TECG keeps Marines combat ready
CAMP COURTNEY, OKINAWA, Japan(Oct. 20, 2005) -- Spending months in numerous locations across the Pacific may sound like vacation paradise for some people, but for the Marines and civilians who work for the Tactical Exercise Control Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force, travel is part of the job.
http://www.marines.mil/marinelink/mcn2000.nsf/0/7815CE249BDAD2E2852570A000038544?opendocument
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MCB Camp Butler
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Computed Name: Lance Cpl. Scott M. Biscuiti
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20051019203827
CAMP COURTNEY, OKINAWA, Japan(Oct. 20, 2005) -- Spending months in numerous locations across the Pacific may sound like vacation paradise for some people, but for the Marines and civilians who work for the Tactical Exercise Control Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force, travel is part of the job.
“We support 29 exercises a year in 5 different countries,” said Maj. John Coleman, the operations officer for TECG.
TECG provides exercise design and support to all the major subordinate commands of III MEF and conducts a wide variety of training exercises including large multilateral exercises directed by the Marine Forces Pacific commander or unit training for a small command staff.
“There is no facet of the staff functions nor level of echelons that we do not get involved in,” Coleman said. “We cover the entire spectrum.”
One function of TECG is to plan, design and conduct Marine Air-Ground Task Force Tactical Warfare Simulation, according to Coleman. MTWAS is a computer-assisted command and control training system that mimics all phases of military operations. Every year TECG conducts seven MTWASs.
“Computer models serve as the logistics components and TECG builds all aspects of military warfare in the computer system,” he said. “We allow units to focus on their abilities on what needs to be done.”
The exercises are designed based on the training objectives of a particular unit, according to Coleman. This gives commanders the ability to react to an unknown scenario.
TECG conducts exercises to help the United States and its allies further military readiness and relationships, according to Coleman. These exercises include theater security engagements aimed at promoting regional and U.S. security goals.
The Marines that work for TECG are given more responsibility and often learn to be proficient in areas outside of their military occupational specialty, according to Coleman.
“I'm a field radio operator by trade, but being at TECG I've dealt with administrative, operational, security and logistic matters,” said Sgt. Raymond Pagan Jr., the operations noncommissioned officer with TECG. “I look at the added responsibility as a plus. I like knowing that my actions played a part in the accomplishment of our mission.”