Combat Logistics Battalion - 7 -- Combat Logistics Battalion 7 took the backstage role of 1st Marine Division’s Desert Scimitar exercise. The unit began their field operation April 17 and ended Monday.
Desert Scimitar is one of 1st Marine Division’s annual division sized exercises held in Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., and the Combat Center.
The Marines of CLB-7 supported the units training in the field with their logistical needs, which included water, fuel, transportation, communications and food.
“We supported 1st Marine Division and all they needed,” said Cpl. James Hay III, CLB-7. “We were the main effort for support.”
The Desert Scimitar exercise came at a unique time for CLB-7. The unit recently received new Marines who have never been to the training areas aboard the Combat Center. Leaders with CLB-7 saw Desert Scimitar as positive experience to prepare for the battalion’s upcoming deployment early next year.
“We have a lot of new inbound Marines fresh out of school,” said Gunnery Sgt. Michael Ramirez, company gunnery sergeant for Headquarters & Services Company. “A lot of these kids have never been to the field. They don’t know how to operate in a field environment.
“It’s kind of a rude awakening for some of the new Marines coming in, but overall, these Marines did a fantastic job,” Ramirez added.
The Marines of CLB-7 used the exercise as an opportunity for mentorship and passing guidance to the younger Marines.
“It was a great experience for everybody,” Ramirez added. “Everybody played a role in either mentoring these new Marines, giving these Marines responsibility and teaching these Marines what they need to know from their job to hygiening out in the field, just mentally dealing with the hardships that they are not use to like not being able to talk to their family members or friends due to cell phone reception. The field teaches the Marines a lot.”
“It was a great opportunity for some of these younger Marines to learn how the battalion functions and learn more about their jobs and start networking with different units out here,” Ramirez added.
The Marines of CLB-7 remained busy and shared late nights in the field with training units, but maintained their hunger for knowledge.
“The thing that stood out to me the most is how much more the Marines enjoy realistic training,” Ramirez said. “We would throw scenarios at the Marines every day, it was pretty legit and the Marines loved it. All the late hours and sacrifices paid off.”