Photo courtesy: Michael Russell | US Navy
By Cpl. Gabriel Velasquez | Marine Corps News
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During a Humanitarian Aid and Disaster Relief demonstration the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit held for the Sri Lankan Navy, Marines from Battery C, 1st Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment taught riot control and searching techniques to sailors of the SBS.
“We started by teaching them different formations when in a situation where riot control is needed,” said Staff Sgt. Osman Lima, platoon sergeant, Battery C, 1st Bn, 4th Marines. “We also taught them snatching procedures for an injured person or a high value target,” added the Los Angeles, Calif. native.
The sailors from the SBS listened intently to the Marines, absorbing all the Marines had to teach about riot control. The Marines explained in cases of disaster relief or humanitarian aid, chaos may ensue and safe control of the crowds would be needed.
Eventually, Marines turned over their gear and gave the sailors of the SBS an opportunity to apply their newly learned techniques.
“We gave them our helmets, the shin guards, and batons for some practical application,” said Cpl. Daniel Middlebos, artilleryman, Battery C, 1st Bn, 4th Marines. “They nailed all the techniques we taught very quickly and accurately,” added the 24-year-old artilleryman.
The Marines explained to them the different uses for the gear and the various parts of the weapons system used during riot control situations.
“We showed them our different non-lethal rounds used from the M203 grenade launcher,” said Lima. “We then instructed them on how and when we would use them,” he added.
Another topic of discussion was proper search techniques for any detained persons during a humanitarian operation.
“I gave a class on how to search detainees properly and safely,” said Sgt. Derek Stegall, artillery section chief, Battery C, 1st Bn, 4th Marines. “They were very eager to learn and performed the techniques well during the practical application,” explained the 28-year-old Festus, Miss. native.
With both the SBS and the Marines having an amphibious doctrine, the similarities between the two services were apparent.
“They’re incredibly intelligent and disciplined,” explained Stegall. “They picked up everything we taught and didn’t make any mistakes,” he added.
Overall, the Marines of Battery C agreed that the training was a success.
“I think the training went really well,” said Middlebos. “They were really hospitable, friendly, and the beach environment we trained on was great,” he added.
For one Marine, the experience was one that he will remember for his entire career.
“The camaraderie between the Marines and the Sri Lankan Navy will probably be one of the best memories I ever have in the Marines,” said Lima. “I really hope I get the opportunity to do something like this again,” he added.
© Marine Cops News
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