MARINE CORPS AIR STATION NEW RIVER, N.C. -- More than 150 Marines with Marine Wing Support Squadron 272 departed to Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Calif., for Enhanced Mojave Viper training, July 13.
EMV is a 35-day exercise that prepares Marines from all occupational fields for the physical and mental demands of combat with a full combat load, under the scorching Mojave sun.
“You’re actually in what feels like a forward-deployed situation,” said Sgt. David M. Mcrill, MWSS-272 vehicle coordinator, who has previously attended the EMV.
During the training, Marines receive a more in-depth understanding of the duties and requirements of the support squadron in a simulated combat environment.
From machine gun shoots and squad-assault courses to demolition ranges, MWSS-272 Marines will experience a whole new level of training to better prepare them for future deployments.
“It is a good refresher and teaches Marines new job skills they did not know before,” said Mcrill.
“I am hoping to gain a realistic feel for what my job would be like in country,” said Lance Cpl. Philip G. Griffin, MWSS-272 training clerk.
While in training, the Marines will not only learn what their job is while deployed, but they will also become familiar with the jobs of the Marines around them, making them a valuable asset to their units while deployed.
“Just imagine the layout of a chess board. Not only are they going to be learning what their job in the match is, but they are going to be learning and becoming proficient in the movements and responsibilities of the pieces surrounding them,” Mcrill said.
During EMV, Marines will conduct a barrage of real-life deployment scenarios. In addition to performing their typical duties, the Marines will have to perform casualty evaluation and evacuation drills, under the stresses of live fire and the fogs of the battle field.
“For myself in the past, the experience was amazing,” Mcrill said. “You completely forget that you are doing a training exercise and it helps you see how you will react under stressful circumstances. It took me out of the day-to-day routine and put me back into the Marine Corps warrior mentality.”