Logistics units endure cold, snow during Camp Fuji convoy training
CAMP FUJI, Japan (Jan. 31, 2006) -- More than 150 service members with 3rd Marine Logistics Group endured the cold on Camp Fuji Jan.11-29, for Exercise Materiel Warrior, a three-week convoy operations exercise.
http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/mcn2000.nsf/main5/D3A56DF119BB15E685257107002676DE?opendocument
Submitted by: MCB Camp Butler
Story Identification #: 2006131208
Story by Lance Cpl. Terence L. Yancey
The objective of the exercise was to increase the combat readiness of augments from the group’s 3rd Materiel Readiness Battalion, as well as detachments from Headquarters and Service Battalion, 3rd Transportation Support Battalion and 9th Engineer Support Battalion, in preparation for deployment in support of real-world operations, according to Col. R.R. Ruark, 3rd MRB’s commanding officer.
Throughout the three weeks the Marines and sailors trained and lived together, building teamwork along with their combat skills.
“The training has really built confidence and camaraderie within the unit,” said Lance Cpl. Stuart Dipaolo, an automotive organizational mechanic with 3rd MRB.
Along with convoy operations, the Marines and sailors received training in advanced marksmanship, crew served weapons, first aid and identifying and reacting to improvised explosive devices.
A tight training schedule, the cold weather and being away from Okinawa increased the difficulty and stress level of the training.
“Being here at Camp Fuji is the opposite of being in Okinawa,” said Lance Cpl. Omari Livingston, an automotive organizational mechanic with 3rd MRB, 3rd MLG. “Things are harder to do in the snow, but motivation remains high because everyone is out here to train so we all can come back (from Iraq) alive.”
The Marines and sailors received slide show presentations and classes from Marine instructors who served in OIF.
“(The Iraq stories) put relevance into the training,” said Staff Sgt. Timothy Black, an electrical equipment repair specialist with 9th ESB, 3rd MLG. “Something from the heart will help (the students) feel the emotion and understand why they’re receiving the class.”
On the final day of training, the service members loaded onto their tactical vehicles and went out on a convoy through Camp Fuji’s ranges. They were tested on everything they learned and were confronted with numerous real-world tactical convoy scenarios by the instructors.