MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. -- Army Brig. Gen. James C. Nixon visited the Marine Corps Engineer Center’s Counter Improvised Explosive Device Homestation Training Lanes aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, Feb. 9, 2010.
The purpose of Nixon’s visit was to closely observe II Marine Expeditionary Force’s counter improvised explosive device training program to determine if U.S. Central Command could assist with the training effort. Nixon serves as the deputy director for operations-force protection for U.S. CENTCOM, aboard MacDill Air Force Base, Fla.
Marines with sniper platoon and reconnaissance platoon, Headquarters and Service Company, Battalion Landing Team, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, conducted C-IED training during the general’s visit to prepare them for an upcoming deployment. The training was conducted to familiarize the Marines with C-IED operations.
According to the U.S. CENTCOM’s official Web site, “U.S. Central Command promotes cooperation among nations, responds to crises, and deters or defeats state and nonstate aggression, and supports development and, when necessary, reconstruction in order to establish the conditions for regional security, stability, and prosperity.”
The Marines and sailors of the 22nd MEU are in the early stages of their pre-deployment training program, which is a series of progressively complex exercises designed to train and test the MEU's ability to operate as a cohesive and effective Marine Air Ground Task Force.
The 22nd MEU is a multi-mission capable force comprised of Aviation Combat Element, Marine Tilt Rotor Squadron 263 (Reinforced); Logistics Combat Element, Combat Logistics Battalion 22; Ground Combat Element, Battalion Landing Team, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment; and the Command Element.
Marine Expeditionary Units are the Marine Corps' smallest permanent Marine Air-Ground Task Force, commanded by a colonel and comprised of approximately 2,200 Marines and sailors ready to provide immediate response in a hostile or crisis environment. While deployed, each MEU also incorporates two KC-130 aircraft available to support the unit's operations abroad.