CAMP KINSER, OKINAWA, Japan -- Marines representing each element of the Marine air-ground task force gathered to discuss and simulate the embarkation and debarkation process to and from the Republic of Korea during a card exercise here Feb. 1.
The purpose of the CardEx is to plan, train and demonstrate the concept of offload operations through explanations by the arrival assembly operations group, said Lt. Col. Michael J. Pelak, the AAOG operations officer with G-4, logistics, III Marine Expeditionary Force.
“The exercise is called a CardEx because we use cards to represent the elements (of the MAGTF) during the demonstration,” said Pelak. “This will help us get accountability and see the transfers of the equipment to and from the AAOGs.”
While planners were hashing out details using computers, maps, data tables and slide presentations, Marines simultaneously operated in mock staging areas using cards and scanners.
“This exercise is (held) to train the Marines and operators in preparation for Operation Freedom Banner,” said Gunnery Sgt. Kenneth A. Roberts, the maritime prepositioning force chief with the III MEF G-4, Logistics. “It will help them learn about MPF and how to execute it correctly.”
The Marines discussed how to load and unload vessels used to transport the equipment to and from the Republic of Korea, as well as the process of what to do upon arrival.
During the exercise, the Marines also discussed the execution process that will take place once the Marines arrive in Korea, the position of each element and the distribution of equipment across the country, said Capt. Brogan C. Issitt, the operations officer for 3rd Supply Battalion, Combat Logistics Regiment 35, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, III MEF.
Marines also planned how to keep track of equipment to be used and a breakdown of day-to-day processes to continue throughout the exercise.
“We reviewed current operations, equipment associated with the operation and the III MEF enhanced offload requirement,” said Pelak.
The most challenging part about the exercise will be working together with each element in offloading and moving the equipment in a safe manner, according to Issitt.
“We have made valuable progress in this exercise, teaching the Marines (about the) MPF and how to communicate between each section,” said Roberts. “It’s a great learning experience and can be used as a reference when the Marines are actually executing the operation.”
There was a lot of forethought and planning put into the brief, so execution in country can run even better than expected, said Gunnery Sgt. Greggory D. Jenkins, operations chief, 3rd Supply Bn.
“We put a lot of time and work into this,” said Pelak. “The more we iron out now, the more we are able to make it run smoothly.”