Training Puts the 'Combat' in CLB-11

Training Puts the 'Combat' in CLB-11
Marine Corps News | SSgt. Sergio Jimenez | January 24, 2008

CAMP BUEHRING, Kuwait - Some Marines from Combat Logistics Battalion 11 exchanged their soft covers and coveralls for Kevlar helmets and body armor to take part in exercises designed to sharpen their judgment and war-fighting skills here this week.

According to Gunnery Sgt. Henry, operations chief, CLB-11, 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, Camp Pendleton, Calif., his Marines and sailors are taking part in convoy operations exercises, weapons shoots, humvee rollover training and other exercises that will help them return safely from a variety of combat situations.

CLB-11 is the MEU's combat logistics element and comprised of a headquarters element and personnel from supply, military police, transportation support, engineers, maintenance and health services detachments. Their purpose is to support all the elements of the 11th MEU in accomplishing their missions and to serve as the lead force ashore during humanitarian assistance, evacuation control center, and mass casualty response team missions.

Although CLB-11's primary purpose is to support, it is essential for all Marines and sailors to receive this type of training because of the nature of combat today, said Henry. Combat has gone to an urban setting and the distinction between the front-lines and the rear has blurred, he said. "We are still in a danger area. So, we have to know the rules of engagement and be able to engage the enemy if and when we are attacked."

CLB-11 Marines also learned how to counter improvised explosive devices and how to prevent fratricide. They also participated live-fire weapons training, firing small caliber rifles and medium weapons like the 240G Automatic Machine Gun and the 249 Squad Automatic Weapon (249 SAW) in day and night-time environments using night-vision devices.


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