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Marine Air Ground Task Force Training Command and Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center
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Marines with Tactical Training Exercise Control Group stand at attention during an Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) Day celebration aboard Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, Calif., April 25, 2017. ANZAC Day recognizes the anniversary of the landing of Australian and New Zealand forces during the Battle of Gallipoli in World War I. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Connor Hancock)

Photo by Sgt. Connor Hancock

Combat Center hosts ANZAC Day Celebration

25 Apr 2017 | Sgt. Connor Hancock Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms

Tactical Training Exercise Control Group hosted an Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) Day celebration aboard the Combat Center, April 25, 2017.

ANZAC Day recognizes the anniversary of the landing of Australian and New Zealand forces during the Battle of Gallipoli in World War I. Similar to Memorial Day, it honors all Aussies and New Zealanders who made the ultimate sacrifice in battle.

Marine leaders with TTECG and Warrant Officer Class 2 Michael Carroll, exchange infantry weapons officer, Australian Army, spoke about the history and tradition of ANZAC Day before serving a historical gunfire breakfast.

“The gunfire breakfast was taken by soldiers on the morning prior to battle during WWI,” Carroll said. “This may have included biscuits served with coffee laced with rum and/or condensed milk.”

For Marines like Lance Cpl. Ian Andrews, role player, TTECG, the gunfire breakfast was a nice change from the chow hall. However, according to Andrews, the most rewarding part of the ANZAC Day celebration was learning about Australian military history.

“Before today I didn’t really know what ANZAC Day was,” Andrews said. “Learning about it builds camaraderie and strengthens unity between the two countries.”

Marine Corps exercise controllers are commonly referred to as “coyotes,” however, Carroll goes by call sign “dingo,” an appropriate designation for TTECG’s first Australian exercise controller. He is participating in a bilateral exchange program aboard the Combat Center for two years. According to Carroll, U.S. and Australian warfighters share a bond that is formed in the common forge of selfless service and shared hardships.

“We share values, we share adversity, and a common goal for peace and prosperity for the world,” Carroll said. “It’s truly an honor to continue this tradition here.”

Combat Center’s 3rd Battalion, 4th Marines, 7th Marine Regiment, simultaneously honored ANZAC Day with a ruck march in Darwin, Australia.

“It’s important to remember the history between the United States and Australia, and how the battles we’ve fought together forged the relationship our countries have today,” said Master Gunnery Sgt. Jorge Jacinto, senior enlisted advisor, TTECG.

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