CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. -- As insurgents adapt their tactics to the way Marines conduct ground operations in Afghanistan, more advanced training is required to improve Marine convoy skills.
That is why the 2nd Marine Logistics Group Battle Skills Training School Convoy Leaders Course plays a big role in preparing Marines from units across the MLG for their upcoming deployments to Afghanistan.
The course uses life-like scenarios to improve Marines’ abilities to conduct reconnaissance and supply convoys in Afghanistan’s rugged conditions.
“Being able to properly work in a convoy during combat is necessary for mission accomplishment,” said Staff Sgt. Stephen A. Farage, the chief instructor at BSTS. “If supply operations get cut off, Marines in the front line will not be able to operate.”
Marines in the course are required to execute multiple jobs and perform different tasks throughout the convoy training exercises, making them more versatile and able to carry out missions in almost any deployed operation.
“During the course, the Marines learn about convoy organization and planning, gun truck and escort employment, and mounted tactics,” explained Sgt. Marcus D. Jeansonne, an instructor at BSTS. “They are shown how to react and do their job properly so they can prevent casualties and complete the mission successfully.”
Many Marines who participated in the course have already been on one or more combat deployments. These students use their knowledge and experience to help and mentor those with less experience.
“When it comes down to convoys there are many things that come into play, anything could happen,” said Lance Cpl. James T. Miller, a motor transportation operator with Support Co. and veteran of one deployment to Afghanistan. “We can make the training more realistic for the ones who haven’t deployed and help them out.”
The BSTS conducts the Convoy Leaders Course once a month as part of a pre-deployment training package to MLG units schedule to deploy.