Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. -- "Every Marine is a rifleman," so goes the adage taught to Marines in boot camp.  This standard extends from Marines operating as infantrymen to those tasked with administrative, clerical and technical duties. 

Away from their usual jobs, more than a dozen Marine corporals and sergeants assigned to II Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group, II MEF, sharpened their combat skills during a field training exercise at Combat Town here July 13 to 16. 

The Marines practiced their land navigation skills, conducted foot patrols, donned Mission Oriented Protective Posture gear, learned about improvised explosive devices, called in medical evacuations and executed assault and clearing movements.  During the four days of rigorous training, the non-commissioned officers were challenged to their physical and mental limits, knowing that in the near future they may well lead other Marines in similar circumstances.