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Midwest urban venues set stage for 24th MEU’s RUT

The 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit launched its next phase of pre-deployment training called Realistic Urban Training here today. During this exercise the 24th MEU’s support elements work together for the first time as an encompassed unit, and will complete training Oct. 7.

Local communities near Camp Atterbury and northern Kentucky will host and provide a variety of venues where the members of the 24th MEU will apply their skills sets in structured and municipal areas, helping simulate real-world operations.

The goal of the exercise is to expose the Marines to realistic scenarios in an actual urban community that cannot be replicated on [Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C.], said Col. Pete Petronzio, commanding officer, 24th MEU.

Special Operations Training Group, a training unit belonging to II Marine Expeditionary Force, coordinated with local and state officials to provide the safest and most lifelike platform to develop and challenge the Marines in a unique way.

“RUT provides the 24th MEU that ability to get use to operating within an unfamiliar environment, because the next time the MEU has to do this can very well be in combat in a foreign country,” said Maj. Eric J. Piper, air officer, SOTG, II MEF.

The 24th MEU continues progression toward executing a wide-range of scenarios as the world’s 9-1-1 crisis response force, this step being to building on all the courses each element has taken prior to RUT and putting it together towards one mission under a unified command.

During RUT, the MEU remains persistent in perfecting its’ skills and tactics in various combat and non-combat applications to include company-scale raids, humanitarian assistance missions and medical casualty evacuations.

The success of future missions of the MEU relies on what the Marines accomplish now during their training, Petronzio said.

As a way to thank the local communities for allowing the Marines access to their towns and streets, the Marines plan to showcase their equipment including the MV-22 Osprey, tactical vehicles, and weaponry Oct. 3 at Columbus, Ind. Fairground and Frankfort, Ky. Airfield, during RUT.

The 24th MEU serves as a quick-based reaction force ready to respond to any contingency or crisis within the its area operations, and consists of Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, Marine Medium Tilt Rotor Squadron-162 (Reinforced), Combat Logistics Battalion-24 and 24th MEU Command Element. The upcoming deployment will mark the first time the 24th MEU deploys with the MV-22 Osprey and the first time BLT 1/9 deploys with a MEU since its reactivation in 2007.

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24th MEU Marines perfect ship to shore capabilities

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. (Sept. 21, 2009) —
Supplying the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit with dynamic ship to shore capabilities falls on the broad shoulders Alpha Company, Battalion Landing Team, 1st Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment Marines, and they got a taste of what this responsibility entails during a weeklong Mechanized Company Raid Course here, Sept. 21.

Instructors from Special Operations Training Group, II Marine Expeditionary Force, introduced the basics of this asset and its’ capabilities, previously unfamiliar to these Marines, in preparation for the unit’s deployment with the 24th MEU.

The Assault Amphibian Vehicles is a tracked vehicle, much like a tank, capable of supporting ground Marines with mounted machine guns, transporting Marines across bodies of water or through deep, soupy mud, and most important capable of protecting the Marines housed within.

“Working with the AAV’s is a new experience and it’s good to get this training because we can implement them in many different ways,” said Lance Cpl. Brad. J. Curtis, infantryman, 1st platoon, Alpha Co., BLT 1/9, 24th MEU. “They’re not just a ride, aside from getting us where we need to go expediently, they also support us with their heavy fire power, and ability totransport casualties and many other things.”

Marines also worked alongside many other assets not normally attached to the company such as, combat engineers and sensitive sight exploitation teams.

“This course gives us an opportunity to work as a unit and hone our skills with the tracks and all other attachments,” said 2nd Lt. Ryan E. Maher, platoon commander, 2nd platoon, Alpha Co., BLT 1/9, 24th MEU. “It’s important considering the low intensity conflicts throughout the world and we could definitely be used as an asset of the MEU.”

Instructors observed and evaluated the company, letting them know where they made mistakes and making suggestions for improvement based on previous experiences.

“I haven’t done a raid course in the past; it’s a wakeup call to what we need to focus on in the future,” said Cpl. Patrick L. Gorski, squad leader, 1st platoon, Alpha Co., BLT 1/9, 24th MEU. “SOTG has a wealth of knowledge and experience to offer; they built us up from where we started, as the week progressed we got better and better.”

