MARINE CORPS TRAINING AREA BELLOWS, Hawaii -- In preparation for an upcoming deployment to Iraq, Marines from 3rd Radio Battalion took part in convoy operations aboard Marine Corps Training Area Bellows, Sept. 22.
A total of 54 Marines arrived early in the morning to familiarize themselves with scenarios that they are likely to encounter once in Iraq, said Gunnery Sgt. Patrick H. Clark, detachment staff noncommissioned officer-in-charge, 3rd Radio Battalion.
“All of these Marines are supposed to go, but only a small handful have actually been over there,” said the New Brunswick, Canada, native. “A lot of these Marines are coming from a variety of different MOSs (marine occupational specialties), so we are teaching them pretty much all new things. They’re all motivated, though, and ready to go.”
The Marines participated in the convoy training to familiarize themselves with the proper actions to take if improvised explosive devices, sniper fire, or ambushes occur during a convoy.
“The Marines are doing very well so far,” said 1st Lt. Brandon H. Newell, S-6 officer, 3rd Radio Battalion. “Intelligence units don’t get the opportunity to train in the field very often, and most are coming from different units as attachments, but they’re doing well.”
This will be the first deployment to Iraq for Sgt. Clayton E. Thompson, electronic intelligence, 3rd Radio Battalion. He said that he found out about this opportunity roughly two months ago.
“I’ve been on other deployments, but the training for this one is by far the most in-depth training that I’ve done,” said the Tallahassee, Fla. native. “The weather is hot, but you have to do what you have to do — and I like it.”
Thompson said he thinks the toughest part about the deployment is going to be staying away from home for such a long period of time.
“I know with time it will only probably get worse, but we’re all in it together, and I think we’ll stay motivated,” said the 22-year-old. “I’m going with great people, and we all know what has to be done for improvement. Even with this short amount of training, I can see a very rapid improvement.”
It is also the first deployment for Pfc. Johnny Rodriguez, basic electrician and generator mechanic, 3rd Radio Battalion.
“I haven’t been in the Marine Corps that long, but, so far, this training seems like it has been the best for both mental and physical preparation for combat,” said the Bronx, N.Y. native. “It also helps out a lot that the Marines instructing us are so experienced. I’m really happy to get the opportunity to deploy.”
The Marines continued the convoy operations well into the evening before calling it to a close at roughly 2 a.m.
“It’s the days like today that will prepare us for what lies ahead,” said Thompson. “I think we will go over there, do a good job, and get back safely.”