COMBINED ARMS TRAINING CENTER CAMP FUJI, Japan -- Marines and sailors with Combat Logistics Company 36 reviewed and conducted convoy operations during Exercise Dragon Fire 2015 at Combined Arms Training Center Camp Fuji, Japan, July 24-25.
Service members began this two-day training event with basic classes on how to conduct convoy and recovery operations. They then geared up and departed to the training grounds where they conducted a recovery operation in a simulated combat zone.
“Our mission throughout the two days was to push forward our recovery team to a vehicle that was struck by an improvised explosive device, and bring that downed vehicle back to base,” said Sgt. Victor Carrasco, combat logistics specialist with CLC-36. “Essentially that is what CLC-36 is for. We are supposed to train for and be ready to run convoy and recovery operations.”
According to Carrasco, this training is extremely important since service members will do this type of work if they get deployed. He added that this is probably the most realistic training they will receive.
This training serves as a refresher to many of these Marines who have not utilized these skills since their initial Marine combat training after boot camp.
“I do believe that they accomplished their mission,” said Staff Sgt. Milton Donatus, a tactical readiness and training instructor with Headquarters Regiment, 3rd Marine Logistics Group. “They’re operational right now, but there are still a couple of things that they can improve on. At least now they have a baseline, so now they can improve on what they already have.”
The training familiarizes service members with how the convoy operations are conducted and what their roles are in the operation.
“I learned that dispersion within your 360 degree security is key, but the most important thing is communication,” said Lance Cpl. Tristen Breiner, a towed artillery systems technician with CLC-36. “Communication is vital for mission accomplishment. Also, you should always have eyes on your Marines and know where they are so we can bring every Marine or sailor home safely.”
This training event along with all the other training the service members did throughout Exercise Dragon Fire were made to make them a little more combat ready.
The service members still have a land navigation exercise to look forward to as well as climbing Mount Fuji, July 30.
The mission of the exercise as a whole is to develop the Marines and sailors’ combat mindset, which is being prepared for the mental and physical stress of being in a combat zone, because training to be combat ready prepares service members for any mission they may be tasked with.