They are observant, poised, proactive and ready to identify any threat before it occurs.

More than 80 embedded training team Marines from ETT 7-6 participated in the Combat Hunter Course on Camp Schwab Jan. 7-15.

The purpose of the course, which was created in August 2007 by Maj. Jim Martin, is to enhance Marines’ ability to observe, communicate and act in their effort to track, profile and destroy the enemy. 

The course’s importance lies in the fact it trains Marines to be proactive instead of reactive and eliminate threats before they occur, said Gunnery Sgt. Darren Maxwell, combat hunter instructor with the Mobilization Training Battalion, School of Infantry, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif.

The course, which lasted eight days, was taught using a three-step method, said Maxwell.

“We teach the Marines observation techniques, combat tracking and profiling,” said Maxwell. “Extensive practical application helps them develop a continual operational security mindset.”

The course’s “final exam” consisted of three teams camped on rooftops observing a makeshift combat environment. Their job was to identify the leader of a group of insurgents and decipher movement and activities conducted.

ETT team member Gunnery Sgt. Miguel Sandoval said he felt the course was thorough and would be beneficial when deployed.

“I have a better understanding of tactics and procedures to keep myself safe when deployed,” Sandoval said. “The skills I’ve learned here are vital to learning how to put together a whole picture and identify the enemy in a combat situation.”

Maxwell said although the program is relatively new, it goes above and beyond completing its mission of keeping Marines proactive.

“With this course, Marines can protect themselves by identifying and eradicating suspicious activity before it even becomes a problem,” said Maxwell. “That means instead of us looking out for the enemy, the enemy will be looking out for us.”