Special Operations.Com
I MEF Puts On a Show for Foreign Dignitaries
I Marine Expeditionary Force hosted foreign defense attaches from 28 countries recently as part of the United States Military Orientation Program. The attaches' visit was part of a three-day tour of military installations in California. They also toured Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, Naval Amphibious Base Coronado, 32nd Street Naval Station and Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center TwentyNine Palms.
Marines from 1st Force Reconnaissance Company gave briefs,
displayed equipment and staged training
demonstrations to show the diplomats some of I MEF's capabilities at Range 131
Urban Warfare Training Facility. "It was particularly good to show our
allies how we train and fight," said Maj. Craig S. Kozeniesky, operation
officer, 1st Force Recon Co. "It drives home the point that the business we
do is real serious."
The I MEF commanding general, LtGen. B. B. Knutson, greeted the attaches, 17 of their spouses and eight members of the defense foreign liaison escort team. LtGen. Knutson and Col. Gregory L. Goodman, G3 of I MEF, briefed the visitors on I MEF's mission, training, operations, components and capabilities. A period of questions followed. When asked about the future of the Marine Corps, LtGen. Knutson replied, "Our position is secure. Our infantry is similar to the Army's. But America has found that if you give the Marine Corps the chance to be expeditionary, we can do more than anyone."
Then, LtCol. Robert J. Coates, commanding officer, 1st Force Recon Co., explained reconnaissance, training phases, insertion and extraction, amphibious roles and equipment. He also showed a film on reconnaissance training. "We are the eyes and ears of I MEF," Coates said. "What makes us elite is our equipment, and we are very proud of our men."
After the presentation, the group moved outside the facility to view 1st Force Recon Co.'s static display of gear, weaponry and technology. Marines and sailors stood behind the display tables and explained how each piece of equipment worked. "We stopped our training and put 100 percent effort in setting up the static display and live fire," said SSgt. Allen W. Woodside, scout sniper. "Everyone jumped to help out and get it done. Besides, I like to show off sometimes."
Two live-fire demonstrations at Range 130, just down the road
from the MOUT facility, followed the static display. The first live-fire was a
close-quarters battle marksmanship demonstration by Marines from 4th Platoon.
They shot .45-caliber pistols and M4 carbines at stationery targets from close
range.
The second demonstration was done inside a roofless building. Visitors gathered
atop the building's catwalk and watched 4th Platoon rapidly simulate room
clearing. The Marines "killed" mock enemy targets without hitting
hostages.
France's MajGen. Jean-Francois Louvion, dean of Defense Attache Corps, presented LtGen. Knutson with a plaque of appreciation.