The platoon planned and conducted three company level raids; two day and one night. This gave Marines the opportunity to work in many different situations and prepare them for worst case scenarios.

“This has been one of the best courses that my platoon has been through; the instructors are extremely knowledgeable,” said Maher. “The Marines have performed exceptionally, they’re exhausted and a little beat up, but they’re happy.”

The Mechanized Raid Course was just one of dozens of courses Marines with the 24th MEU will complete prior to deploying with the Nassau Expeditionary Strike Group next year.

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Marines Train to prevent tragedy; 24th MEU prepares for worst case scenario

8/11/2009 By Lance Cpl. David Beall, 24th MEU

U.S. ARMY BASE FORT A.P. HILL, Va (Aug. 10, 2009) —

Marines and sailors with Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment and Combat Logistics Battalion-24 teamed for a week of mass casualty drills, practicing the evacuation, evaluation and treatment of casualties here beginning Aug. 3.

A mass casualty is any event resulting in enough Marines being injured that logistical capabilities are overwhelmed and a mass casualty team is required to treat and evacuate victims to where they can receive required treatment.

“The reality is that a mass casualty (situation) can happen anywhere anytime, and it’s important to have as many personnel trained to be able to respond to that as possible,” said HM2 Jason B. Smith, corpsman, Special Operations Training Group, II Marine Expeditionary Force. “The purpose of this training is to aid medical personnel as well as their security element in increasing their proficiency in the art of a mass casualty. Some Marines participating have no experience with mass casualty team or even a drill, making this training essential for them.

“I’ve never done mass casualty training before so I hope to get a better understanding of the process and the different steps of actually getting the casualties in through the triage, onto the birds (helicopters) and back to the ship to receive further medical treatment,” explained Cpl. William T. Ramage, supply clerk, CLB-24, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit.

The training also gives Marines and sailors a chance to work together and learn how the team works to accomplish the mission.

“We’re all getting ready to deploy, so this training helps the teams get used to each other, become more familiar with each other and build a trust within the team,” said HM3 Adam J. Voegtle, corpsman, H&S Company, BLT 1/9, 24th MEU. “It gives them a chance to see how they will react if this situation were to occur in real life; that way we will know how to work together smoothly in real life.”

At the end of the day, the teams gained proficiency and successfully accomplished their mission of getting casualties to safety.

“I think it went fantastic, the enthusiasm and effort that the Marines put into the training, and their willingness to learn was great and I can’t say enough about how proud I am of both the sailors and the Marines here,” said 1st Sgt. Sean C. Morgan, company first sergeant, H&S Company, BLT 1/9, 24th MEU.

Home on the range

U.S. ARMY BASE FORT A.P. HILL, V.A. – Marines with Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment and Combat Logistics Battalion-24 completed a three-day basic machine gunners course, gaining valuable experience firing some of the Marine Corps’ most deadly weapons, here July 30 through Aug 1.

Marines fired the M240G Machine Gun, the MK 19 Grenade Launcher and the M2 .50 Caliber Heavy Machine Gun, an uncommon opportunity for some Marines with non-infantry jobs.

Before firing, Marines received classes on everything from disassembling the weapons to the maximum cyclic rate and distance they can fire.

Marines from various Military Occupational Specialties attended this course, garnering a better understanding of these weapons, even though they may not use them regularly in their jobs.

“I think this machine gun training is important for all Marines regardless of their MOS because you never know when you’ll find yourself in a situation when you need to get in a turret, man that gun and send rounds down range,” said 2nd Lt. Michael N. Doss, supply officer, Headquarters and Support Company, BLT 1/9, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit. “This training gets them more familiar with the weapons.”

Doss explained that one of the most important things a Marine can take from this training is confidence.

“Getting behind these weapons and getting the training and experience of successfully operating weapons such as a M2 .50 Caliber Heavy Machine Gun definitely gives the Marines confidence, not only while using these weapons, but in other tasks that may come to them in the future,” Doss, an Onely, Md. native.

For some Marines this was the first time they ever fired some of these weapons, for others this training was far more intense than any training they’ve previously had.

“I had a great time, we learned a lot of new things about the weapons and I got to shoot the M2 .50 Caliber Heavy Machine Gun for the first time, I’m really glad I got to get behind that gun,” exclaimed Pfc. Ricardo L. Tomas, supply clerk, CLB-24, 24th MEU.

