BENS tour the Combat Center

Twentynine Palms -- The Combat Center’s Government and External Affairs, G5, facilitated a tour of the installation for members of Business Executives for National Security (BENS) May 19, 2016.

BENS is an organization comprised of senior American business leaders who contribute their expertise and talent to support the U.S. Government and the Department of Defense to enhance national security efforts. According to Sidney Talley, director for national and internal programs, BENS, the tour gave the representatives an opportunity to learn about the different aspects of the installation while simultaneously learning how the Marines train and perform their daily duties.

“Many of the representatives we brought out have never been on a Marine Corps installation before, so we wanted to teach them about the Combat Center’s mission,” said Kristina Becker, External Affairs Director, Government and External Affairs Office. “I think they learned a lot and experienced a different perspective on Marines and the base.”

BENS members observed Marines conducting a Semper Fit High Intensity Tactical Training routine at Del Valle Field. Following the HITT course, the group observed Marines of 3rd Battalion, 4th Marines, 7th Regiment, conduct a live-fire exercise at Range 410. The representatives also had the opportunity to visit the Range Sustainment Center, Exercise Support Division and Explosive Ordnance Disposal.

According to Talley, the group came to the installation to observe the service members training and determine if any members of the group could give support to the base.

“We got to see how diligently the Marines treat their training, as well as how other entities on base help complete the base’s objectives,” Talley said. “Everyone enjoyed themselves and are walking away with more appreciation for their heroes, the people in the armed forces.”