POHAKULOA TRAINING AREA, ISLAND OF HAWAII, Hawaii -- Marines here got hands-on experience of what a real gas attack would be like during a weapons of mass destruction incident (WMD) Feb. 4. Devil dogs from Combat Service Support Group 3 arrived at the scene to investigate reports of WMD in full Mission Oriented Protective Posture (MOPP) 4 gear. There was a possibility an attack would occur, so weapons were brought along, as well as chemical detection equipment, individual protective equipment and a security team.
Staff Sgt. Caleb D. Eames, NBC chief for CSSG-3, said it was the first time Group Marines practiced a WMD incident. The scenario prepared the Group for response to real-world threats.
"The Marines did extremely well out there," said Eames. "Despite the surprise attack from aggressors, the Marines responded in a quick, coordinated manner."
Opposing forces waited for Marines to call "all clear" after inspecting the area. Then "CS" grenades were tossed into the area, releasing a gas and simulating the appearance of a blister agent. Group Marines acted quickly, donning their gear and getting into a defensive position. The operation's decon team then arrived to ensure that contamination was eliminated, and the mission could continue.
Corporal Travis R. Eiklor, an NBC specialist with CSSG-3, played the role as one of the aggressors during the exercise.
"It was really great to catch the Marines by surprise and force them to make decisions on their own," he said. "It reinforces that they know what they're doing and gives them confidence in the end."
"This was great timing being here for them to get this training," said Eiklor. "It was the perfect spot and the Marines were motivated to do it."
It is just a small step into larger operations that will take place for the Marines at the Pohakuloa Training Area.
"It brings the Marines together because we all really love the CAX," said Eiklor.