CLB-6 Marines train for chaos

CAMP AL ASAD, Iraq (April 08, 2008) – Under heavy enemy fire, the area was locked down and a quick reaction force was sent in to neutralize the threat and contain the chaos.

The “terrorist” was armed with rocks and not only did he prove to be a worthy adversary, he offered a useful training tool during the mock invasion held April 8.

The training was part of the Unit Protection Plan which is designed to enhance the security posture of Combat Logistic Battalion 6’s area of responsibility.

“It’s a giant playground out here,” said Staff Sgt. Michael Rosario, the Base Reaction Force Commander for Camp al Asad about CLB-6’s region which provides multiple buildings and rooms that an intruder could easily hide in. Rosario was on hand to provide his expertise during the exercise in their proverbial jungle gym.

The purpose of the drill is to make sure that the CLB-6 Marines are capable of reacting to potential threats occurring in their area of operations.

“Anything can happen out here,” said Rosario, from Newbern, N.C.

And that is exactly what the Marines are preparing for.

Setting up two cordons to help contain the threat, Marines quickly neutralized the “intruder,” learning as they progressed through the course.

One group of Marines set up an outer cordon, controlling the foot traffic in to and out of the compound. The inner cordon closed in on the enemy and concentrated on the building he was located in.

 “It definitely went a lot smoother this time,” said Pfc. Anthony W. Greeson, a packaging specialist with Headquarters and Support Company, CLB-6. The drill was the final step in the UPP. To get here, the Marines have gone through a planning phase, an internal battalion drill and ended with the final integrated drill.

Greeson has been working with the rest of the QRF team through various exercises, learning more each time.

“We learned more about situational awareness and how to pay attention to certain things that may be out of the ordinary,” said Greeson, from Kennewick, Wash.

Along with the hands-on learning experience, Rosario also displayed practical application on clearing and handling the suspected threat once they are apprehended.

This demonstration built even more confidence for the Marines who already have the situation well in hand.

“If a situation occurs, we’re here to take them down,” said Sgt. Aaron A. Morgan, the ammunition chief for CLB-6.

The confidence spread to the Anti-Terrorism/Force Protection Officer for CLB-6 as well who was impressed with the Marines’ abilities to neutralize the threat, quickly and effectively.

“I have full faith and confidence in (the Marines) to handle any situation that may arise,” said 2nd Lt. Eric C. Chase, from Mont Claire, N.J.

Throughout the rest of the deployment, the Marines involved with the QRF will receive refresher training to keep them ready for any potential threat that may arise.