Combat Center to train elite fighting force with LSE-17

Twentynine Palms -- In order to adhere to the Marine Corps’ current and progressive service-level training requirements, the Combat Center must provide ample space for Marines to train for real-life scenarios in an LSE training environment. Through regulated training, conducted in realistic environments, under realistic circumstances, the Corps ensures that its forces maintain the highest levels of proficiency and readiness for worldwide deployment.

LSE is an assessed Marine Air Ground Task Force exercise focused at the Marine Expeditionary Brigade level and composed of all four elements of the Marine Air Ground Task Force with live, virtual and constructive elements. It is designed to challenge commands across the spectrum of the MAGTF and will focus on improving the warfighting skills of senior commanders and their staffs, develop a common understanding of MAGTF doctrine and enhance the capabilities within a joint and combined operating environment with appropriate exercise control and training.

For the fifth iteration of LSE, 2nd Marine Division will act as the command element and lead more than 4,500 Marines and sailors with II Marine Expeditionary Force. Participants of LSE-17 include a composition of forces from 2nd MarDiv, Regimental Combat Team-8, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing and II MEF Information Group. As a multi-lateral training exercise, this evolution also includes elements from the 5th Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group, the 3rd Commando Brigade from Great Britain and the 6th Light Armoured Brigade from France.

Combined, these forces will conduct long-range raids, casualty evacuations, live-fire events, defensive operations, cyber and electronic warfare, information operations, close-air support, and simulated combat operations that will increase the efficiency and effectiveness of 2nd MarDiv and, in turn, the Marine Corps when called upon to organize, deploy and employ military forces as part of a joint, coalition force.

The Marine Corps will utilize 164,000 acres of newly-acquired land, 107,000 of which were designated as exclusive for military use year round. The closure period will include the time required to ensure the Shared Use Area is clear of recreation activity prior to training and to confirm the land is clear of hazards such as unexploded ordnance and debris prior to reopening the land for public access.

The adjacent Johnson Valley Off Highway Vehicle Recreation Area will remain open to the public during the closure of the Shared Use Area and the Corps will continue to implement robust public outreach to ensure the public is informed of the temporary change in land use.

In addition to proper clearing of the land prior to and following the LSE, the Marine Corps has announced the next planned use of the Shared Use Area for military training in 2018 from August 1-30, honoring the commitment to provide a minimum of 12 months advance notice to the public of training in the Shared Use Area.

For additional information about LSE or the land closures, including a map of the area, please visit: http://www.29palms.marines.mil/Staff/G5-Government-and-External-Affairs/Johnson-Valley or contact the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Public Affairs Office at 760-830-6213 or SMBPLMSCOMBATCENTERPAO@usmc.mil.