CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. -- -- A group of senior executives from the Orange Country Young Presidents’ Organization came aboard Camp Pendleton for a day of touring base training facilities, observing range operations, and viewing aviation static displays, March 31.
The 10 members were also briefed on the Transitional Readiness Seminar, which the Marine Corps provides for service members retiring or separating from the military and transitioning into the civilian workforce. This seminar provides standardized training that focuses on personal objectives for post-military service. The event offered these company leaders insight into the wealth of talent that military members possess and may be available to their companies in the near future.
The participants first toured Camp Pendleton’s Infantry Immersion Trainer and Combat Convoy Simulator. The Infantry Immersion Trainer is a hands-on, mixed-reality training facility that simulates the sights, smells, sounds and feel of a village, in designated locations. The IIT creates a realistic training environment that presents complex scenario-based situations, in both the tactical and human dimension, and reinforces decision-making skills.
“It’s an amazing experience,” said Denis P. Kalscheur, chief executive officer, Aviation Capital Group. “To learn and see how the Marines can do so much with only seven percent of the national defense budget. It’s stunning.”
From the Combat Convoy Simulator, the tour moved to one of the base’s many military operations in urban terrain (MOUT) facilities were they learned about reconnaissance training. Training in MOUT facilities prepares Marines to fight in an urban environment where man-made construction may affect tactical decision-making.
“It’s incredible,” said Edward Klosterman, vice president of customer relations, Universal Protective Services. “The facilities and training programs are impressive and seeing it all just makes us hope we can give back to the military that does so much for us.”
The executives were also able to fire the M16A2 service rifle at a target from 50 meters, during a rifle range demonstration by Company C, First Reconnaissance Battalion.
“Our company employs many former military members as security guards, security officers and trainers,” said Klosterman. “It’s a very good program, we appreciate the time and effort put into allowing us to be here today and learn about this.”
The tour continued to Marine Corps Air Station Camp Pendleton, where the group was greeted by Marine Corps pilots. The members viewed a static display of one of the newest aircraft to be added to the Marine Corps aviation air operations, the MV-22 Osprey.
Alongside training, the Young Presidents’ Organization members were also given briefings on environmental and installation issues.
The visit helped the Young Presidents’ Organization members better understand d Marine training and learn how they can help Marines transitioning out of the military into the private sector.
“When people go to get a job outside of the military they need training to do that, the programs they (MCCS) have in place for that is impressive. We appreciate the time the Marines have given to helping us learn about it and we hope we can give back as well,” said Klosterman.