CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. -- U.S. Marines with Combat Logistics Battalion 8, Combat Logistics Regiment 2, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, launched resupply convoys on May 16, 2019 as part of a field training exercise at Camp Lejeune, N.C..
In anticipation of CLR 2’s Integrated Training Exercise this summer and 2nd Marine Division’s Warfighting Exercise this fall, the unit sought to assess readiness of its Marines.
The exercise consisted of simulated combat scenarios that demonstrated the Marines’ abilities to dispatch convoys, deliver supplies, recover disabled vehicles and move 2nd Marine Division troops around the simulated battle space.
“We showed up on Monday and set up a tactical motor pool, then started launching convoys,” said Capt. Phillip Williams, company commander for Transportation Services Company, CLB 8, CLR 2. “We are focused on platoon and company-sized convoys and immediate action drills.”
The Marines engaged in combat scenarios where a simulated opposition force attacked with small arms fire, ambushes, and improvised explosive device strikes that were designed by instructors from the Counter-Improvised Explosive Device Program, Marine Corps Engineer School.
“The challenge we face is the unknown,” said Sgt. Andrew Kick, security team leader for TS CO, CLB 8, CLR 2. “They’ve made this mission as realistic as possible—we’re facing uncertainties that we have to push through and use the skills we’ve learned to get the job done.”
Transportation Services Company assessed the Marines as they employed teamwork to provide security for the convoys, combat casualty care, and operate in a chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear contaminated environment.
“We have been doing very well,” said Lance Cpl. Michael Swindler, machine gunner for TS CO, CLB 8, CLR2. “It’s good to make mistakes… so that when we do this in combat we don’t make mistakes there.”