Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON -- More than 100 Marines recently had a taste of the grunt life.

From Oct. 30 through Nov. 3, Marine Wing Support Squadron 372 received combat skills training in the Camp Deluz training area here.

Their mission was to enhance combat effectiveness outside their military occupational specialty and meet the basic skills test and gas chamber qualifications for the year 2000.

Made up of MOSs such as motor transport, engineering, communications and crash-fire rescue, MWSS-372 does combat skills training as part of its on going training.

?Our job in a field environment is to provide security and support air stations,? said Sgt. Richard D. Kimball, MWSS-372. ?This training allows each Marine to learn what role they play in real-world situations.?

There?s a reason why combat skills training is vital to MWSS-372.

Part of their overall mission is to defend an air base.

?We won?t be able to count on the infantry (during combat) to defend one of our air bases,? said Capt. Chris D. Hrudka, commander, Support Company, MWSS-372. ?We have to be self-sufficient in a rear area.?

Training day one began as MWSS-372 left the 14 Area to the Combat Skills Training School here for orientation.

After orientation at the CSTS, MWSS-372 set up camp and received basic instruction on their weapons at Camp Deluz.

Live fire began on day two after MWSS-372 moved to Range 210 E here.
Marines even shot rounds from weapons mounted on top of HMMWVs.

Before the day was over, they moved back to camp and learned fundamentals of land navigation.

The schedule on day three included an endurance course and lessons in security patrols and convoy operations.

On day four, the Marines practiced base defense and conducted a day and night convoy.

They broke down their camp on day five.

Then MWSS-372 went on a five-mile hike and ended the training week with a graduation ceremony.

?It?s a real good deal for these Marines,? said SSgt. Matt R. Dixon, operations chief, CSTS. ?It gives them a good chance to train.?