After months of non-stop preparation, Marines and sailors with II Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward) have completed their predeployment training and stand ready to lead Marine efforts for a 13-month deployment with Multi National Forces-West, Iraq.
In order to better prepare II MEF (Fwd) for the challenges they may face overseas, the Marines were given a list of required courses and training to complete before they were designated as combat ready.
“It’s good that we got out and got hands-on,” said Cpl. Lester A. Gutierrez, a heavy equipment operator with II MEF (Fwd). “Everything we’re required to learn is definitely applicable.”
Machine gun familiarization courses and combat life saver courses were requirements, as well as familiarization with weapons commonly used by the insurgency and improvised explosive device identification.
“It’s important that we go over many of our basic skills,” added Gutierrez, commenting on the combat-focused training given to non-infantry Marines of II MEF (Fwd). “The only time most non-infantry units see medium and heavy weapons is at Marine Combat Training.”
Cultural sensitivity classes were also required. These courses help Marines understand the province they will help stabilize and rebuild, and also ensure American troops present themselves in a courteous and professional manner.
In addition to deployment-specific training, the men and women of II MEF (Fwd) completed their required annual training such as rifle, swim, pistol and gas chamber qualification.
“It’s not just about learning new skills,” said Lance Cpl. Alexander W. Rees, a fire support systems operator with II MEF (Fwd). “It’s also about refining the ones we already have.”
Another key in preparing deploying Marines is preparing their families. II MEF (Fwd)’s family readiness program hosted town hall meetings for service members and their families, where speakers presented a number of topics to help the Marines and their families cope with the rigors of deployment.
“Predeployment training gets you into the mindset and makes you realize that you’ll be leaving soon,” said Sgt. Joshua I. Kahele, a Marine Air Ground Task Force planner joining II MEF (Fwd) for his second deployment. “I know I’ll be ready, and it helps to know my family will be ready as well.”
For some, this type of predeployment training is a new, yet positive development.
Gutierrez said during his prior deployment, family readiness training mostly included finalizing wills and powers of attorney.
The completion of their PTP requirements was a tangible and welcome reminder that the deployment was drawing near.
“It’s good to see a light at the end of the tunnel,” said Capt. George L. Rodney, Jr., a II MEF (Fwd) air watch officer. “It’s a pretty complete course, but the key thing is that training is always continuous.
For other Marines, completing training was acknowledged with a sense of accomplishment.
“It wasn’t hard. In the end it was really just a lot of coordination,” said Rees. “Relearning everything you’ve ever learned in the Marine Corps and combining it with a whole new set of skills while keeping up with your regular duties is a complex process.”
With their training complete, the Marines of II MEF (Fwd) enjoyed predeployment leave and the holiday season before being required to suit up to put those well-learned skills to use in Operation Iraqi Freedom.
For more information on II MEF (Fwd), visit the unit’s web site at http://www.iimefpublic.usmc.mil/iimeffwd, and to learn about the ongoing mission in Iraq, go to http://www.mnfwest.usmc.mil.