II MEF Units: It also offers sustainment to these distributed positions, and quickly displace or withdraw as necessitated by the tactical situation.. Today the program is focused on deterring potential adversaries in the region, and reassuring allies and partners of Americas commitment to the security of the region. From September 1995 to February 1996, 2/6 served as the tactical reserve for Operation Joint Endeavor Implementation Forces (IFOR) and on numerous occasions as the stand-by TRAP force for Operation Deny Flight. Relocated in August 1973 to Camp Lejeune, NC. MTMC is deactivating and will turn into Tactical Maintenance Company aligning with the new logistics force design. We went in with the intent of paying the cost upfront, said Maj. Dennis Graziosi, operations officer, 1/2. 1 Mar 2021| Overall, the Unit Deployment Program energized the Marine Corps focus on emerging warfighting concepts, and it challenged the battalion to creatively conduct operations in new ways. Justin T. Updegraff/ Released) - Assault amphibious vehicles sit silently on Onslow Beach aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, April 8, 2015. U.S. Marines with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron (HMH) https://www.dvidshub.net/video/embed/860434, https://www.dvidshub.net/video/860434/gas-go-ch-53e-super-stallion-receives-fuel-air. Lt. Col. Gabriel Diana, Commanding Officer, 1/2, discussed the UDP saying, The Commandants Planning Guidance directs Fleet Marine Forces to support U.S. Navy Fleet in littoral waters in support of sea denial and control operations. He continued, These exercises improve III MEFs and 2d Marine Divisions ability to establish expeditionary fires bases and forward arming and refueling points throughout the Indo-Pacific at any time and place, further enabling the Navy and the larger joint force in times of conflict. India Battery ["I" Battery], 3rd Battalion, 10th Marines, was attached to BLT 2/2 since the beginning of 2001 for the work-up and deployment cycle. 2nd Marine Logistics Group Upon release from isolation, Marines continued to abide by the standard COVID guidelines and other considerations by the host nation, with strict supervision. The motorized infantry raid was the culminating event for MEUEX II, following Amphibious Squadron/Marine Expeditionary Unit Intergration Training (PMINT). -USMC-. - Marines with 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, prepare to begin an assault on a simulated enemy base during movement to contact training aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., April 9, 2015. The DLEX training design provided a first step in how we may leverage unique capabilities to rapidly disperse to and operate from key maritime terrain, Diana said. Throughout the deployment, we maintained readiness by pushing our small unit leaders out of their comfort zones to make decisions, said Captain Henry Bielenberg, a combined anti-armor team platoon commander with 1/2. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. US Marines with 2nd Marine Logistics Group participate in an Innovation Boot Camp on Camp Lejeune, North Carolina Mar. This work, 1st Battalion 2d Marines Concludes Unit Deployment Program 20.2, by Sgt Alize Sotelo, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright. 8th Communications Battalion SgtMaj Joe A. Palacios reported to Marine Corps Recruit Depot (MCRD) San Diego, California, in May 2001 for recruit Training. During World War II, the battalion participated in the Battle of Guadalcanal, Battle of Tarawa, Battle of Saipan, Battle of Tinian and the Battle of Okinawa. When talking about it, he seems more nostalgic than anxious, despite the lingering presence of post tramautic stress disorder symptoms from the tour there. Video production of 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW) https://www.dvidshub.net/video/embed/852253, https://www.dvidshub.net/video/852253/2nd-marine-aircraft-wing-we-do. Marines with the battalion spent the day refining their marksmanship skill as individuals and their ability to work as a crew. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. Fleet Anti-terrorism Security Team Company, Europe https://www.dvidshub.net/video/embed/858869, https://www.dvidshub.net/video/858869/fasteur-capabilities, Technology Operational Experimentation Exercise (TOEE) 2022. Concepts such as expeditionary advanced-base operations (EABO), distributed maritime operations (DMO), and littoral combat operations (LCO) were central in framing how the battalion would conduct exercises and training. The Unit Deployment Program was first established in 1977 as a way to improve unit continuity by, then Commandant of the Marine Corps, Gen. Louis H. Wilson Jr. What was once a deployment focused on Theater Security Cooperation exercises with allied and partner nations, has shifted towards a new focus in alignment with strategic guidance and concepts. