MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- Fourteen Marines and a sailor from the Provost Marshal’s Office along with a corpsman participated in a Military Operations in Urban Terrain training exercise at Unit Deployment Program Barracks 1395 Tuesday.
The exercise began with two fire teams patrolling from the Northside Football Field to the empty barracks. They then cleared the building of any insurgents, played by PMO Marines, for the final portion of the exercise.
The incorporation of 9 mm simunition rounds, soft marking bullets with paint-filled tips, made the training even more realistic, said Cpl. Stephen A. Davis, a PMO working dog handler and Hendersonville N.C. native.
The operation emphasized many key elements vital to a unit’s success for similar situations in Iraq.
The Marines clearing the building learned the importance of posting security, finding good cover and communicating, said Sgt. Mario Cardenas, PMO working dog handler and Freeport, Texas native.
The first run through the barracks resulted in eight “casualties,” while there were only two during the second run.
“Even though this is a training evolution, you need to pay attention to what works and what doesn’t work,” said Cardenas. “They figured out something that worked better and utilized it.”
Although the main goal of the exercise was to sharpen the PMO Marines’ MOUT skills, Cardenas, an Iraq veteran, wanted to prepare his Marines for situations they may experience while on upcoming deployments to Iraq.
“I like to prepare my handlers my way and show them what I’ve seen,” Cardenas said. “I think it’s a good opportunity for them.”
Cpl. Joseph S. Singleton, a PMO working dog handler and Mt. Pleasant, N.C native agreed, saying that the exercise went well and that the Marines took home some important lessons.