively during the training runs,” said Wilson. “They have established a style to the tactics while maintaining the key elements that we teach here at CQT EOTG.”