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. They deployed in and around the city of Ar Ramadi. The 31st MEU, the Marine Corps only continuously forward-deployed MEU, provides a flexible and lethal force ready to perform a wide range of military operations as the premiere crisis response force in the Indo-Pacific region. 2nd battalion, 4th marines casualties. The Unit Deployment Program was first established in 1977 as a way to improve unit continuity by, then Commandant of the Marine Corps, Gen. Louis H. Wilson Jr. What was once a deployment focused on Theater Security Cooperation exercises with allied and partner nations, has shifted towards a new focus in alignment with strategic guidance and concepts. HMH-464 is a subordinate unit of 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, the aviation combat element of II Marine Expeditionary Force. Sgt. A Marine with Alpha Company, 2nd Assault Amphibian Battalion, holds his post as his platoon prepares to ambush a notional enemy during Mountain Exercise 1-16, at Mountain Warfare Training Center in Bridgeport, California, Jan. 12, 2016. They fall under the command of the 23rd Marine Regiment and the 4th Marine Division. November 2001 - February 2002 -- The 26th MEU (SOC) was among the first U.S. [2] On June 12, 2010, the Battalion deployed to Marjah, Helmand province, Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Marines. Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point It hurt that Marines were sitting in tough restrictions, but after the two weeks of restriction we were able to begin training while adhering to protocol. U.S. Marines and Sailors, supported by technologists https://www.dvidshub.net/video/embed/856565, https://www.dvidshub.net/video/856565/technology-operational-experimentation-exercise-toee-2022, https://www.dvidshub.net/video/embed/855610, https://www.dvidshub.net/video/855610/3-6-company-attacks. We were very fortunate to be able to learn and improve with ultra-high frequencies and very high frequencies. John Allen), A Transition Readiness Program sign stands at a Marine Corps Community Services Lejeune-New River booth during a SkillBridge expo at Marston Pavilion on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Feb. 28, 2023. Worldwide toll-free: 1-877-476-7734. The Innovation Boot Camp is being held to provide Marines with baseline training on 3D printing, CAD, Robotics and programming, where Marines compete in challenges throughout the week. An official website of the United States government. 2nd Marine Division Subscribe 124 OKINAWA, JAPAN - On Feb. 17, 2021, Marines and Sailors of 1st Battalion, 2d Marine Regiment (1/2), 2d Marine Division returned from a paradigm shifting. PSC Box 20103. On December 1, 2008, 2nd Battalion, 23rd Marines, were activated for the Iraq War. 3rd Battalion 4th Marines 2001 2002 Japan Deployment Cruise Book. This training helped prepare them to employ tactics for future exercises with the Japanese Defense Forces, and exercise EABO and DMO principles. Battalion Hotline number: 1 (800) 230 - 8762 enter ext 32 at any time during recording, An official website of the United States government, Here is the contact information for the V28's Unit Victim Advocates: Stephanie Jones 901-451-8474 stephanie.e.jones@usmc.mil Command SARC; SSgt Seth Sassaman 910-450-6273 seth.sassaman@usmc.mil UVA; HM1 Jeshaun Kau 910-451-7821 jeshaun.kau@usmc.mil UVA. - An Amphibious Assault Vehicle and its crew with 2nd Assault Amphibian Battalion, prepares to begin the Heavy Brigade Combat Team qualification course at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Nov. 20, 2015. Maintenance window scheduled to begin at February 14th 2200 est. 2d Marines. Throughout the deployment, we maintained readiness by pushing our small unit leaders out of their comfort zones to make decisions, said Captain Henry Bielenberg, a combined anti-armor team platoon commander with 1/2. 