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Japanese government officials and U.S. Marines come together for discussions during the Artillery Relocation Training Program Annual Planning Conference on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, June 22, 2021. The ARTP Annual Conference allows Japanese and U.S. officials to develop a better understanding of the goals of the program, as well as solidify bilateral objectives related to the training, the continued usage of training areas and the modernization of both forces. - Japanese government officials and U.S. Marines come together for discussions during the Artillery Relocation Training Program Annual Planning Conference on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, June 22, 2021. The ARTP Annual Conference allows Japanese and U.S. officials to develop a better understanding of the goals of the program, as well as solidify bilateral objectives related to the training, the continued usage of training areas and the modernization of both forces.

Corps looks to increase comms, lethality with next-gen hearing system - The Marine Corps released a request for information for a suite of hearing enhancement devices to help Marines communicate better and increase their lethality on the battlefield. Marine Corps Systems Command will assess industry’s capability to provide devices that are compatible with Marine Corps radios and the Marine Corps Enhanced Combat Helmet. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Ezekiel Kitandwe)

A fallen comrades table sits in the far corner of the room during 3rd Battalion, 12th Marine Regiment St. Barbara’s Day celebration, March 9, 2017. This table is used to represent and remind service members and their families of sacrifices that have been made. St. Barbara’s Day is celebrated by artillery Marines to recognize those who have given a lifetime of servitude to the artillery community. - A fallen comrades table sits in the far corner of the room during 3rd Battalion, 12th Marine Regiment St. Barbara’s Day celebration, March 9, 2017. This table is used to represent and remind service members and their families of sacrifices that have been made. St. Barbara’s Day is celebrated by artillery Marines to recognize those who have given a lifetime of servitude to the artillery community.

Pfc. Jeremiah Overton, an artilleryman with Bravo Company, “Black Sheep,” 1st Battalion, 12th Marine Regiment, and a Loraine, Ohio, native, provides security with his M240 Machine Gun for M777 Light Weight Towed Howitzers and their artillerymen during a training exercise at Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Sept. 06, 2016. Marines from Bravo Co., “Black Sheep,” 1st Bn., 12th Marines, participated in exercise Spartan Fury 16.4. Spartan Fury is a pre-deployment exercise in which service members conduct live-fire artillery training and unit leaders are able to further assess and improve the lethality of the battalion. - Pfc. Jeremiah Overton, an artilleryman with Bravo Company, “Black Sheep,” 1st Battalion, 12th Marine Regiment, and a Loraine, Ohio, native, provides security with his M240 Machine Gun for M777 Light Weight Towed Howitzers and their artillerymen during a training exercise at Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Sept. 06, 2016. Marines from Bravo Co., “Black Sheep,” 1st Bn., 12th Marines, participated in exercise Spartan Fury 16.4. Spartan Fury is a pre-deployment exercise in which service members conduct live-fire artillery training and unit leaders are able to further assess and improve the lethality of the battalion.

Reserve Marines with 1st Battalion, 24th Marines, 25th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, Marine Forces Reserve, provide suppressive machine gun fire for ground units at range 410A during Integrated Training Exercise 4-16, at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Calif., June 14, 2016. ITX 4-16 allows Reserve Marines to train in realistic environments to increase their proficiency and readiness for worldwide deployment. - Reserve Marines with 1st Battalion, 24th Marines, 25th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, Marine Forces Reserve, provide suppressive machine gun fire for ground units at range 410A during Integrated Training Exercise 4-16, at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Calif., June 14, 2016. ITX 4-16 allows Reserve Marines to train in realistic environments to increase their proficiency and readiness for worldwide deployment.

A mortar team with 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, adjusts the mortar to the measurements provided to hit their targets during a training exercise at Camp Lejeune, N.C., June 6, 2016. Marines underwent mortar familiarization and proficiency training in preparation for their upcoming deployment in support of Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force. - A mortar team with 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, adjusts the mortar to the measurements provided to hit their targets during a training exercise at Camp Lejeune, N.C., June 6, 2016. Marines underwent mortar familiarization and proficiency training in preparation for their upcoming deployment in support of Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force.

