Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C. -- Since 1956, the Deployment Processing Command/Reserve Support Unit on base has been dedicated to providing immediate and precise training to get reserve Navy and Marines in the fight.
The DPC/RSU’s mission isn’t complicated, rather, it’s one that keeps the unit busy. They’re responsible for the planning and coordination of logistics and administrative support to reserve units, Marines individually augmented and individual ready reserves, who are conducting monthly, annual and other reserve training on base. The unit also provides full medical and dental support.
“For the most part, we’ll help anyone out in need of fulfilling their training requirements,” said Staff Sgt. Michael D. Robinson, Marine Corps Martial Arts Program DPC/RSU staff noncommissioned officer in charge. “We have this open door policy, and if we have the slots open and available, we can help other Marines on base get needed training done as well.”
The unit has several certified combat marksmanship trainers, humvee egress assistance trainers, range safety officers, range officers in charge, water survival instructors and some of the most proficient Indoor Simulated Marksmanship Trainers.
The predeployment training program the unit takes, on average, approximately three weeks. During the training, Marines are able to complete Tables I, II and III rifle training, along with pistol and swim qualifications. Marines can even attend the gas chamber and progress in MCMAP.
“Marines who come through the unit range from privates first class to colonels,” said Master Sgt. Garry L. Schwartzenberger, DPC/RSU operations chief. “It’s almost weekly, we hear positive feedback from senior officers on how knowledgeable and proficient our staff is at helping them get through the course and brush up on their skills.”
The DPC/RSU staff has much to offer fellow Marines who come through for processing. They are responsible for updating Marines training or deployment preparations and the majority of the staff has served on a tour to either Iraq or Afghanistan. Being reserve Marines, its only natural the Marines who make up the DPC/RSU are from different units and have different jobs, allowing them to add more seasoned experience to their training.
“We’ve been there and done that,” said Schwartzenberger. “We know what these Marines are looking for and can use our experience to better prepare them.”
The unit is able to help everyone regardless of component, rank, military occupational specialty or unit on Camp Lejeune with their training.
“The unit is here to support Camp Lejeune as well as the reserve community,” said Robinson.
For more information about the DPC/RSU, visit their Web site at www.lejeune.usmc.mil/rsu.