2nd Law Enforcement Battalion Bottom line is, heavy restrictions allowed us to do more at the end of the day. Elements participated in Operation Support Democracy Cuba October November 1993. OKINAWA, JAPAN -- On Feb. 17, 2021, Marines and Sailors of 1st Battalion, 2d Marine Regiment (1/2), 2d Marine Division returned from a paradigm shifting deployment in the vast and exotic. Locate, close with and destroy the enemy by fire and maneuver, or to repel the enemys assault by fire and close combat. On June 15, 1944, the battalion landed on Saipan in the Marianas Islands to take part in the Battle of Saipan. Expeditionary Operations Training Group. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Cpl. US Marine Corps World War II order of battle: ground and air units in the Pacific War, 1939-1945|date=2002, Gordon L. Rottmann, Greenwood Press, Westport, Connecticut, How Annex 4th Marine Division Operations Report, April 1945, National Archives, College Park, MD 20704, Awards and decorations of the United States Armed Forces, List of United States Marine Corps battalions, Organization of the United States Marine Corps, "Reserves Join Marines on Active Duty: Port Hueneme: Weapons company is part of the first infantry unit from Southern California to be called up", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=2nd_Battalion,_23rd_Marines&oldid=1142212980. Even the naming convention of field exercise (FEX), changed to distributed lethality exercise (DLEX). - Redeployed during April 1965 to Da Nang, Republic of Vietnam. B Co. 133 NCB was Shore Party for 2/23 until relieved on D-plus 18.[2]. By participating in the Infantry Jungle Skills Course, we were able to acquire many skills that we will now have for the future, Martoff said. After graduation, he commissioned as a Second Lieutenant. From August 2004 to July 2005, 2/6 became a part of the 4th MEB, acting as the Brigade's Anti-Terrorism Battalion. On January 19, 1918, the battalion went to League Island, Philadelphia in order to head out to France as part of the 4th Brigade, American Expeditionary Force. In March 1942 the battalion returned to San Diego and was reassigned to the 2nd Marine Division. The unit was attached to the 4th Marine Regiment as Alpha Company. Following the end of the war, 2/6 landed at Nagasaki to take part in the Occupation of Japan from September 1945 until July 1946. Adam Henke). 2nd Battalion, 6th Marines (2/6) is an infantry battalion in the United States Marine Corps based out of Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. I was part of a combat assault company out of Hawaii, so I was a combat engineer [with 1st Marine Division] when I deployed to Iraq, the Exeter, N.H., native explained. . A scout sniper attached to Fox company, Sergeant Scott Montoya, was awarded Navy Cross for "extraordinary heroism in combat" during this engagement. Lt. Col. Gabriel Diana, Commanding Officer, 1/2, discussed the UDP saying, The Commandants Planning Guidance directs Fleet Marine Forces to support U.S. Navy Fleet in littoral waters in support of sea denial and control operations. He continued, These exercises improve III MEFs and 2d Marine Divisions ability to establish expeditionary fires bases and forward arming and refueling points throughout the Indo-Pacific at any time and place, further enabling the Navy and the larger joint force in times of conflict.. Matthew Romonoyske-Bean), Commanding General's Inspection Program (CGIP), Fraud, Waste, and Mismanagement Assistance Investigation, II MEF Communication Strategy & Operations, Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center, MAGTF Integrated Systems Training (CAC required), Marine Corps Training Information Management System (MCTIMS), Marine Corps Credentialing Opportunities On-Line (COOL), United Service Military Apprenticeship Program (USMAP), Topping Out: Hurricane Florence Recovery Projects Progress at Cherry Point, II MEF Prepares for Humanitarian Assistance as Its Deployed Forces Conduct the Mission, II Marine Expeditionary Force Conducts MEFEX 23, A first for an East-Coast MEU, HIMARS embarks with the BAT-ARG 26th MEU during PMINT, #2dMARDIV #3/6 #CampLejeune #MissionReadiness #6thReg #FirstToFight, #2dMARDIV #3/6 #MissionReady #MCCRE #CampLejeune #FirstToFight, #2dMARDIV #2CEB #MissionReady #MCCRE #CampLejeune #FirstToFight, Hosted by Defense Media Activity - WEB.mil. 2nd Battalion, 9th Marines landed on Koh Tang Island where the crew of the SS Mayaguez was believed to be held, they were unaware that the crew was already in American hands. From August 2003 to April 2004, 2/6 deployed to Okinawa, Japan for a UDP, becoming a part of the 4th Marine Regiment. Operation Enduring Freedom - Afghanistan November 2003 to May 2004. The battalion was part of the primary infantry unit for the 2nd Brigade when the Brigade was redesignated to the 2nd Marine Division. Within two days of activation, this, the largest and most geographically diverse infantry battalion in the Marine Corps, reported to Camp Pendleton, California with 1,015 Marine and Navy personnel. Jacqueline Pegeuro-Montes, a combat videographer with II MEF COMMSTRAT, right, during COMMSTRAT Companys reorganization ceremony aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Feb. 23, 2023. Originally activated on April 1, 1940 the unit was located in San Diego as the 2nd Battalion 8th Marine Regiment and assigned to the 2nd Marine Brigade. 