US Marines strengthening readiness in Indo-Pacific to counter maritime challenges

Asia-Pacific, News, US January 11, 2024 , by IRIA No Comments

U.S. Marines demonstrated defense capabilities and readiness during Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF) Stand-In Force Exercise 24. The Marines conducted realistic Stand-in Force Operations at the U.S. Marine Corps installation Combined Arms Training Center Camp Fuji in Japan.

It was a division-level exercise that focused on strengthening multi-domain awareness, maneuvering, and fires across a distributed maritime environment.

The exercise was led by the 4th Marine Regiment and supported by the Marine Aircraft Group 36 and 3d Reconnaissance Battalion. According to the U.S. Marine Corps statement, the Marine Air-Ground Task Force Training Command experts also deployed a fleet support team to oversee the large-scale force-on-force training.

The U.S. Marine Corps said in a release that “Throughout the exercise, aviation assets executed simulated air assaults, maritime strikes, adversary forces, and rehearsed armed reconnaissance and close air support.”

The statement further highlighted that “The force-on-force events offered the Marines an authentic and immersive training experience. This specialized training involved the simulation of combat scenarios, enabling Marines to refine their combat skills and enhance their readiness.”

U.S. Marine Corps CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter — ^{A U.S. Marine Corps CH-53E Super Stallion assigned to Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron (HMH) 466 conducts flight operations during Stand-in Force Exercise 24 over Combined Arms Training Center Camp Fuji, Japan, December 5, 2023. (Image Credit: U.S. Marine Corps/Cpl. Scott Aubuchon)}

The 4th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division’s future operations officer Maj. Devin Fultz said, “Their service level insight and best practices ensured that the Regiment received quality training in the First Island Chain instead of having to return to Continental United States to validate readiness.”

The drills also focused on improving small-unit leadership by enabling enhanced communication, coordination, and decision-making abilities among squad and fireteam leaders. This progress was especially noticeable in the Marines’ heightened capacity to adjust to dynamic training conditions at CATC Camp Fuji, where small Marine units demonstrated the capability to swiftly and effectively make informed tactical decisions.

By participating in realistic force-on-force exercises, Marines learned about the complexities of contemporary warfare, from urban combat to maritime security challenges, in the Indo-Pacific region. This method enabled them to adapt and improve their tactics, promote teamwork, and make informed decisions amidst intense pressure.

The commanding officer of the 4th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, Col. Erick Clark said that the exercise “allowed us to further develop operationally relevant readiness within the first island chain by rehearsing our concepts in a well-resourced and realistic force on force exercise.” He added that “There is no doubt that we are ready to face an adversary wherever they may decide to test our resolve.”