OKINAWA, Japan —
CAMP HANSEN, Okinawa, Japan?– U.S. Marines with Force Reconnaissance Company, 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion, 3rd Marine Division completed a Close Quarters Tactics Course from Sept. 15 to Nov. 5, across Camp Hansen. This training, hosted by the III Marine Expeditionary Force’s Expeditionary Operations Training Group, aimed to enhance their lethality as small unit leaders during high-paced, close-quarters combat.
“Close quarter tactics is probably the most dangerous thing that we can do. It is extremely high risk. We’re shooting very close to one another in a confined space.”
– Capt. Christopher Ori Jr., an infantry reconnaissance officer with Force Reconnaissance Company
The Marines started their three-week course by conducting ranges simulating various urban scenarios of escalating complexity. They practiced transition drills from rifle to pistol during both static and dynamic ranges.
After these ranges, the Marines moved on to house qualification. This event consisted of teams of four navigating a shoot house to clear doors and hallways to secure a building. The evaluation began with a briefing on the scenario, followed by dry runs with no ammunition, and then the Marines were tested in a live-fire qualification. This event tested their ability to work together in close quarters while safely firing in proximity to one another.
The Marines then entered the platoon tactics portion of the course, conducting limited scale raids on specific target objectives. Using civilian vehicles to blend into their environment, a group of Marines scouted the objective area while other Marines moved to their objective point to complete an assigned mission, where they were required to distinguish threats from non-threats.
The culminating event of the course was an aerial sniper vehicle interdiction. The Marines fired from helicopters to engage and halt a target vehicle. Then other Marine reinforcements moved in to secure and extract the target personnel and equipment.
For the majority of the course, Marines used non-lethal live ammunition, known as Special Effects Small Arms Marking System rounds. These paintball-like rounds enhanced the realism of the training while maintaining a safe environment. The course also included live role players to simulate opposing forces and non-threat personnel.
On Nov. 5, the Marines graduated the CQTC course, completing their required training to carry out their duties effectively in support of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit.
“It’s a huge capability for the 31st MEU and for III MEF, having a well-trained, professional, and capable maritime raid force that we can bring to the fight,” Ori said. “Whether it’s limited scale raids or striking a specific target, that’s where we come into play.”
Story by U.S. Marine Corps story by Lance Cpl. Eadan Avramidis, PEO Land Systems with images by LCpl Justin Cledera.
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