2/6 was reactivated on July 23, 1994, at Cuzco Wells, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. U.S. Marines with 2d Combat Engineer Battalion, 2d https://www.dvidshub.net/video/embed/851449, https://www.dvidshub.net/video/851449/2d-ceb-mccre, Task Force 61/2: Enhancing Maritime Awareness. Sebastian Cruz, a Hampton, Georgia native and a machine gunner with Battalion Landing Team 1/6, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), provides suppressive fire with a M240B machine against simulated enemy forces during a night raid on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Feb. 4, 2023. The Marines not only applied decision-making at a junior leader level but also experimented with the use of ultra-high frequency and very-high frequency radios. For its actions against enemy forces, 23rd Marines received the following awards: Presidential Unit Citation Streamer with one Bronze Star, Asia-Pacific Campaign Streamer with four Bronze Stars, and World War II Victory Streamer. Participated in Operation Urgent Fury in Grenada October November 1983. U.S. Marines with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) https://www.dvidshub.net/video/embed/860270, https://www.dvidshub.net/video/860270/22nd-marine-expeditionary-unit-homecoming, Gas On The Go: CH-53E Super Stallion Receives Fuel in the Air. Participated as part of Multi-Nation Peace Keeping Force in Lebanon August September 1982, and February- October 1984. MAG-14 and MACG-28 are subordinate units of 2nd MAW, the aviation combat element of II Marine Expeditionary Force. Lieutenant Colonel Andy Macak earned his commission in 2005 after graduating from Florida State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Russian and East European Studies. Headquarters Marine Corps, Commanding General's Inspection Program (CGIP), Fraud, Waste, and Mismanagement Assistance Investigation, II MEF Communication Strategy & Operations, Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center, MAGTF Integrated Systems Training (CAC required), Marine Corps Training Information Management System (MCTIMS), Marine Corps Credentialing Opportunities On-Line (COOL), United Service Military Apprenticeship Program (USMAP), U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Special Operations Command, Hosted by Defense Media Activity - WEB.mil. 2nd Intelligence Battalion Also known as "The Ready Battalion" or "2/6 Spartans", it consists of approximately 800 Marines and Sailors and falls under the command of the 6th Marine Regiment and the 2nd Marine Division. The 2nd Battalion, 23rd Marine Regiment will again head to Okinawa in October 2018 as part of the Corps Unit Deployment Program, according to an article in the Marine Times. Whether it was a company participating in Joint Integrated Training Exercise, or a bi-lateral exercise like Noble Fury, small unit leaders were put to the test and were expected to perform their duty far from the command post. VIEW BIO. On March 1, 2011, the battalion deployed to Okinawa and served as a quick reaction force in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. The unit enhanced their preparation to be more lethal by adapting themselves to the Jungle environment, which is quite different from their past experiences. 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marines cased their colors during the unit's deactivation ceremony aboard Marine Corps Base Hawaii Jan. 21. Typically, something that isnt taught in great detail to infantry Marines, communications training requires small unit leaders to be able to operate independently and at great distance from higher and adjacent commands. - Participated in the War in Vietnam, April 1965 . Marine Corps Installations East Once the assault was completed, the Marines were required to prepare a defense in case of a counterattack. 