Training Is essential, even downrange

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Sarah Stegman
  • CJTF-HOA Public Affairs
CAMP LEMONIER, Djibouti (AFPN) --  An old military adage states that troops must train like they fight. This remains true, even while deployed to austere environments and in less-than-favorable conditions.

Service members assigned to Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa train almost daily to hone their skills in use of weapons, maneuvering, demolition, fast roping and rappelling.

"Training is essential to maintain the fine motor skills and mental focus required to effectively employ our weapons systems," said Marine Staff Sgt. William Potts, 5th Provisional Security Company platoon commander. "Besides, it's a great motivational tool. It's great to go fire the machine guns or throw some grenades."

An advantage service members have while they're training at a deployed location is that they become familiar with the terrain in which their skills may be used.

"We can prepare for a certain environment, but until you get in there with the conditions, it's just not the same," said Marine Staff Sgt. Shane Gardner, 5th PSC.

"We have to adapt to the different situations and scenarios that might arise in the (area of responsibility)," agreed Marine Sgt. Kharn Phetluangsy, 5th PSC.

Once arriving in country, service members tailor their training to the environment, which means working in a combined and joint atmosphere.

"Camp Lemonier offers an excellent opportunity for inter-service training," said Army 1st Lt. Stephen Pomella, Alpha Company platoon commander. "We've conducted training with the Marines, Navy explosive ordinance disposal personnel, and the aviation unit on camp. We're even planning training with our French and Djibouti counterparts."

Working and training in a joint environment is proving to be an excellent way to learn, not only how the other services work and train, but how much our training and missions are alike, said Sergeant Gardner.