March 3, 2015 --
Marines are always ready for any challenges they may face.
In order to be ready for those challenges, Marines must constantly train and
stay thoroughly prepared.
Guard Company, Marine Barracks Washington, D.C., is no
exception.
The mission of Guard Company is to guard and protect the
Marines and Sailors of Marine Barracks Washington D.C.
To protect the Barracks, the Marines of Guard Company must
always be confident in their shooting and weapon handling capabilities. They
shoot on various military ranges at least once a month in live fire scenarios.
These scenarios mimic situations that the Guards might encounter while standing
post. The ranges they shoot vary from shooting M9 service pistols in their
dress blues to ranges where there is a workout routine just before a shooter
steps on the line.
In one instance the Marines must perform a dynamic workout
consisting of burpies, box jumps and a short sprint. At the finish of the
sprint, Marines immediately proceed through the course of fire.
“The ranges are real life scenarios,” says Sgt. Miguel
Cisneros, a training NCO for Guard Company, “The ranges deal with Close
Quarters Battle, room clearing and dealing with obstacles.”
Guard Company has four unique phases of fire which are
geared towards the real life scenarios they could possibly encounter.
In another phase of fire, the shooters practice switching
between their M4 Service rifles and their M9 service pistols. There are six
targets that the two shooters must cover, when the shooter’s partner is reloading
then that shooter must cover their partner’s targets as well. This drill
focuses on adding teamwork and communication in what would be a chaotic
situation.
“It is important that the Marines maintain marksmanship
skills and remain proficient with their M4 and M9 for the safety of Marine
Barracks Washington,” said Cisneros.
In any situation that would present a threat to Marine
Barracks Washington, D.C., Guard Company is adequately trained to handle the
situation.