CAMP FOSTER, OKINAWA, Japan --
Approximately 400 Marines and sailors from Combat Logistics Regiment 3 and Combat Logistics Battalion 4, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force, as well as augments from across the 3rd MLG, departed for South Korea this week for an exercise as part of the Korean Incremental Training Program.
KITP is the final exercise in the fiscal year 2010 series and focuses on logistics training and interoperability with the Republic of Korea Marine Corps, said Col. Jay L. Hatton, the Commanding Officer of CLR-3 and of the Logistics Combat Element of the III MEF Alert Contingency Marine Air Ground Task Force.
The focus of this exercise is to further develop the partnership between the U.S. Marine Corps and Republic of Korea Marine Corps in order to enhance our ability to respond to contingencies within the Pacific Theater, he added.
"The purpose is to build relationships and enhance tactical proficiency," said Hatton. "This exercise is focused on our ability to work together in a crisis."
The Marines will conduct bilateral bulk liquid operations, counter improvised explosive devise training and convoy operations training and unilateral mounted and dismounted crew-served weapons training and combat lifesaving skills.
Additionally, 3rd MLG Marines and sailors will prepare for humanitarian assistance, non-combatant evacuation, mass casualty and tactical security operations by conducting practical application simulations throughout the exercise.
"3rd MLG is using KITP to enhance, refine and build proficiency for the Logistics Combat Element of the [Alert Contingency Special Purpose] MAGTF," said Hatton. "Likewise, as we move forward to operational control transfer to the South Koreans, each exercise of this type provides an opportunity to reinforce the requirements generated by this transfer - from the tactical through operational level."
Hatton, who in 2004 participated in tsunami relief efforts in Indonesia as part of Operation Unified Assistance, stressed the importance of preparation for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations.
"Floods, earthquakes, tsunamis and other natural disasters are a common occurrence in this theater, especially during typhoon season," said Hatton. "This kind of training is a close second to combat readiness in importance. We have to train for this like any other mission."
Throughout the training, the Marines are expected to work in an environment that may require them to be tasked with assignments outside of their Military Occupational Specialty, said Hatton. Every Marine will be challenged, he said.
"Every training day will be exploited to the fullest," said Hatton. "The Marines should train as if their lives depend on it. While a part of III MEF, you never know when the call will come (to deploy)."
Overall, the Marines are excited to participate in this exercise, said Hatton.
"Marines get a great deal of satisfaction and enjoyment out of the competitive aspect of these bilateral training events," he added. "Most importantly, the Marines are getting to do what Marines love to do: go to foreign countries, train hard and get liberty."