MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. -- Marines with Combined Anti-Armor Team, 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, conducted patrolling exercises, both mounted on Humvees and on foot, at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Nov. 16 and 17.
In preparation for their upcoming deployment to Okinawa, Japan, the Marines worked on standard operating procedures, basic patrolling techniques and vehicle commands to understand the basics of CAAT operations.
“The Marines are coming directly from the School of Infantry and, when they get here, they start from scratch and have to learn a whole new job set for CAAT,” said Sgt. Colby Chambers, platoon sergeant with 3rd Bn., 2nd Marines.
As a Marine, it’s important to know one another. As a Marine with CAAT, it’s almost impossible to complete the job without good teamwork.
“It’s important to make sure all the junior Marines understand how to work with each other, and understand each other’s jobs and their respective weapon systems,” said Lance Cpl. Morgan Jackson, a vehicle commander with the unit.
The route given to the Marines for the exercise is designed to replicate a deployed environment. The lead vehicle navigates and communicates with radios to the other Humvees.
“Communication is key while working with Marines, especially inside of the Humvees,” Jackson said. “All the Marines in the Humvee depend on each other’s instruction in order to complete their individual tasks.”
They practiced different patrolling methods, as well as dismounted Humvees in order to secure areas.
“I believe this training is a valuable learning experience, but when we come to the field it’s usually to validate and maintain the training we’ve already accomplished in the past,” said Chambers.
Chambers and his fellow Marines understand the importance of this training and how it continues to refine their skills for a broad spectrum of missions, whether they are forward deployed or training at Camp Lejeune.