The Marine Corps Air-Ground Combat Center has 930 square miles of desert which is used to provide realistic training for troops. Managing editor Tami Roleff says the Combat Center’s Range 400 is used to train rifle companies in the techniques and procedures for attacking fortified areas, and is one of the most dynamic live-fire ranges in the Marine Corps…
The Combat Center’s Range 400 is the only training ground in the Marine Corps where live fire is authorized, and where 81mm mortar fire can close within 250 meters, instead of the regulation 400 meters. Corporal Preston Braddock, a squad leader with 1st platoon, Easy Company, 2/7, explains the objective for the Marine unit.
“To see how line companies, how each platoon individually works together and how each squad itself works to supports each other, cause throughout the entire range combined arms dilemma. Develop company as a whole to make sure we all work flawlessly together, granted there are hiccups that happen, but that’s where we take the time to figure it out.”
Staff Sergeant Luke T. Hudson is an instructor at Range 400, who guides the troops through the rigorous course to their objective, and control responses to unpredictable combat situations that fall into their hands. He explains how the live-fire training helps the Marines and their units.
“When you put pressure and friction and adversity on a person, much like squeezing an orange, you get what’s on the inside. But recognizing those points of friction and adversity and overcoming them is what they did well today.”
Marines are tested on their ability to quickly react, be decisive leaders, gather intelligence, and provide aid to their brothers, while taking over a fortified position with proficient marksmanship and weapon skills, on one of the most realistic training grounds in the Marine Corps.
