MARINE CORPS AIR STATION NEW RIVER, N.C. -- Recruiters get them in the door, drill instructors in recruit training mold them into basic Marines and infantry combat instructors transform them into warriors ready for combat.
During a 52-day cycle, the Infantry Training Battalion at Camp Geiger here is completing their mission to train the next generation of infantry Marines for the continuing mission in Iraq and the Global War on Terrorism.
“The goal is to expose them to things that could happen to infantry Marines in Iraq so they know what will be expected of them when they get to their unit,” said Staff Sgt. Robert Schieler, Infantry Training Battalion S-3 scheduling chief and combat instructor.
Vehicle-borne and improvised explosive devices are a major problem in Iraq, so the command added IED training including how to recognize a device, what they are composed of and immediate action drills following the detonation of a device while on a convoy, said Schieler.
Ninety percent of this war is being fought on the road and we are teaching Marines techniques like how to sandbag a seven-ton truck and how to react to IED’s and incoming fire while on patrol, added Schieler.
Marine’s can be taught all of the tips and techniques for combat situations, but if that Marine cannot shoot, he is not going to be combat effective, said Schieler.
“We have doubled the close-quarter shooting training segment to reduce hesitation in Iraq,” he said.
Close-quarter marksmanship training during ITB consists of Marines shooting at 50, 25, 15, 10 meters and firing on the move while performing speed reloads, added Schieler.
Marines are now training here using the advanced combat optical gun sight to improve accuracy during close-quarters combat and to help them be ready for when they use it in combat, said Schieler.
These marksmanship improvements are put to the test during urban patrolling training where Marines demonstrate their ability to clear rooms, windows and doorways, he said.
“This is a major upgrade from outdated jungle patrolling that dates back to the Vietnam era”, said Schieler.
It takes the two-dimensional tree-line patrol and forces Marines into 360-degree environment where fire or explosions come from any direction including tops of buildings or basement half-windows, added Schieler.
While patrolling and clearing room procedures are important, including classes on the values that the Marines Corps uphold is critical, said Schieler. This is why ITB teaches general rules of engagement and enemy prisoner of war handing.
In addition to emphasizing core values, instructors stress the importance of using escalation of force based on the situation. This is important to keep Marines safe and prevent harm to prisoners, said Schieler.
“It is not only ‘by the book training’ that helps get Marines ready, it’s the little things as well. Like being required to always have a buddy within five feet of you and to keep constant weapon awareness are details that can save your life,” said Schieler.
Creating trust with fellow Marines is crucial for mission success, said Schieler.
“If the Marines receiving this training can learn one thing to make me feel confident that they are ready for what they will experience, it is that you are only as strong as your Marines to the right and your left,” added Schieler.
All ITB instructors are from the infantry occupational field and bring experiences and stories to pass along to the next generation of infantry Marines, he said. Most of our instructors have two or more deployments to Iraq.
“I feel it’s good training they get based on my experience in Iraq. It helps them mentally and physically and they will be ready to snap into their unit when they get out,” said Sgt. Kevin Taylor, Marine combat instructor of second platoon at ITB.
The Marines training here feel confident in themselves when they leave and it makes the instructors feel good knowing that, said Schieler.
ITB continues the mission of training Marines for the next evolution of combat allowing the Marine Corps to continue to be able to fight “in every clime and place.”