Stories

Lance Cpl. Scott Bone sweeps for possible IEDs with a compact metal detector during counter-IED training at Camp Pendleton, Feb. 12, 2016. This training is a part of a new Counter-IED Training Class developed by the Marine Corps Engineer School, Defeat the Device Branch, to improve operational readiness. Bone is a combat engineer with Company A, 1st Combat Engineer Battalion, 1st Marine Division. - Lance Cpl. Scott Bone sweeps for possible IEDs with a compact metal detector during counter-IED training at Camp Pendleton, Feb. 12, 2016. This training is a part of a new Counter-IED Training Class developed by the Marine Corps Engineer School, Defeat the Device Branch, to improve operational readiness. Bone is a combat engineer with Company A, 1st Combat Engineer Battalion, 1st Marine Division.

Marine Corps Engineer Schools tests new Counter-IED course

Since the start of the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, IEDs have been the primary cause of death or injury to coalition forces operating in the regions. The U.S. military has had to adapt to this ever-evolving threat and constantly seeks out new methods to counter these deadly devices.Keeping with this ideology, Marines with Company A., 1st Combat

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Marines offload from a CH-53E Super Stallion transport helicopter to retrieve a simulated injured pilot during a tactical recovery of aircraft and personnel, or TRAP, training scenario at Camp Pendleton, Calif., Feb. 10, 2016. In preparation for their upcoming deployment with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, the TRAP scenario offers the Marines of 2nd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, a secondary skillset above their own primary duties as a 81mm mortar platoon, refining their ability to efficiently conduct a recovery mission. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Devan K. Gowans/Released) - Marines offload from a CH-53E Super Stallion transport helicopter to retrieve a simulated injured pilot during a tactical recovery of aircraft and personnel, or TRAP, training scenario at Camp Pendleton, Calif., Feb. 10, 2016. In preparation for their upcoming deployment with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, the TRAP scenario offers the Marines of 2nd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, a secondary skillset above their own primary duties as a 81mm mortar platoon, refining their ability to efficiently conduct a recovery mission. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Devan K. Gowans/Released)

Rapid response and retrieval: 2/4 conducts TRAP

A duo of CH-53E Super Stallion transport helicopters barreled through the sky, each transporting a team of Marines determined to retrieve their downed fellow Marine. After the helicopters landed in the valley below, the objective area, the Marines shuffled out of the cargo doors and established a defensive perimeter. The aircraft withdrew from the

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MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. – Lance Cpl. Jeremiah W. Johnson, a rifleman with Golf Company, 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines, 1st Marine Division, conducts a night raid with his fellow Marines at a mock combat town at Camp Pendleton Feb. 4, 2016. Marines from Golf Co. conducted follow-on exercises with Expeditionary Operations Training Group in preparation for the upcoming deployment with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Lance Cpl. Justin E. Bowles) - MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. – Lance Cpl. Jeremiah W. Johnson, a rifleman with Golf Company, 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines, 1st Marine Division, conducts a night raid with his fellow Marines at a mock combat town at Camp Pendleton Feb. 4, 2016. Marines from Golf Co. conducted follow-on exercises with Expeditionary Operations Training Group in preparation for the upcoming deployment with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Lance Cpl. Justin E. Bowles)

Golf Company 2/4 Conducts Night Raid prior to Deployment

Through the darkness, Marines began storming out of their Assault Amphibious Vehicles just outside of a mock combat town as blank rounds from assault rifles bellowed into the night. Holding their position near their AAVs, the Marines returned suppressing fire as a faint whistling noise wailed in the distance. “Whiteout, whiteout, whiteout,”

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MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. --Lance Cpl. Eric Mathews, a launcher crewman, provides security for a simulated casualty during a combat endurance challenge Feb. 5, 2016. The challenge consisted of hiking nearly seven miles, testing weapons systems, combat lifesaving skills, land navigation and simulated casualty evacuation. The Marines with Battery Q, 5th Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment conducted the training aboard MCB Camp Pendleton. (Marine Corps photo by Pvt. Robert Bliss) - MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. --Lance Cpl. Eric Mathews, a launcher crewman, provides security for a simulated casualty during a combat endurance challenge Feb. 5, 2016. The challenge consisted of hiking nearly seven miles, testing weapons systems, combat lifesaving skills, land navigation and simulated casualty evacuation. The Marines with Battery Q, 5th Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment conducted the training aboard MCB Camp Pendleton. (Marine Corps photo by Pvt. Robert Bliss)