Marines from Alpha Battery, 1st Battalion, 12th Marine Regiment’s “Kings of Battles,” fire off an artillery round from an M777 Lightweight 155mm howitzer during Spartan Fury, an annual pre-deployment exercise, aboard the Schofield Range Facility on May 4th, 2016. Spartan Fury is one of three annual battalion level exercises to help improve sustainment training for future deployments. The objective of this five-day exercise is to support 3rd Regiment by providing direct and indirect artillery strikes. - Marines from Alpha Battery, 1st Battalion, 12th Marine Regiment’s “Kings of Battles,” fire off an artillery round from an M777 Lightweight 155mm howitzer during Spartan Fury, an annual pre-deployment exercise, aboard the Schofield Range Facility on May 4th, 2016. Spartan Fury is one of three annual battalion level exercises to help improve sustainment training for future deployments. The objective of this five-day exercise is to support 3rd Regiment by providing direct and indirect artillery strikes.

A Marine with Battery Q, 5th Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment, I Marine Expeditionary Force, guides a High Mobility Artillery Rocket System launcher during Spring Fire Exercise at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton March 31, 2016. The regiment, comprised of four artillery battalions and a headquarters battalion, put their skills to the test during a large-scale, combined-arms training evolution in preparation for future deployments and operations. - A Marine with Battery Q, 5th Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment, I Marine Expeditionary Force, guides a High Mobility Artillery Rocket System launcher during Spring Fire Exercise at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton March 31, 2016. The regiment, comprised of four artillery battalions and a headquarters battalion, put their skills to the test during a large-scale, combined-arms training evolution in preparation for future deployments and operations.

From left, U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Dave Hermansen and Lance Cpl. Jabril Giannotti, mortarmen, and Sgt. Jack Williams, a squad leader, all assigned to Weapons Co., Battalion Landing Team, 1st Battalion 5th Marines, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, fire a 81mm training mortar with the M252A2 mortar system during Ssang Yong 16 at Suseongri, South Korea, March 15, 2016. Ssang Yong familiarizes American armed forces with the Korean Peninsula and contributes to the security and stability of the Asia-Pacific region. Hermansen is a native of Westbrook, Connecticut. Giannotti is a native of Highland Park, New Jersey. Williams is a native of Pilot Point, Texas. - From left, U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Dave Hermansen and Lance Cpl. Jabril Giannotti, mortarmen, and Sgt. Jack Williams, a squad leader, all assigned to Weapons Co., Battalion Landing Team, 1st Battalion 5th Marines, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, fire a 81mm training mortar with the M252A2 mortar system during Ssang Yong 16 at Suseongri, South Korea, March 15, 2016. Ssang Yong familiarizes American armed forces with the Korean Peninsula and contributes to the security and stability of the Asia-Pacific region. Hermansen is a native of Westbrook, Connecticut. Giannotti is a native of Highland Park, New Jersey. Williams is a native of Pilot Point, Texas.

A Marine with 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade shows local children around a light armored vehicle at Hell Station in Hell, Norway, Feb. 12. Tons of combat vehicles and equipment were transported by rail to Rena, Norway, where the 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade’s ground combat element will take part in live-fire exercise in the coming days. The rail operations moved vehicles and equipment prepositioned in caves here to the training area in preparation for Exercise Cold Response 16, comprised of 13 allied and partner nations, and over 16,000 troops, starting later this month. - A Marine with 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade shows local children around a light armored vehicle at Hell Station in Hell, Norway, Feb. 12. Tons of combat vehicles and equipment were transported by rail to Rena, Norway, where the 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade’s ground combat element will take part in live-fire exercise in the coming days. The rail operations moved vehicles and equipment prepositioned in caves here to the training area in preparation for Exercise Cold Response 16, comprised of 13 allied and partner nations, and over 16,000 troops, starting later this month.

