Camp Lejeune Combat Engineer Marines Determine Best Sapper Squad

The following is a release from Cpl. Paul S. Martinez, II Marine Expeditionary Force:

Marines with 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion competed against one another in a series of training exercises to determine the best sapper squad across Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., March 21-25.

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The event was organized as an internal competition meant to challenge individual squads in their proficiency at executing engineer-based tasks, while simultaneously determining those who will represent the battalion at a competition against other units. In the engineer community, sappers are Marines specially trained to breach enemy defenses utilizing various types of demolition, and are required to earn certification upon completion of a six-week-long course.

“This gives our Marines a chance to demonstrate their proficiency in an environment where they are being evaluated,” said 1st Lt. Ian Simpson, a platoon commander with the battalion. “It showcases their preparation, and how much work and effort they put into these tasks ahead of time.”

The events of the competition included an assault breaching exercise that challenged squads to safely and efficiently breach a door using explosives and the Mossberg 500 shotgun; sweeping a set path for improvised explosive …Read the Rest

Source:: Tactical Life