A Yuma-based engineer company completed their quarterly training required for maintaining job efficiency during deployments at the Barry M. Goldwater Range, Aug. 31.
Marine Wing Support Squadron 371, Engineer Company wrapped up the week-long field exercise with a better understanding of how to operate a camp in a forward environment.
“We do this type of training quarterly because it is part of the training and readiness manual,” said Gunnery Sgt. Craig Wells, an MWSS-371 operations chief and a native of Bossier, Ill.
The manual that is set in place for all job fields across the Marine Corps, ensure that Marines are getting adequate training.
This type of training readies the engineers to deploy, just as they recently did in a 7-month deployment to Afghanistan coming back in late March.
“We do this kind of training for when we go out to Afghanistan like we did recently,” said Sgt. Erick Henriquez, an MWSS-371 water purification specialist and a native of Dallas. “We have to be ready on a second’s notice.”
“This is better than sitting in the shop waiting to do your job,” added Cpl. Daniel Crafts, an MWSS-371 water technician and a native of Tulsa, Okla. “You get the hands-on experience.”
Combat engineers, heavy equipment operators and water purification specialists participated in this exercise and all played pertinent roles in setting up and maintaining the camp.
The combat engineers trained on how to use a chainsaw and a Mobile Terrain Loader. While at the camp, the heavy equipment operators refreshed their skills on a MAC-50 crane, which is used to lift heavy cargo or construction material for a campsite. At the river, the utility Marines pulled water from a canal and purifying for use back at the camp for drinking and showering.
With another quarterly training finished the Marines went back to base with more confidence and understanding of their individual jobs. Knowing that each job plays a vital role in the heartbeat of the Marine Corps.
