MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. -- Marines with Company G, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment participated in an urban combat training operation during a battalion field exercise at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, July 15.
Military operations on urban terrain is house-to-house combat conducted in urban environments to take control of areas that could render the holder a tactical advantage. The training improved the Marines’ ability to clear buildings, maneuver from building to building and make quick decisions under enemy fire.
The use of assault amphibious vehicles, scout snipers, and 81mm mortars aided the Marines by suppressing fellow Marines, role-playing as enemy combatants, as they moved from house to house during their training.
“The training is a good opportunity for the battalion to come together,” said 1st Lt. Ryan Ayer, a platoon commander with the company. “We figured out how to improve the way we operate and tested our standard operating procedures so we can refine them.”
The MOUT training event is part of a four-day battalion exercise, which tested the Marines, and gave them the opportunity to improve their leadership and teamwork skills.
“The Marines don’t get enough opportunities to go out and apply the skills that we teach them back at garrison,” said Ayer. “And coming out to combat town is an opportunity for them to implement the things they were learning, such as making decisions under friction.”
When the training was finished, the Marines developed a better understanding of MOUT operations and are better prepared for real-world combat scenarios.
Corporal Kyle Large, an assaultman with the Company participating in the training event, said he was impressed with how well they performed during the training; even with Marines new to the company.
“MOUT training is definitely important,” said Large. “If you look back in the last war, we lost numerous military members just because of how dangerous MOUT operations can be; going from house to house, clearing rooms and buildings is the most dangerous thing you can do as an infantryman.”