KANGAROO FLATS TRAINING AREA, Australia -- Marines conducted a field-training exercise here April 16-20 to reinforce their knowledge of basic infantry tactics, techniques and procedures.
During the weeklong field exercise, the Marines with Company F, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, trained at several different ranges where they executed combat marksmanship, foot patrols and ambushes to accustom themselves with operating in the Australia outback.
While on foot patrols, the Marines practiced land navigation, said 2nd Lt. Gregory Jurschak, platoon commander with the company. Additionally, the point man of each squad practiced identifying possible threats on each path, such as dangerous animals and potential combatants.
“The purpose of the patrols our Marines were conducting at Kangaroo Flats was really to get back to the basics as far as patrolling is concerned,” said Jurschak. “Most of my Marines have experience patrolling in Afghanistan and in combat environments, but the environment here in Australia is so different from a terrain and vegetation standpoint, it is forcing us to get back to the basics.”
The squads also watched out for ambushes, reacted to them, and fought their way through them if seen, said Jurschak.
The terrain at Kangaroo Flats, though rugged and unfamiliar to most of the Marines, provided many different training scenarios.
“The area had great training value to it,” said Gunnery Sgt. Bradley T. Pesek, a platoon sergeant with Company F. “It was very well-rounded and had good vegetation, hills and terrain for patrols and platoon movements.
“I think all the ranges provided great feedback, and it really helped us to work on our marksmanship,” said Pesek.
Australian pilots flew in support of the patrols, providing simulated close-air support and aerial reconnaissance.
The support of the pilots and helicopters added value to the training, said Pfc. John Sargent, a rifleman and team leader with the company.
“It definitely made it more realistic,” Sargent said. “We did land navigation through (rough terrain) while also being scouted in the air by the helicopter.”
“It was different than what we usually do, and that was my favorite part,” said Sargent.
“Overall, I would say this was just good training, period,” said Lance Cpl. John Nakamura, a machine gunner with Company F. “We were able to do some cool stuff and learn about terrain none of us are really familiar with. I think all the Marines in my peer group learned something new.”