CAMP FUJI, Japan -- Marines with Golf Battery, 3rd Battalion, 12th Marine Regiment, conducted accountability checks and equipment inspections in preparation for upcoming artillery training here Jan. 15.
The artillery training offers Marines an opportunity to maintain proficiency in their military occupational specialty, according to Staff Sgt. Marshall D. Clark, gun platoon sergeant with the battery, part of 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force.
“The training we do here helps us better our skills and become more proficient in our jobs,” said Lance Cpl. Elmer A. Aguilar, an ammunition technician with the battery. “Being able to train in this type of weather and on this terrain will help us improve our ability to perform in any clime and place.”
Motor transport Marines also sharpened their skills as they prepared tactical vehicles used to convoy the artillery pieces, equipment and rations to the Marines in the field.
Motor transport operators not only have a chance to support the artillery unit by transporting the equipment and Marines, they also have an opportunity to work and service their vehicles in the cold weather, according to Cpl. Dustin Mayfield, a motor transport operator.
“Being out here is fun because I haven’t done this before, but it is also very stressful trying to be careful of the risks of driving in snow, ice and the mountainous terrain,” said Mayfield.
Marines also checked and serviced the M777A2 howitzers before taking them to the field for live-fire testing.
“We set the guns up so we can make sure we have everything we need as well as make sure the sights on them are correct, so that they are on target when we shoot them,” said Lance Cpl. Arthur R. Perez, an artillerymen with the battery.
Other Marines attached to the battery made preparations to help the mission go smoothly and to ensure they are prepared for anything.
“Medical has set up (casualty evacuations), emergency routes, (combat lifesaver) training and cold-weather briefs for the Marines,” said Seaman David D. Custard, a corpsman with the battery. “It is imperative to keep the mission going, keep the Marines informed about staying hydrated even in the cold weather and have all medical needs ready.”
Marines always take pride in training like they fight, and it is no different during this evolution.
The Marines worked and made preparations as if they were getting ready to cross over into enemy territory, said Clark.
“Practice make perfect,” said Aguilar. “The more we train in this kind of terrain and weather, the more we will get used to it.”