Photo Information

Lance Cpl. Tyler, Shiels, right, conducts a search of Cpl. Kyle Lamprich during a security forces training exercise at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Sept. 30, 2015. More than 30 Marines with 2nd Low Altitude Air Defense Battalion participated in the week-long training, covering a full spectrum of scenarios they may encounter while deployed. Shiels and Lamprich are both low altitude air defense gunners with the squadron.

Photo by Lance Cpl. Jason Jimenez

2nd LAAD Bn. takes control of MOUT town

5 Oct 2015 | Lance Cpl. Jason Jiminez The Official United States Marine Corps Public Website

2nd Low Altitude Air Defense Battalion reinforced the motto that “every Marine is a rifleman” with security forces training held at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, Sept. 30.

More than 30 Marines with the battalion participated in the week-long training, covering a full spectrum of scenarios they may encounter while deployed.

Security forces training is vital for the Marines to undergo so they can refresh basic combat tactics first learned in Military Combat Training, after basic recruit training.

Entry control points were established to inspect vehicles for potential threats, such as explosives.

“Our ECP’s and vehicle control points have been vital to our security measures,” said Cpl. Mohamad Jrad, a low altitude air defense gunner with 2nd LAAD Bn. “Checking a vehicle before it comes on base is important. There can be anything in that vehicle like grenades or other explosives and we are the first line of defense in protecting everyone here.”

“Some of the Marines might never have the chance to go on patrols and clear buildings, but they have to know how to correctly execute the tactics needed,” said Staff Sgt. Anthony Cortinas, a low altitude air defense gunner with the battalion. 

As long as the Marines have some kind of training and are familiar with the weapons systems, they are not going out there blind, explained Cortinas.

“If a scenario pops up that you have trained for, you now have that muscle memory, you have that reflex and know what to do when the moment comes,” said Jrad.

According to Cortinas, any new training Marines receive can amount to lives being saved on the battlefield.