CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. -- CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. – Marine Raiders with 3rd Marine Raider Battalion and Marines from 1st Battalion, 8th Marines, recently participated in a three-day close-quarters battle training evolution, Jan. 26-28, 2021, at Camp Lejeune, N.C.
This training allowed for collaboration between Marine Forces Special Operations Command and Fleet Marine Forces that helps improve institutional and operational cooperation among the conventional Fleet Marine Force and Special Operations Forces.
“The purpose of this week’s training is to confirm the tactics, techniques and procedures that we have done with an outside entity and professional force like the MARSOC Marines, to see where we are at and refine out TTP’s before we go forward on this deployment,” said Lt. Col. Chris Richardella, commanding officer, 1st Battalion, 8th Marines.
Raiders worked through CQB techniques with the infantry Marines, to include hallway and stairwell clearing procedures, room/building clearing, and sensitive site exploitation. The training made it possible for the Marines to work together, be more innovative in the way they accomplish a mission, understand the different ways a problem can be solved and adapt to any situation that may be in their way.
“We’re applying our tactics to their individual actions within the house in order to have that integration and interoperability when the time does come for a conventional force to work with a Special Operations Forces unit,” said an element leader with the Marine Special Operations Team.
The infantry unit has been training with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit for the past several months in preparation for their upcoming deployment. The Raiders were able to give insight and perspective which in turn will make the 24th MEU more efficient, effective, and lethal during their deployment.
“My biggest take away from working with the Raiders is that there is always a different way to do something,” said Cpl. John Rivera, a squad leader with 1st Battalion, 8th Marines. “Being able to get my Marines in a place where they can practice their fundamentals that they have been working on this whole work up really solidifies what they have learned.”
Collaboration between Raiders and the Fleet Marine Force is crucial in the event that a conventional Marine Corps unit is requested to support a SOF unit on the battlefield. For this reason, training that supports interdependence, interoperability and integration becomes vital to the success of our nation’s future conflicts.