US FET Marines share experiences with Sri Lankan Armed Forces

Photo courtesy: U.S. Marine Corps Photo

By Corporal Gabriel Velasquez | US Navy
.............................................................................................................................................................................................

The women of the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit's Female Engagement Team (FET) on the Harpers Ferry-class dock landing ship USS Pearl Harbor (LSD 52) shared their personal military experiences with the female service members of the Sri Lankan Navy and Air Force July 14.

"We invited them on board the Pearl Harbor to meet with them and discuss differences in our militaries and just in general being a woman in the military," said Marine Corps 1st Lt. Briana Carter, the assistant operations officer for Combat Logistics Battalion (CLB) 15.

During the interaction, Marines explained their roles within the organization, said Sgt. Krystal L. Marshall, CLB 15 communications detachment maintenance chief.

"We explained to them what a FET is and what we do on deployment," said Marshall "We told them that we're trained to go into hazardous zones with the male Marines and do everything from searching females to working security."

Sri Lankan and U.S. medical personnel inquired about different techniques and shared differences in their practices.

"I demonstrated to them what a sucking chest wound was and also what to do with a protruding intestine wound," said Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Lesheka D. Moore.

A modular tactical vest (MTV) was displayed so the Sri Lankans could see what kind of gear FET members carry.

"They really liked our [MTV]," said Marshall. "They said it was much more comfortable than the ones they wear, but they did say it was heavier."

Some participants were surprised by some of the differences.

"We found out that they do not serve on ships, so they were amazed that we live and work here with the males," said Carter. "It really showed us how different it is for women in other countries."

After their time together aboard Pearl Harbor, the FET members and Sri Lankans joined in the nearby Sri Lankan Naval Academy tug-of-war competition.

For the FET members, it was time well spent.

"It was a really awesome experience," said Marshall. "It was definitely time well spent, and I can't wait to do something like it again."

© US Navy