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U.S. Marines with Fox Company, Battalion Landing Team 2/6, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, fire a shoulder-launched multipurpose assault weapon (SMAW) during live fire training Nov 24, 2015. The 26th MEU is embarked on the Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group and is deployed to maintain regional security in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations. - U.S. Marines with Fox Company, Battalion Landing Team 2/6, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, fire a shoulder-launched multipurpose assault weapon (SMAW) during live fire training Nov 24, 2015. The 26th MEU is embarked on the Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group and is deployed to maintain regional security in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations.

High Mobility Artillery Rocket System crewmen assigned to Battery D, 2nd Battalion, 14th Marine Regiment, prepare their launcher for live-fire operations after debarking a KC-130J aircraft, supporting their raid operations at White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico, Dec. 4, 2015. “We were essentially trying to test the capability of the HIMARS to launch an air raid from any position,” said Sgt. Garrett S. Zurich, HIMARS launcher section chief, 1st platoon, Battery D. - High Mobility Artillery Rocket System crewmen assigned to Battery D, 2nd Battalion, 14th Marine Regiment, prepare their launcher for live-fire operations after debarking a KC-130J aircraft, supporting their raid operations at White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico, Dec. 4, 2015. “We were essentially trying to test the capability of the HIMARS to launch an air raid from any position,” said Sgt. Garrett S. Zurich, HIMARS launcher section chief, 1st platoon, Battery D.

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Sergeant James Norman, an instructor 10th Marine Regiment’s Artillery Assistant Gunners and Gunners Course, teaches the functions of a gunner’s quadrant Nov. 6, 2015, at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C. The month-long course trains Marines to transition from basic field artillery cannoneers to assistant gunners and gunners within their gun sections. - Sergeant James Norman, an instructor 10th Marine Regiment’s Artillery Assistant Gunners and Gunners Course, teaches the functions of a gunner’s quadrant Nov. 6, 2015, at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C. The month-long course trains Marines to transition from basic field artillery cannoneers to assistant gunners and gunners within their gun sections.

A Landing Craft Air Cushion splashes onto San Clemente Island, Calif., during Supporting Arms Coordination Center Exercise on Sept. 24, 2015. This exercise is the first the Marines and Sailors will work together at sea as they prepare for deployment to the Pacific and Central Command areas of responsibility in early 2016. - A Landing Craft Air Cushion splashes onto San Clemente Island, Calif., during Supporting Arms Coordination Center Exercise on Sept. 24, 2015. This exercise is the first the Marines and Sailors will work together at sea as they prepare for deployment to the Pacific and Central Command areas of responsibility in early 2016.

U.S. Marines participate in an opening ceremony for the Combined Arms Company at Novo Selo Training Area, Bulgaria, Sept. 23, 2015. The first rotation of CAC brings advanced mechanized capabilities to training exercises with NATO allies in the region. - U.S. Marines participate in an opening ceremony for the Combined Arms Company at Novo Selo Training Area, Bulgaria, Sept. 23, 2015. The first rotation of CAC brings advanced mechanized capabilities to training exercises with NATO allies in the region.

Marines with 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment used the P7 amphibious assault vehicle to travel to various locations in order to reach their objectives during Large Scale Exercise 15 at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, Calif., Aug. 14 – 15, 2015. LSE-15 is a combined U.S. Marine Corps, Canadian and British exercise conducted at the brigade level, designed to enable live, virtual and constructive training for participating forces. - Marines with 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment used the P7 amphibious assault vehicle to travel to various locations in order to reach their objectives during Large Scale Exercise 15 at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, Calif., Aug. 14 – 15, 2015. LSE-15 is a combined U.S. Marine Corps, Canadian and British exercise conducted at the brigade level, designed to enable live, virtual and constructive training for participating forces.

A Marine assigned to Company A, 1st Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, prepares an M777 howitzer to fire at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, June 17, 2015. CH-53E Super Stallions transported howitzers and ammunition as part of 1/11’s quarterly exercise to test the artillery Marines’ proficiency and readiness. - A Marine assigned to Company A, 1st Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, prepares an M777 howitzer to fire at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, June 17, 2015. CH-53E Super Stallions transported howitzers and ammunition as part of 1/11’s quarterly exercise to test the artillery Marines’ proficiency and readiness.

