Working in the wild

[thedrifter]

May 8, 2003

Working in the wild
BY MARINE CORPS SGT. CHET DECKER


MACHALA, Ecuador ?While the world spotlight is on gutsy armored attacks in the Iraqi desert, a small group of U.S. Marines are going unnoticed as they help marine warriors from one of America?s southern allies refine small unit waterborne tactics.

While training Ecuadorian Marines and sailors on riverine tactics and operations, it?s not uncommon for the 13 Camp Lejeune, N.C.-based Marines of Riverine Training Team (RTT) 2-03 to be training aboard the small crafts for 12 hours or more at a time.


The Marines, attached to II Marine Expeditionary Force?s Special Operations Training Group, have been in this South American country for nearly five weeks training a platoon-sized force of Ecuadorian marines and sailors.


The RTT consists of infantrymen with advanced riverine skills, communicators, mechanics and intelligence specialists, many of whom are serving as formal instructors for the first time in their Marine Corps careers. Aside from their Spanish-speaking skills, the Marines were chosen because of their ability to get things done and for their enthusiasm in helping a foreign military learn valuable skills.


?A lot of Marines don?t get the chance to teach unless they become instructors or they are faced with teaching their own peers. It?s different to teach something new to people when it?s a whole new concept to them, so it?s a good experience,? said Gunnery Sgt. Blair Augustine, a reservist attached to SOTG who served as an infantryman in the Vietnam War and is the team?s non-commissioned officer in charge.


The RTT created and executed a training package that included a modified rifle qualification course, squad-level patrolling, introduction to crew serve weapons, waterborne tactics, as well as small craft mechanics.


Ecuador is rich with waterways used as main traffic routes that are important to the local economy. The training the Ecuadorian military received will perhaps allow them to patrol those waters more effectively.


?We benefited from the training, because we both have the same principles,? said 1st Lt. Carlos Flores, who has served for eight years in the Ecuadorian marine corps. ?Our techniques are different though. Learning new techniques and the U.S. Marines learning ours? just gives us all more experience. You never know what you may encounter, and we may be able to apply what we have learned.?


Marines have conducted similar riverine training programs in other countries, including Peru, Bolivia and Colombia. The RTT program is mutually beneficial for all countries involved. While Latin American militaries receive extensive waterborne small craft training, the United States strengthens its ability to operate in an unfamiliar environment and improve its relationship with Latin American militaries.


?Our team executed a mission which is part of the United States? Theater Security Cooperation Plan for Latin America,? said Philadelphia native Capt. Michael Arden, the team?s assistant officer-in-charge from 2nd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion. ?We all worked well together and we look forward to working with them in the future. I think we have a very good rapport, and I was impressed with the professionalism of their officer and NCO corps.?


?I?m glad I came down here,? said Sgt. Guillermo Larrea, a Small Craft Company Marine from Chicago. ?You never forget countries you visit or train in.?



Sempers,

Roger