1/1 polishes battle skills in Singapore

[thedrifter]

1/1 polishes battle skills in Singapore

Submitted by: 13th MEU
Story Identification Number: 20039291581
Story by Sgt. Mark P. Ledesma



SINGAPORE(Sept. 20) -- During a brief stop at Singapore, 1st Light Armored Reconnaissance (LAR), Company B and Company C Marines of Battalion Landing Team 1/1, 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, had a chance to polish their combat skills in training sites across the island, Sept. 20.

For many of the BLT's Marines, the training was their first land-based since departing from Naval Station San Diego Aug. 22.

In the thick, humid jungle environment of Singapore, 1st LAR and Company B Marines put their patrolling skills to the test while enduring the tropical rain.

While 1st LAR and Company B conducted its training, Company C, which is the BLT's designated Helicopter Company, had a chance to brush up on its urban war-fighting techniques at a Military Operations in Urban Terrain (MOUT) facility.

Training at the facility allowed many of Company C's junior leaders to share their wealth of knowledge to younger Marines in their care.

"A lot of the Marines haven't had this type of training since SOI (School of Infantry) so this is something we need to touch up on before we head over to where we're going," said 24-year-old Cpl. Jake A. Guevara, squad leader, 1st Platoon, Company C, BLT 1/1.

According to Guevara, the MOUT training his company conducted was vital because of the potential environments the Fighting 13th might deploy to.

"Urban areas are where Marines have been fighting in lately," said Guevara, "so this (training) is something we definitely need to hit."

Compared to the MOUT facility back home at Camp Pendleton, the Singapore facility contains buildings, which are much more spread out and open. Despite the differences the Marines adapted well, said Guevara.

Though their time was very limited, many of the Marines felt they received good training out of the experience.

"I thought the training was motivating," said 25-year-old Lance Cpl. James D. Boone, mortar man, 60mm Mortar Section, Company C. "We got a lot of good training in areas we needed to work in."



SINGAPORE -- 1st Platoon, Company C, Battalion Landing Team 1/1 Marines conduct building entrance exercises during training at a Military Operations in Urban Terrain (MOUT) facility in Singapore Sept. 20. Company C, BLT 1/1's Helicopter Company, spent what limited time it had brushing up on room clearing, building entrance, patrolling and trench clearing techniques while at the facility.
Photo by: Sgt. Mark P. Ledesma

http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/mcn20...0?opendocument


Sempers,

Roger