Cpl. Bryce Navarre, an infantryman with 2nd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, observes an area using binoculars to aid him in seeing objects at greater distances during an observation lanes sweep aboard Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Sept. 03, 2015. The Marines were given binoculars to allow them in locating simulated IEDs from a safe distance. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Chris Garcia/Released)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Chris Garcia

2/6 conducts observation lane sweep

10 Sep 2015 | Lance Cpl. Chris Garcia Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. --

Marines with 2nd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, conducted an observation lanes sweep during improvised explosive lane sweep training aboard Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Sept. 03, 2015.

Approximately 61 Marines participated in the training that tested their ability to locate hidden IEDs in a combat environment. Throughout the training, the Marines were allowed to use three types of searches–a detailed, hasty or deliberate–to aid them in their mission.

An IED is a type of explosive device that is made of improvised material and used to distract, incapacitate or destroy an opposing enemy and is usually hidden. In Iraq and Afghanistan, IEDs have caused more casualties than any other weapon.

“IEDs are not just a specific threat to Iraq or Afghanistan,” said Mr. George Frick, a team leader for the counter IED training. “We understand now that IEDs are a global threat, and with the training that we provide (the Marines), they are able to better find, locate and deal with the IEDs that they are finding while on a deployment.”

The training started with the Marines standing behind a line that represented their base line and observed the area in front of them, looking for simulated IEDs that the instructors had placed in the field. The objective of the training was for the Marines to locate all possible IEDs without using any type of equipment.

After the Marines located the simulated IEDs closest to them, they were then allowed to use equipment to aid them in finding the rest. They used their advanced combat optical gun sight on their weapons, which allow them to see up to four times the distance, and binoculars, which allow them to see up to eight times the distance.

When the Marines were done finding all possible simulated IEDs in the field, they conducted a patrol of a trail to locate any other indicators of IEDs in the area.

“Nowadays, our main enemies are IEDs,” said Pfc. Tyler Fulton, an artilleryman going through the training. “Being able to identify them will aid us in preventing casualties.”