Marines with the Fire Support Team for Kilo Company, Battalion Landing Team 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), observe ordnance from U.S. Air Force B-52 Stratofortress bombers during a combined arms live-fire event as part of exercise Eager Lion 2015 in Jordan, May 18, 2015. Eager Lion is a recurring multi-national exercise designed to strengthen military-to-military relationships, increase interoperability between partner nations and enhance regional security and stability. The 24th MEU is embarked on the ships of the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group and is deployed to maintain regional security in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations. - Marines with the Fire Support Team for Kilo Company, Battalion Landing Team 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), observe ordnance from U.S. Air Force B-52 Stratofortress bombers during a combined arms live-fire event as part of exercise Eager Lion 2015 in Jordan, May 18, 2015. Eager Lion is a recurring multi-national exercise designed to strengthen military-to-military relationships, increase interoperability between partner nations and enhance regional security and stability. The 24th MEU is embarked on the ships of the Iwo Jima Amphibious Ready Group and is deployed to maintain regional security in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations.

Marines with 1st Battalion, 10th Marine Regiment participate in a section chief course learn to use every position in operating a howitzer aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., May 18 – June 5. The howitzer is a towed 155 mm artillery piece that requires a minimum of five gun crewmembers to operate. During the course, students become familiarized with every aspect of the weapons system. - Marines with 1st Battalion, 10th Marine Regiment participate in a section chief course learn to use every position in operating a howitzer aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., May 18 – June 5. The howitzer is a towed 155 mm artillery piece that requires a minimum of five gun crewmembers to operate. During the course, students become familiarized with every aspect of the weapons system.

Artillerymen with Combined Arms Company Artillery Platoon, 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment load an M777A2 Howitzer during a week-long training exercise at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, May 11-15. The newly formed unit made up of Marines from Bravo and Charlie Batteries, 1st Battalion, 10th Marine Regiment tested their teamwork and versatility during the exercise, which is part of their preparation for an upcoming deployment in support of the Black Sea Rotational Force based in Romania. - Artillerymen with Combined Arms Company Artillery Platoon, 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment load an M777A2 Howitzer during a week-long training exercise at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, May 11-15. The newly formed unit made up of Marines from Bravo and Charlie Batteries, 1st Battalion, 10th Marine Regiment tested their teamwork and versatility during the exercise, which is part of their preparation for an upcoming deployment in support of the Black Sea Rotational Force based in Romania.

Corporal Osmar S. Gorish, a section chief for Battery A, 1st Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, returns to his team with the new orders from his executive officer during Exercise Desert Scimitar 2015 aboard Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Calif., April 20, 2015. The tough, realistic live-fire training central to Desert Scimitar allows Division units to train in order to maintain readiness and meet current and real-world operational demands. - Corporal Osmar S. Gorish, a section chief for Battery A, 1st Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, returns to his team with the new orders from his executive officer during Exercise Desert Scimitar 2015 aboard Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Calif., April 20, 2015. The tough, realistic live-fire training central to Desert Scimitar allows Division units to train in order to maintain readiness and meet current and real-world operational demands.

Infantrymen with Golf Company, 2nd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, and artillerymen with Echo Battery, 2/6, prepare to begin the live-fire portion of their non-lethal weapons training aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., March 25, 2015. The Marines participated in a two-week NLW course that teaches various riot-control methods. - Infantrymen with Golf Company, 2nd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, and artillerymen with Echo Battery, 2/6, prepare to begin the live-fire portion of their non-lethal weapons training aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., March 25, 2015. The Marines participated in a two-week NLW course that teaches various riot-control methods.

Marines with Golf Company and Echo Battery, 2nd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment practice riot-control and non-lethal techniques aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., March 27, 2015. The Marines conducted two weeks of non-lethal weapons training in preparation for an upcoming deployment. - Marines with Golf Company and Echo Battery, 2nd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment practice riot-control and non-lethal techniques aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., March 27, 2015. The Marines conducted two weeks of non-lethal weapons training in preparation for an upcoming deployment.

