MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. – September 28, 2015 — Marines with 2nd Supply Battalion, Combat Logistics Regiment 25, conducted vehicle rollover training at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Sept. 23.
The battalion held the training in order to hone their skills prior to deploying. The trainer simulates a vehicle rollover for Marines, allowing them to learn how to react and, more importantly, work together to evacuate.
The trainer was a new experience for several of the Marines in the unit, including Lance Cpl. Daniel Levine, a supply administration specialist.
Marines underwent a total of six simulations: three with the high-mobility multipurpose wheeled vehicle, and three with the mine-resistant ambush protected vehicle. Each scenario brought unique challenges for the Marines to imitate the uncertainty of a real-world operation.
The conditions between the two vehicles were the same: one “normal” evacuation with no casualties, one evacuation with one casualty, and one “blackout” evacuation in which Marines had limited sight and one casualty.
“We definitely have to work together and remember what we learn,” Levine said. “A rollover can be a very real thing to happen in country.”
In addition to the uncertainty of the trainer, simulated casualties required at least two Marines to work together to evacuate an unconscious comrade, then render first aid while all other Marines took up a defensive stance around them.
“This training is important because it prepares Marines traveling in either of these vehicles for the unfortunate event that is a rollover,” said Staff Sgt. Thomas Wilkie, an instructor with the unit. “The experience that they gain from this trainer gives them confidence. If they do find themselves in a rollover, they know exactly what to do next.”
The trainer is designed to roll over multiple times, causing Marines inside to be unaware of what side it stops on. By the end of the event, each Marine successfully egressed from the vehicle from three different positions.
“This is invaluable training,” Wilkie said. “You never know when and where a rollover may occur and who will be on board.”
By Cpl. Paul S. Martinez, II Marine Expeditionary Force