MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. -- In preparation for the unexpected, Marines with 2nd Supply Battalion, 2nd
Marine Logistics Group, participated in a Humvee Egress Assistance Trainer
class, Dec. 17, 2015.
The HEAT class teaches Marines how to react during a
vehicle roll-over. They go through various exercises simulating different
situations like low visibility, no visibility, sideways rollovers and 180-degree
rollovers.
“The main difficulty was not being able to see,” said Lance
Cpl. Andres Gonzalez, a student participating in the class with the unit. “When
you can’t see anything, it is hard to keep calm and in control.”
As an
added stressor, Marines were required to don the equipment that is typically
worn during a patrol. Though vehicle roll-overs are unlikely, the class puts the
Marines in the uncomfortable situation so they know how to react and are
prepared for the worst.
“We need to make sure we are ready in any kind
of situation that our Marines can be deployed into,” said Cpl. Christian
Jenkins, a student participating in the class with the unit. “I feel like
everyone should have the opportunity to do this training. It can really help out
in a real-life scenario.”
As the Marines gradually progressed through the
day’s training, additional challenges were incorporated, like evacuating
simulated casualties and setting up a security perimeter around the area.
To accomplish the tasks as they progressively became more difficult,
communication was the most essential factor in completing the mission, according
to Gonzalez.
“We got out of the vehicle successfully because of
communication,” Gonzalez said. “That’s the main thing, and nobody panicked and
we all helped each other out.”