Lance Cpl. Jamie Tenorio, a forward observer with 2nd Battalion, 10th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division communicates with an artillery battery during Exercise Rolling Thunder aboard Fort Bragg, N.C., March 5, 2015. Tenorio sights in with binoculars letting the battery know where the artillery rounds hit. - Lance Cpl. Jamie Tenorio, a forward observer with 2nd Battalion, 10th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division communicates with an artillery battery during Exercise Rolling Thunder aboard Fort Bragg, N.C., March 5, 2015. Tenorio sights in with binoculars letting the battery know where the artillery rounds hit.

Marines work through the night to move the forward command element March 5 during Dragon Fire Exercise 15-2 at Pohakuloa Training Area, Kona, Hawaii. Night movement provides an edge over the enemy, and provides Marines with cover and concealment during their move. The Marines are with Headquarters Battery, 12th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force. - Marines work through the night to move the forward command element March 5 during Dragon Fire Exercise 15-2 at Pohakuloa Training Area, Kona, Hawaii. Night movement provides an edge over the enemy, and provides Marines with cover and concealment during their move. The Marines are with Headquarters Battery, 12th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force.

Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force 1st Lt. Ryota Hasebe attached to 3rd Battalion 12th Marines, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force for two months starting Jan. 11 and ending March 13 poses for a photo at Camp Hansen, Okinawa. During those two months Hasebe learned about U.S. Marine Corps artillery and went to Marine Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California for Integrated Training Exercise 2-15. Hasebe, 28, studied Chinese Literature and graduated from Kokugakuin University in Tokyo before joining the JGSDF in 2011. Hasebe is now the battalion fire direction control officer for 1st Battalion, 4th Field Artillery Regiment in Fukuoka Japan. - Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force 1st Lt. Ryota Hasebe attached to 3rd Battalion 12th Marines, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force for two months starting Jan. 11 and ending March 13 poses for a photo at Camp Hansen, Okinawa. During those two months Hasebe learned about U.S. Marine Corps artillery and went to Marine Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California for Integrated Training Exercise 2-15. Hasebe, 28, studied Chinese Literature and graduated from Kokugakuin University in Tokyo before joining the JGSDF in 2011. Hasebe is now the battalion fire direction control officer for 1st Battalion, 4th Field Artillery Regiment in Fukuoka Japan.

Lance Cpl. Christian J. Hernandez (left) and Lance Cpl. Giovonni Mejia fire the M777A2 lightweight 155 mm howitzer Jan. 31 to support units engaged in the mechanized assault course at Marine Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms during Integrated Training Exercise 2-15. “Fighting with combined arms is on of the most important parts of the (Marine Air-Ground Task Force),” said Lt. Col. Neil J. Owens. Giovonni, a Dallas, Texas native and Hernandez, a Buford, Georgia, native are both cannoneers with 1st Battalion, 12th Marine Regiment, currently assigned to 3rd Battalion, 12th Marines, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force for ITX 2-15, as part of the ground combat element for SPMAGTF-4. Owens, a Medford, Massechusetts, native, is the commanding officer for 3rd Bn., 12th Marines. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. William Hester/ Released) - Lance Cpl. Christian J. Hernandez (left) and Lance Cpl. Giovonni Mejia fire the M777A2 lightweight 155 mm howitzer Jan. 31 to support units engaged in the mechanized assault course at Marine Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms during Integrated Training Exercise 2-15. “Fighting with combined arms is on of the most important parts of the (Marine Air-Ground Task Force),” said Lt. Col. Neil J. Owens. Giovonni, a Dallas, Texas native and Hernandez, a Buford, Georgia, native are both cannoneers with 1st Battalion, 12th Marine Regiment, currently assigned to 3rd Battalion, 12th Marines, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force for ITX 2-15, as part of the ground combat element for SPMAGTF-4. Owens, a Medford, Massechusetts, native, is the commanding officer for 3rd Bn., 12th Marines. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. William Hester/ Released)

