"America's Battalion" attend training at MCMWTC

Twentynine Palms -- Infantrymen with 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, based out of Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., participated in Assault Climber’s Course as part of Mountain Training Exercise 4-17 August 1, 2017 aboard Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center, Bridgeport.
MTX is a service level training exercise focused on missions in a complex environment. Marines learn how to maneuver in high altitude, mountainous and cold weather environments, which better prepares them to provide support to their parent units. ACC contains the following three phases: Mountain endurance exam, knots and rope systems and free climbing on cliff faces.

Throughout the five-week MTX, Marines take part in four evolutions, which include a river crossing with a single rope bridge, cliff assaults, rappelling and movements to contact. The culminating event combines all four evolutions during a night climb exercise.

“It’s great to showcase what we are capable of as Marines, not only out in the training area but while forward deployed,” said Capt. Brandon Bocian, commander of company G, 2/8. “Coming to [MCMWTC] benefits the Marine Corps because we have an opportunity to train in terrain that we might encounter in country.”

The incorporation of regional, joint and service-level training in MTX provides the tactical integration of a MAGTF, which consists of a ground combat element with one task organized maneuver battalion, a limited aviation combat element, and a logistics combat element comprised of a combat logistics detachment. During the exercise, 2/8 received the opportunity to implement tactics as the GCE of the MAGTF.

“The course was very challenging,” said Cpl. Ryan Boswell, squad leader, 2/8. “I’ve learned a lot about my abilities as a Marine and overall I think it was a great learning experience that enhances the readiness of my Marines and our unit.”