MCRD/ERR PARRIS ISLAND, S.C. -- More than 70 Marines from H&SBn. brushed up on basic skills they learned while in recruit training and Marine Combat Training during a shoot at the Khe Sahn Range Unknown Distance Course Feb. 13.
After Marines were issued flak jackets, Kevlar helmets and M-16A2 service rifles, they formed up into fire teams and conducted fire team rushes. Afterward, they unloaded a few rounds downrange in a bunker, on top of a simulated rooftop, through a window and around a corner.
The purpose of the training was to freshen up on Marine Corps common skills in order for the Marines to remain combat ready at all times, said Capt. Bradley Anderson, Headquarters Co. commander.
"Just like anywhere else, we've got to train Marines as if we could deploy at any time, especially now with the individual augments that are coming out of virtually every battalion," he said.
According to H&SBn. Commanding Officer Col. George S. Amland, it is important for Marines to maintain these basic skills because they could be called upon at any moment to serve overseas in support of the Global War on Terrorism.
"Right now the battalion is picking several Marines to go serve in Operation Iraqi Freedom 2 as individual augments, and everybody needs to remember that every Marine is a rifleman," he said.
"You can have a cook, supply warehouseman, anything, and he's expected to be able to do these things, and this is a good way to continue that training," said Capt. Branden Bailey, Service Co. commander.
Many Marines said they had not conducted this type of training since recruit training or MCT.
"The last time I did Unknown Distance was maybe back in boot camp," said Lance Cpl. Christian Barrientos, Depot armorer, who volunteered for OIF2 if needed. "Coming back around here and doing it reminded me of stuff I was starting to forget. Training today was awesome. This would help me within crowds to take out a target."
With Marines from more than 50 military occupational specialties participating, from administration to postal service, the Unknown Distance training was also an effective way for Marines to come together as a battalion and have some fun.
"It was a lot of fun and it was good for motivation, getting the battalion together to have fun and to keep everyone training," said Lance Cpl. Laura McBee, Depot postal clerk. "I'm not going to lie, at first I didn't want to come here, but I was the fire team leader, so that got me motivated and liking it."
According to Anderson, the battalion plans to conduct more training events at Page Field in the Spring, such as room-clearing techniques, vehicle searches, convoy immediate action drills, as well as other real-life situations Marines are most likely to encounter if called upon to serve as individual augments in Iraq.