At the end of the course, Marines walked away better marksman and more confident, not just in their ability to fire one of these weapons, but to handle any situation they may face.

“After the three days of training, I’d have to say it went very well, we had a few hiccups but overall it was good,” said Doss. “The Marines did an outstanding job. They all wanted to shoot and were very motivated. I was happy to be a part of the development of these Marines.”

24th MEU units perfect teamwork; brush up on skills

U.S. ARMY BASE FORT A.P. HILL, V.A. –Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment and Combat Logistics Battalion-24 set up camp here July 29 to begin forging bonds during their first training evolution as a part of the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit.

For the next 18 days these units will operate as one to successfully complete training exercises that are part of the MEU’s certification process. Some of their impending tasks include several types of live fire ranges, raids, convoys and much more.

Before a single round could be fired or patrol completed, all of the required equipment and gear was embarked and transported from Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C. to Fort A.P. Hill, which is a task in its own right. Once all of the gear was transported, the Marines unloaded and set up a fully operating command center within no time.

“This is a very big logistical movement, many Marines take this for granted and don’t realize all of the work that goes into getting something like this set up,” said 1st Lt. Benjamin J. Gaines, assistant logistics officer, BLT 1/9, 24th MEU.

The Marines will not only be training aboard A.P. Hill, Motor Transportation will be providing convoys for CLB-24 and BLT 1/9 to Fort Pickett, Va., Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va. and Camp Dawson.

“This training evolution gives the Marines the experience of being spread out and operating out here, that way when we deploy together we’ll be more familiar with each other and with what we are doing,” explained Gaines. “This is one of the most aggressive training exercises that we will conduct as far as ground exercises go.”

For the CLB-24, this isn’t their first training exercise for this cycle, they did some pre-activation preparation; however it is their first one working hand in hand with BLT 1/9. There are many different aspects of the CLB, from providing hot meals to the Marines to providing transportation.

“This gives us the chance to gain some experience with BLT 1/9 and to be able to work with them is good for the Marines of the CLB,” said 1st Lt. Sean M. Tremblay, logistics officer, CLB-24, 24th MEU. “We’re building a relationship with the BLT which will pay dividends throughout the work-ups.”

24th MEU Back in the Saddle

The 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit officially assumed operational control over its air, ground, and logistical elements during an activation ceremony here today.

This ceremony marked the beginning of a concentrated phase of preparation for the MEU’s support elements. The MEU faces a work-up phase that aims to bring four estranged elements together as a cohesive force in readiness.

The combination of 24th MEU’s command element, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment; Medium Marine Tilt Rotor Squadron – 162; and Combat Logistics Battalion – 24; forms a Marine Air Ground Task Force, a versatile unit capable of supporting the full spectrum of combat and humanitarian operations around the globe.

“The ceremony is a significant event, it marks how we will work together, deploy together, and achieve a mission together,” said Col. Pete Petronzio, commanding officer, 24th MEU. “Each element brings a unique skill that will allow us to do amazing things.”

The Ground Combat Element, BLT 1/9, is a combat infantry unit ready to perform everything from precision target strikes to reinforcing a security element of an embassy under threat of action. This will be the first time 1/9 attaches to a Marine Expeditionary Unit.

VMM-162 joins the MEU for the first time as the aviation combat element, which offers a range of close air support jets, attack helicopters, and transport helicopters, including the MV-22 Osprey. This will also be the first time the 24th MEU deploys with the MV-22 Osprey.

The MEU’s logistical lifeline is CLB-24. The battalion is capable of sustaining the MEU in full combat for 15 days without re-supply, and also conducts non-combat evacuations and other humanitarian aid operations.

With all the support elements together for the first time, the training begins. Tasked being a quick response force to the world, the MEU must now test their capabilities and teamwork in amphibious operations, mechanized and heliborne raids, urban warfare, peace enforcement and more for their upcoming deployment into the European and Central Command.

“The 24th MEU has long, distinguished history, and I have no doubt this iteration will add to that history,” said Petronzio.

Following the ceremony families were invited to exlore the various equipment, vehicles and aircraft present.

Aerial view of the activation ceremony

Aerial view of the activation ceremony

Aerial view of the activation ceremony