MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. -- Marines with Battalion Landing Team 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, Combat Logistics Battalion 15 and the Force Reconnaissance Detachment all with the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, began a security element course here Oct. 20, 2014.
This three-week course is designed to improve the speed and accuracy of the Marines that will make up the maritime raid force’s security element when the 15th MEU deploys in the spring.
During the first week, Marines practiced shooting fundamentals, as well as shooting on the move, shooting from various positions and multiple target engagements.
The course consists of Marines with BLT 3/1, military policemen and intelligence Marines with CLB-15 and Marines with the Force Reconnaissance Detachment. Having this diverse group allows the Marines to learn not only from the instructors, but from each other.
This shooting package ensures all of the Marines are on the same page and are confident in each other’s abilities.
The Marines in the course understand that the MEU relies heavily on its augments and attachments. Since the infantry and support elements are learning the same things, there should be no confusion when the Marines have to fight or train with another organization.
The course helps the Marines prepare for real world combat situation.
“Whenever we get [down range], the Marines will know what to do and won’t get stuck in a situation that they don’t know how to handle,” said Lance Cpl. Brandon Campbell, 23, a squad leader with BLT 3/1. “They’re not second-guessing themselves or tripping over their feet. It’s more muscle memory than having to think about it. Then we’re that much quicker to get on the target instead of the target getting on us.”
Improvements can be seen throughout the first week of training.
“Across the line, in my squad and in other squads, all of our groups have tightened up and our accuracy has improved a lot from just a week ago,” said Campbell. “I’m surprised at how much we’ve improved in just a week and I’m excited what will happen in the next two.”
Most importantly, the shooters are more confident in their own abilities to engage targets and support the MEU.
Marines from the course said that this course is preparing them for their deployment with the 15th MEU. They feel as though they will have more confidence to complete the mission.