A CH-53E Super Stallion hovers over an M777 Howitzer where Marines with Landing Support Platoon, Truck Support Company, Combat Logistics Battalion 5, prepare to attach an M777 Howitzer to a CH-53E Super Stallion as it hovered over the gun during Exercise Steel Knight 2015 at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twenty-nine Palms, Calif., Dec. 9, 2014. The exercise gave the Marines the opportunity to refine and rehearse essential skills needed in a combat environment. Steel Knight is an annual exercise that includes elements from the entire I Marine Expeditionary Force. The exercise focuses on conventional operation and provides realistic training that prepares Marine for overseas operations. - A CH-53E Super Stallion hovers over an M777 Howitzer where Marines with Landing Support Platoon, Truck Support Company, Combat Logistics Battalion 5, prepare to attach an M777 Howitzer to a CH-53E Super Stallion as it hovered over the gun during Exercise Steel Knight 2015 at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twenty-nine Palms, Calif., Dec. 9, 2014. The exercise gave the Marines the opportunity to refine and rehearse essential skills needed in a combat environment. Steel Knight is an annual exercise that includes elements from the entire I Marine Expeditionary Force. The exercise focuses on conventional operation and provides realistic training that prepares Marine for overseas operations.

Marines check the GPS coordinates of their M777A2 lightweight 155 mm howitzers Oct. 30 during a command post exercise for Artillery Relocation Training Program 14-3. “Camp Fuji provides that cold weather training environment that artillery units need to be familiar with,” said Sgt. Maj. Marvin M. Magcale, the battalion sergeant major for 3rd Battalion, 12th Marines. “The Marines and sailors in this battalion will be better prepared to accomplish the mission involving cold weather. Austere conditions obviously affect not only the Marines and sailors, but their equipment as well.” The Marines are with Battery B, 1st Bn., 12th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, based out of Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, and are currently assigned to 3rd Bn., 12th Marines, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force under the unit deployment program. - Marines check the GPS coordinates of their M777A2 lightweight 155 mm howitzers Oct. 30 during a command post exercise for Artillery Relocation Training Program 14-3. “Camp Fuji provides that cold weather training environment that artillery units need to be familiar with,” said Sgt. Maj. Marvin M. Magcale, the battalion sergeant major for 3rd Battalion, 12th Marines. “The Marines and sailors in this battalion will be better prepared to accomplish the mission involving cold weather. Austere conditions obviously affect not only the Marines and sailors, but their equipment as well.” The Marines are with Battery B, 1st Bn., 12th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, based out of Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, and are currently assigned to 3rd Bn., 12th Marines, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force under the unit deployment program.

A CH-53E Super Stallion lowers a M777 Howitzer and its ammunition onto a landing zone aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., as part of a reactionary combat training exercise Sept. 30, 2014. The purpose of the exercise was to build cohesion between and the aircraft’s crew and the Marines on the ground handling the equipment. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Olivia C. McDonald/Released) - A CH-53E Super Stallion lowers a M777 Howitzer and its ammunition onto a landing zone aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., as part of a reactionary combat training exercise Sept. 30, 2014. The purpose of the exercise was to build cohesion between and the aircraft’s crew and the Marines on the ground handling the equipment. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Olivia C. McDonald/Released)

Cpls. Daniel R. Roca, left, and Jarrod R. Allen check the oil on a 7-ton truck Aug. 30 during Artillery Relocation Training Program 14-2 at the Yausubetsu Maneuver Area in Hokkaido, Japan. Marines working at the administrative logistics ordnance command maintained vehicles and equipment for three batteries during ARTP 14-2. Roca is from Germantown, Maryland, and an automotive organizational mechanic with 3rd Battalion, 12th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force. Allen is from Amarillo, Texas, and a motor vehicle operator with the battalion. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Matthew Manning/Released) - Cpls. Daniel R. Roca, left, and Jarrod R. Allen check the oil on a 7-ton truck Aug. 30 during Artillery Relocation Training Program 14-2 at the Yausubetsu Maneuver Area in Hokkaido, Japan. Marines working at the administrative logistics ordnance command maintained vehicles and equipment for three batteries during ARTP 14-2. Roca is from Germantown, Maryland, and an automotive organizational mechanic with 3rd Battalion, 12th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force. Allen is from Amarillo, Texas, and a motor vehicle operator with the battalion. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Matthew Manning/Released)