Combat endurance challenge: Knowledge, navigation and medical evacuation

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. – The ability to do every aspect of one’s job is a necessity in the Marine Corps. The lives of others depend on it. They must be both technically and tactically proficient, and physically and mentally ready for anything: willing to risk life and limb to complete missions.To ensure their readiness, Marines

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MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. – Marines with Company A., 3rd Assault Amphibious Battalion conduct maintenance on an Assault Amphibious Vehicle engine at Camp Pendleton, Feb. 2, 2016. Marines from 3rd AAB supported 2nd Battalion, 4th Marine Division and 1st Bn, 1st Mar. Div. infantry battalions as they conducted raid drills for Expeditionary Operations Training Group and their Marine Corps Combat Readiness Evaluation. “We are being mechanics, changing engines, changing transmissions and troubleshooting issues so we can get the infantry units back in the fight with the full power of their AAVs,” said Staff Sgt. Nicholas R. Faltynski, recovery chief for Company A., 3rd AAB. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Lance Cpl. Justin E. Bowles) - MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. – Marines with Company A., 3rd Assault Amphibious Battalion conduct maintenance on an Assault Amphibious Vehicle engine at Camp Pendleton, Feb. 2, 2016. Marines from 3rd AAB supported 2nd Battalion, 4th Marine Division and 1st Bn, 1st Mar. Div. infantry battalions as they conducted raid drills for Expeditionary Operations Training Group and their Marine Corps Combat Readiness Evaluation. “We are being mechanics, changing engines, changing transmissions and troubleshooting issues so we can get the infantry units back in the fight with the full power of their AAVs,” said Staff Sgt. Nicholas R. Faltynski, recovery chief for Company A., 3rd AAB. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Lance Cpl. Justin E. Bowles)

3rd Assault Amphibious Battalion Support EOTG and MCCRE Operations

The smell of oil and engine exhaust emit from two adjacent Assault Amphibious Vehicles’ engines, as Marines in oil-splattered jumpsuits work tirelessly to ensure the engines are in good order. A sergeant operates a crane atop an Assault Amphibious Vehicle as other Marines direct him on when and where to lift the broken engine. The sergeant sets the

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MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. – Marines shield themselves from a detonated explosive charge during an urban leaders course, Jan. 29, 2016. During the course, Marines learned four different types of charges used to make a safe entrance into an objective. This type of training allows Marines to practice for possible scenarios when they are deployed to combat zones anywhere on the globe. An instructor with 1st Combat Engineer Battalion, 1st Marine Division, taught this portion of the course to infantrymen of 1st MarDiv. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Emmanuel Ramos) - MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. – Marines shield themselves from a detonated explosive charge during an urban leaders course, Jan. 29, 2016. During the course, Marines learned four different types of charges used to make a safe entrance into an objective. This type of training allows Marines to practice for possible scenarios when they are deployed to combat zones anywhere on the globe. An instructor with 1st Combat Engineer Battalion, 1st Marine Division, taught this portion of the course to infantrymen of 1st MarDiv. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Emmanuel Ramos)

Combat engineers teach infantrymen breaching tactics

As the rising sun warmed the air, Marines placed demolition charges on entryways of an urban combat training environment. “Get back, get back,” said Cpl. Brett Sorteberg, an infantryman with 1st Light Armored Reconnaissance Bn., 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force.Five, four, three, two, one…BOOM! A charge blows open a door, the

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Sgt. Tyler Felts, an LAV crewman, sights in on a target during a live-fire gunnery qualification test with an M240B machine gun at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Jan. 22, 2016. Live-fire tests like these allow the Marines of 1st Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force to train for how they will execute their mission when they are deployed in a combat zone. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Pvt. Robert Bliss) - Sgt. Tyler Felts, an LAV crewman, sights in on a target during a live-fire gunnery qualification test with an M240B machine gun at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Jan. 22, 2016. Live-fire tests like these allow the Marines of 1st Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force to train for how they will execute their mission when they are deployed in a combat zone. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Pvt. Robert Bliss)

