SCHOFIELD BARRACKS, Hawaii -- Marines of Echo Company, Battalion Landing Team 2/1, 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) took a break from their normal infantry training March 20 when they tackled the leadership reaction course, assaulted through the bayonet assault course and fought through close combat training here.
"The whole purpose of this training was to come out and get the Marines away from infantry training, challenge their minds and let them have some fun," said 1st Lt. Michael McCready, Echo Co. executive officer.
The 11th MEU(SOC) Marines came to Hawaii to refresh the Marines' basic warrior skills as they complete the first leg of their six-month deployment to the Western Pacific and the Arabian Gulf.
"We are in Hawaii to give the Marines two days of adventure/ training and a day and a half of liberty so the Marines can have some fun before we get back underway," said McCready.
The enjoyment on March 20 began with the Marines exercising their minds and their teamwork on the LRC.
At more than 10 stations, the Marines had to successfully navigate an obstacle that stood between them and their objective using a bare minimum of equipment and a maximum of brainpower.
Each station had a time limit in which the Marines had to complete the mission without touching certain areas.
The missions varied from resupplying a unit on the front lines across a rushing river, to navigating a minefield to escape an enemy patrol, or moving sensitive radio equipment across booby trapped areas to establish an air traffic control facility.
Even though not all of the obstacles were successfully navigated, the Marines took advantage of the learning experience and opportunity to build trust in their teammates.
"The training helped the Marines learn to depend on and trust each other more," said Cpl. Patrick S. Hansen, a rifleman with Echo Co.
The Marines then moved on to the bayonet assault course where they refreshed their skills at moving through a hostile environment and engaging an enemy at close range.
Finally, Marines could be seen throwing each other, launching punches and kicks and falling to the ground as they performed close combat training, maintaining their ability to defend themselves in close quarters when unarmed.
"(The LRC, bayonet assault course and close combat) was good training it was also a nice change from the things we normally do," said Hansen
Upon the completion of their training, the Marines were released for a day and a half of liberty and headed out for some much-needed rest and relaxation before embarking on the ships of the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group to continue on their six-month deployment before returning to Camp Pendleton.