MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. -- A key factor in preparing for a deployment is readiness. For Combat Logistics Battalion 26, this means training for the unknown.
Marines and sailors with CLB-26 conducted a mass casualty training exercise aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune June 4 in an effort to prepare for contingencies the unit may face while deployed with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit.
The likelihood of injuries, given the broad range of missions the MEU can respond to, was the driving factor behind the scenario-based training. The scenarios were designed to mirror real-world operations.
“We practice different scenarios,” said Lance Cpl. Dustin S. Mason, a landing support specialist with the CLB. “Our job is to provide immediate medical support and evacuate [simulated] casualties so they can receive a [higher echelon] of care.”
When a mass casualty occurs, the MEU has designated teams within each subordinate unit who are called to assist with treating casualties. The exercise was designed to test the speed and efficiency of these casualty assistance teams.
During the exercise, Marines responded to a crisis involving a platoon which received multiple casualties. Mason was a litter-bearer who treated and transported casualties to simulated landing zones.
“There were several difficulties we encountered during the training,” said Mason. “There was confusion when we arrived to the casualty site because we didn’t know where all the casualties were; we were running around trying to assess the situation, so the corpsmen took lead helping keep us focused and on track.”
Petty Officer 1st Class Michael S. Mitchell, a corpsman with the CLB, was one of the corpsmen who lead the Marines during the exercise.
“The Marines are learning to work together as a smaller element,” said Mitchell. “Each team must work together effectively to respond to the casualties.”
Mitchell said if any one team member cannot perform his task, it falls on the other members to pick up where the other left off. Mitchell said struggling to figure out ones responsibilities during a mass casualty event can cost time and a life, so fluid teamwork is essential.
“It’s invaluable being able to pass to them the knowledge from our past experiences,” said Mitchell. “For many of them, our deployment will be their first, so this training takes on an even greater importance.”
Mitchell said he reminds Marines and sailors that mass casualties are chaotic and that things happen very quickly. He said by telling Marines and sailors this, they get a greater understanding of what to expect and have a greater chance for success.
“I think the training went very well,” said Mitchell. “We’re heading in the right direction toward being deployment ready. Casualty care is starting to be less of a task and more second nature to our Marines and sailors.”
CLB-26 is slated to deploy with the 26th MEU to the 5th and 6th Fleet areas of responsibility later this year.