1st LAR trains for real-world combat

The LAV-25, or light armored vehicle, is a versatile, amphibious vehicle in the Marine Corps. Its mission is to provide combined arms reconnaissance and security in support of a ground combat element. From its M242 25mm chain-driven auto cannon, to its top speed of approximately 62 mph, the LAV-25 is a useful addition to the combat capabilities of

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The Marines of 11th Marine Regiment celebrate Saint Barbara's Day--the patron saint of Artillery--in Las Pulgas, Camp Pendleton, Calif., Jan. 21, 2016. The regiment remembered those Cannon Cockers who have gone before them with a memorial service, inducted new members into the Honorable Order of Saint Barbara, and added some levity with a homemade trebuchet competition. (Marine Corps photo by Cpl. April L. Price/Released) - The Marines of 11th Marine Regiment celebrate Saint Barbara's Day--the patron saint of Artillery--in Las Pulgas, Camp Pendleton, Calif., Jan. 21, 2016. The regiment remembered those Cannon Cockers who have gone before them with a memorial service, inducted new members into the Honorable Order of Saint Barbara, and added some levity with a homemade trebuchet competition. (Marine Corps photo by Cpl. April L. Price/Released)

St. Barbara, the patron saint of field artillerymen

The event brought together the newest members of with 11th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force to the most experienced artillerymen, as well as guests from within the community to strengthen their unbreakable bond and passion for being artillerymen.According to legend, St. Barbara’s father, the tyrant and pagan

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Marines and Sailors practice clearing rooms and detaining non-combatants as a part of the Raid Leaders Course at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Jan. 12, 2016. While the course emphasizes combat marksmanship fundamentals, Marines must be able to identify and properly handle non-combatants in urban military operations. The Marines participating in the training course are with Fox Company, 2nd Battalion, 4th Marine Corps Regiment. The Raid Leaders Course is run by Expeditionary Operations Training Group, I Marine Headquarters Group, I Marine Expeditionary Force. - Marines and Sailors practice clearing rooms and detaining non-combatants as a part of the Raid Leaders Course at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Jan. 12, 2016. While the course emphasizes combat marksmanship fundamentals, Marines must be able to identify and properly handle non-combatants in urban military operations. The Marines participating in the training course are with Fox Company, 2nd Battalion, 4th Marine Corps Regiment. The Raid Leaders Course is run by Expeditionary Operations Training Group, I Marine Headquarters Group, I Marine Expeditionary Force.

More tools for the toolbox, Raid Leaders Course teaches Marines urban combat skills

Marines are no strangers to urban combat. From as far back as the Battle of Chapultepec, to the Battle of Hue City during the Vietnam War, to the more contemporary urban battles of Fallujah and Ramadi during Operation Iraqi Freedom, Marines have been kicking down doors in every clime and place.Despite their experiences, urban combat skills do not

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Marines rush a simulated combat town during the mechanized assault portion of a Marine Corps Combat Readiness Exercise at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Calif., Dec. 9, 2015. The purpose of a MCCRE is to evaluate Marines’ collective performance in specific mission requirements that will prepare them for their upcoming deployment rotation. The Marines are with 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Devan K. Gowans) - Marines rush a simulated combat town during the mechanized assault portion of a Marine Corps Combat Readiness Exercise at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Calif., Dec. 9, 2015. The purpose of a MCCRE is to evaluate Marines’ collective performance in specific mission requirements that will prepare them for their upcoming deployment rotation. The Marines are with 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Devan K. Gowans)

Raining Rage; 2/7 leads a mechanized assault

Marines with 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, lead a mechanized assault as part of the battalion’s iteration of the Marine Corps Combat Readiness Evaluation at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Calif., Dec. 8-10, 2015.The purpose of the MCCRE is to evaluate and certify 2nd Bn., 7th Marines’ collective

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