Sergeant Douglas Smith, a unit leader at the Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center, Bridgeport, California, leads Marines from Combat Logistics Battalion 6 and 2nd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment on a three-mile hike from lower base camp to Landing Zone Quail, where they will recieve classes the mountainous environment. Marines from CLB-6 and 2/5 attended the Summer Mountain Exercise aboard Matine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center that spans a total of 21 says and teaches them how to survive in trecherous mountain terrain. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by LCpl. Preston McDonald/Released)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Preston McDonald

CLB-6, 2/5 team up for mountain warfare training (Part One of Six)

3 Oct 2014 | Lance Cpl. Preston McDonald 2nd Marine Logistics Group

CLB-6, 2/5 team up for mountain warfare training -- Marines with Combat Logistics Battalion 6, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, conducted pre-environmental training alongside Marines from 2nd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, as part of the Summer Mountain Exercise, Oct. 2 and 3.

The training is part of the initial portion of the month long exercise, where the Marines will learn skills from mountain warfare instructors in order to survive among the Sierra Nevada Mountains and its inhabitants.

Marines received periods of instruction about the terrain they will encounter and how to overcome obstacles they may face along the way. Some of the challenges they will face include food and water deprivation, rough terrain, harsh weather conditions, and acclimation to height. The Marines will train in a range of elevations between 5,000 and 11,000 feet above sea level, which can cause reduced physical performance, reduced visual adaptation to darkness and other limitations.

“We teach and advise units coming through this type of arduous terrain the complexities of moving and operating in these mountains,” said Staff Sgt. Rafael Palisoc, an instructor with unit training section aboard MWTC.

The Marine Corps is required to maintain a readiness to fight in any clime and any place. Therefore, the skills learned at the MCMWTC are vital to unit readiness.

“Since the Marine Corps is expeditionary in nature, every unit should have the skills to move in this type of environment,” said Palisoc, a Los Angeles native. “This base was established because of the Korean War, and we never know when the day will come when we will see similar terrain.”

The Marines will be stripped of the logistical support it is accustomed to and will have to rely on themselves to successfully tackle the fierce environment. Everything they need to survive will have to be acquired from the terrain and teamwork, which is different than the Marines’ usual field conditions.

“You usually show up with a Meal-Ready-to-Eat and a place to sleep. That will be taken away and the Marines will have to take it upon themselves to get what they need,” said 1st Lt. Christopher Leisring with transportation and service company, CLB-6, serving as the 1st platoon commander, 4th training company.

While at MWTC, the Marines will spend 21 training days learning and applying the skills taught by the instructors. They will spend the first 12 days at four different training sites, learning the ropes before they are released on their own. The final six days require the Marines to survive in the mountain without any external support.

This is part one of a six-part series on the experiences of CLB-6 at the Mountain Warfare Training Center.

MISSION

To provide intermediate supply support and intermediate motor transport and engineer ground equipment maintenance to 2d Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW); operate the Aerial Port of Embarkation/Debarkation (APOE/D) under the guidance of II Marine Expeditionary Force (MEF); and provide personnel to the Fleet Assistance Program (FAP) in support of postal, exchange, personnel administration, freight/passenger transportation (TMO), and bulk fuel support for Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Cherry Point.

Leaders

Captain Sophie A. Spencer

Company Commander, Combat Logistics Company 21

Captain Spencer is a native of New York. She graduated from Boston College in 2019 with a Bachelor's degree in Psychology. She commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in 2021, then served as the Officer Selection Assistant of Officer Selection Team Garden City, Recruiting Station New York until May of 2022.

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First Sergeant Edward G. Peifer

Senior Enlisted Leader, Combat Logistics Company 21

First Sergeant Peifer is a native of Lake Placid, Florida. He graduated from Lake Placid High School in 2005. He enlisted in the Marine Corps in September of 2009. He graduated from Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, South Carolina in May of 2009 from 1st Battalion Alpha Company.

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CLC-21 Unit, Personal and Family Readiness Program

The Unit, Personal and Family Readiness Program (UPFRP) is a unit centric program, guided by the Family Readiness Command Team that reinforces the relationship between the unit and the services relevant to the unit, the unit members, and their families. The primary goal of UPFRP is to empower Marines and family members, providing them the opportunities to not just survive but to thrive while taking on the challenges of the military lifestyle. The program is supported by Deployment Readiness Coordinators (DRC) or Uniformed Readiness Coordinators (URC) who implement the Commander's family readiness vision, manage the tenets of the UPFRP, and assist unit Marines, Sailors and families maintain a constant state of family readiness.

Services

Marines, spouses, extended family members, and any other contacts authorized by the Marines are supported by the UPFRP.

Communication: Regular communication with the Marines and families is the cornerstone of UPFRP. The DRC/URC provides the link for two-way communication between the Commander and the families, using a variety of mediums, such as Marine Online, email, newsletters, toll-free numbers, and/or social media sites. Marine Online is the primary web-based tool for disseminating unit information.

Readiness and Resource Referral: The UPFRP provides assistance to address issues with the potential to impact the Marines, families, and the unit. The DRC/URC is a readiness, resource and referral expert, continuously researching and identifying trainings, resources and services to meet every need.

Deployment Support: The UPFRP supports a multitude of training opportunities to assist Marines and their family members with deployments, separations, and life skills. From pre-deployment briefs, to interpersonal communication, to transition assistance, each is designed to empower the participants with skill development and independence.

Volunteer Opportunities: The UPFRP provides opportunities for volunteer growth and development which creates stronger unit cohesion. UPFRP volunteers assist with mentoring others spouses/family members, identifying challenges to be addressed by the Command, and assisting with unit events. UPFRP volunteers also have the potential to grow and develop new skill sets through their volunteer services.

Increased socialization: Unit sponsored events and unit, installation and community connections are made through the UPFRP.

Marines and Sailors are required to check-in with the DRC/URC when they arrive at a new unit. Once a new unit member has provided accurate contact information and authorization to communicate, the family members will begin receiving communication from the command. Family members are encouraged to meet the DRC/URC to learn more about the unit and the services available.

Sgt Barnette
Office: (252) 466-5150

Unit Mailing Address

Combat Logistics Company 21
PSC Box 8025
Cherry Point, NC 28533-0025

Phone Numbers

Duty Phone: (910) 467-3780

Office Phone: (252) 466-6357

S-1: (252) 466-5150

S-2: (252) 466-3384

S-3: (252) 466-4474

S-4: (252) 466-3384

S-6: (252) 466-3384

APOE DUTY: (252) 466-7569