2nd Marine Regiment. Maj. Joseph R. Walling. In December 1990, 2nd Battalion, 23rd Marines was mobilized by presidential call-up to serve on active duty[3] 99.2% of those on the rolls reported to their seven separate drill centers for duty. We went in with the intent of paying the cost upfront, said Maj. Dennis Graziosi, operations officer, 1/2. - A Marine with Alpha Company, 2nd Assault Amphibian Battalion, holds his post as his platoon prepares to ambush a notional enemy during Mountain Exercise 1-16, at Mountain Warfare Training Center in Bridgeport, California, Jan. 12, 2016. Timothy Adamovage, a combat engineer with 8th ESB, has been stationed in Hawaii, toured in multiple countries in Southeast Asia, deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan, and is currently biding his time in Camp Lejeune. Marines with the unit took on the Mountain Warfare Course in preparation for Exercise Cold Response 16 in the near future. The battalion returned to Marine Corps Base Quantico on June 19, 1919. Weapons company successfully completed missions out of Al-Taqaddum Air Base where they were part of the quick reaction force. MWHS-2 is a subordinate unit of 2nd MAW, the aviation combat element of II Marine Expeditionary Force. They returned from Marjah, Helmand Province, Afghanistan January 6, 2011. With over 300 missions successfully completed 2/23 completed their deployment. As part of the post war draw down of forces, 2/6 was deactivated on October 1, 1947. The amphibious raid integrated multiple elements of the Marine Air Ground Task Force with live-fire events and showcased the MEUs ability to conduct ship-to-shore maneuver and secure a beach landing site. Activated on 20 July 1942 at New River, North Carolina, 23rd Marines was assigned to the 4th Marine Division in February 1943 and relocated during July 1943 to Camp Pendleton, California. It also offers sustainment to these distributed positions, and quickly displace or withdraw as necessitated by the tactical situation. Whether it was a company participating in Joint Integrated Training Exercise, or a bi-lateral exercise like Noble Fury, small unit leaders were put to the test and were expected to perform their duty far from the command post. During a year marred by the effects of COVID-19, the battalion successfully deployed to Okinawa, Japan in the Fall of 2020, as part of the Unit Deployment Program (UDP). We were very fortunate to be able to learn and improve with ultra-high frequencies and very high frequencies. I dont regret one bit., An official website of the United States government, Hosted by Defense Media Activity - WEB.mil. The unit was able to take part in the Infantry Jungle Skills Course and a force-on-force event at the Jungle Training Warfare Center against servicemembers in the Japanese Defense Force. The battalion deployed to Nagasaki, Japan in September 1945 as part of the occupation and remained there until they redeployed back to Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina in June 1946. The emplacement of a white, steel support member atop the new auditorium facility indicated an important milestone for the progress of Hurricane Florence Recovery projects at Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Cherry Point, Feb. 22, 2023. 2023 Marine Corps Trials - Opening Ceremony, 2nd Lt. LeAnn Wu and 2nd Lt. Andrew Masters receive their commission in a ceremony at the @castatecapitol, Sacramen https://t.co/f9fXwAwptm, #MarineCorps F-35B Lightning IIs, @usairforce B-1B Lancers, @USNavy F/A-18 Super Hornets, and a U.S. Navy E/A-18G G https://t.co/Fp5wpYfSX3, #Marines from the Republic of Korea rehearse amphibious landing drills alongside Marines with the @Official13thMEU https://t.co/4H0JAIkYET, #MarineCorps recruits conduct a pugil sticks event at @MCRD_SD, Feb. 28. Overall, the Unit Deployment Program energized the Marine Corps focus on emerging warfighting concepts, and it challenged the battalion to creatively conduct operations in new ways. They landed from APA 207 the USS Mifflin on yellow beach 2. Iraq-2007 It was just an awesome platoon of a bunch of friends, he explained. The battalion suffered its only combat fatality in Al Fajr. U.S. Marines with 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW) conducted distributed aviation operations outside of their home duty station and local area to validate logistics, sustainment, and communications requirements for command elements. Upon release from isolation, Marines continued to abide by the standard COVID guidelines and other considerations by the host nation, with strict supervision. OKINAWA, JAPAN On Feb. 17, 2021, Marines and Sailors of 1st Battalion, 2d Marine Regiment (1/2), 2d Marine Division returned from a paradigm shifting deployment in the vast and exotic training areas of Japan. Ryan Ulibarri), MCAS Iwakuni31st MEUCLB-31VMM-262USMC NewsUSINDOPACOM, https://www.dvidshub.net/video/embed/875214, https://www.dvidshub.net/video/875214/31st-meu-hst-training-mcas-iwakuni, Weapons and Tactics Instructor (WTI) course 1-23: End of Course Video. Every exercise that the battalion participated in presented another opportunity to refine the way the battalion conducted command and control in a distributed environment. The battalion fell under the command of the 3rd Marine Regiment and the 3rd Marine Division. 