MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. -- Urban combat training is essential for Marines fighting in Afghanistan. The Marines from Headquarters and Service Company, 7th Engineer Support Battalion, 1st Marine Logistics Group conducted a three day training exercise designed to teach Marines the basics of military operations in urban terrain here, May 4.
The Marines learned skills in close quarters combat, room entry, combat mindsets, movement, treating casualties and low light tactics, said Lance Cpl. Michael R. McCaffrey, military policeman, Provost Marshal’s Office, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton and an instructor for the field exercise.
Training for military operations in urban terrain will help engineers for any urban scenario they may encounter.
Most of the Marines in this training evolution will deploy within the next 18 months, said 2nd Lt. James L. Stanley, platoon commander, construction shop, Headquarters and Service Co. 7th ESB, 1st MLG.
Engineers sometimes attach to combat units when they deploy. They need training to keep up with the units they attach to.
If they have to go in a MOUT environment, they will have the training to better their chances of survival, said McCaffrey.
Engineers attached to combat units cannot afford to not know what’s going on when bullets are being fired.
It gives members of the unit an idea of what needs to happen. That way, Marines are helping the unit they are attached to and not getting in the way. It makes engineers a positive force for the unit they are with, said Pfc. Daniel A. Castellon, engineer, construction shop, Headquarters and Service Co., 7th ESB, 1st MLG.
The 96 hours of training sharpened the Marines’ minds when it came to making critical decisions in an instant.
“They need to understand they can’t just shoot anything that moves,” said Stanley. “If you kill one civilian, you are possibly making five insurgents.”
In just four days Marines learned many useful urban combat techniques from PMO. They improved dramatically and will have the confidence they need when in an urban combat operation.