MARINE CORPS AIR GROUND COMBAT CENTER TWENTYNINE PALMS, Calif., -- The Marines and sailors of Motor Transportation Co., Marine Wing Support Squadron 371, practiced live fire and maneuver, setting up a landing zone, suppressing fire and pushing through the kill zone as part of their Enhanced Mojave Viper training at Range 205 June 10, 2011 for their upcoming deployment later this year.
“It’s very important, it helps us hone our skill as not only Motor T operators, [but as] gunners and other responsibilities with the convoy,” said Capt. Matthew L. Hendrickson, the commanding officer for Motor Transportation Co.
As the training began, the Marines, who have trained at other installations, were impressed with the training capabilities of the Combat Center.
“I think [the Combat Center] has great training facilities,” said Cpl. Robert Bingaman, a military policeman attached with Motor Transportation Co. “It doesn’t get as real as this, being able to move and shoot, motor simulators, to go from [improvised explosive device] to taking fire, having a casualty and setting up a [helicopter landing zone.] It’s better than doing everything notionally.”
As the company began their exercise, the commanding officer, executive officer and staff noncommissioned officers observed their Marines and sailors to evaluate their strengths and weaknesses.
“We did well,” said Sgt. Maj. Darryl Cherry, the squadron sergeant major. “There are things we need to do better, but that is the purpose of training.”
Hendrickson said the one area he noticed could use more work was communication between the vehicles. However, he said that is a simple problem to fix, and he addressed way to improve during his debriefing with the Marines after the exercise.
Hendrickson’s general evaluation of the company’s training was shared by many of the Marines and sailors.
“I think we performed right about the level we need to be for where we are today,” said Bingaman. “I think we can go back and coordinate with the other shops and set up an overall [standard operating procedures, so when we do this together, we will all be on the same page. Right now we are all getting down on the basics, and for that we performed on par.”