8th Communications Battalion. Camp Lejeune, N.C. Mission. 27 febrero, 2023 . He described the high intensity levels, the long days and the numerous accomplishments of his platoon. MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. -- Marines with Sniper Platoon, Weapons Company, 2nd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, took aim down range during a weapons zeroing exercise at Range G21, Camp Lejeune, N.C., Sept. 3, 2015. Six Marines were activated in late November 1990 from Fox Company in Salt Lake City, Utah. . During their deployment on the Pacific nation, the battalion executed a series of bilateral and unilateral exercises across Okinawa and Camp Fuji, Japan: Jungle Warfare Training, Exercise Noble Fury, Exercise Keen Sword, Joint Integrated Training Exercise, force-on-force Jungle Warfare Exercise, and Exercise Fuji Viper on Camp Fuji. When we first began training, we had to consider the factors of the humidity, dense vegetation, and mountainous terrain, said First Lt. Ryan Martoff, a Weapons platoon commander with 1/2. On Feb. 17, 2021, Marines and Sailors of 1st Battalion, 2d Marine Regiment (1/2), 2d Marine Division returned from a paradigm shifting deployment in the vast and exotic training areas of Japan. After arriving in Japan, the battalion adhered to a strict two-week restriction of movement plan. Iraq -2008-2009, Meritorious Unit Commendation Streamer with One Bronze Star, Asiatic- Pacific Campaign Streamer with One Silver Star, National Defense Service Streamer with Three Bronze Stars, Armed Forces Expeditionary Streamer with Three Bronze Stars, Southwest Asia Service Streamer with One Bronze Star, Afghanistan Campaign Streamer withFour Bronze Stars, Iraq Campaign Streamer with One Bronze Star, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Streamer, An official website of the United States government, Here is the contact information for the V28's Unit Victim Advocates: Stephanie Jones 901-451-8474 stephanie.e.jones@usmc.mil Command SARC; SSgt Seth Sassaman 910-450-6273 seth.sassaman@usmc.mil UVA; HM1 Jeshaun Kau 910-451-7821 jeshaun.kau@usmc.mil UVA. The battalion accomplished these high-level concepts by completely changing their mind-set when planning exercises and training. Amphibious assault and movement to contact training was conducted by Marines with 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, on Onslow Beach at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., April 9, 2015.The Marines used ten Assault AmphibiousVehicles, operated by Marines with 2nd Assault Amphibian Battalion, to board the USS Wasp where they stayed overnight. Activated 1 April 1940 At San Diego, California As The 2d Battalion, 28th Marines And Assigned To The 2d Marine Brigade 2d Marine Brigade Re-Designated 1 February 1941 as 2d Marine. He admitted he matured a lot through them and took the opportunities presented to him to learn from others mistakes. Maj. Jeremy P. Johnson to Sgt. In the months before the deployment, 1st Battalion, 2d Marines prepared for the worst of challenges posed by COVID-19, and aggressively planned to make the most of their time in Japan. Download this stock image: U.S. Marines with 2d Reconnaissance Battalion, 2d Marine Division, soldiers with the Danish Defense Forces and Norwegian Armed Forces practice skiing during cold weather training on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Dec. 1, 2022.This training was conducted to enhance 2d Recon's combat effectiveness in extreme cold weather as they prepare for an upcoming . Throughout the deployment, we maintained readiness by pushing our small unit leaders out of their comfort zones to make decisions, said Captain Henry Bielenberg, a combined anti-armor team platoon commander with 1/2. Typically, something that isnt taught in great detail to infantry Marines, communications training requires small unit leaders to be able to operate independently and at great distance from higher and adjacent commands.