1st Field Exercise
Posted on Tue Sep 22nd, 2009 @ 1:07pm by Gunnery Sergeant Jethro Hawkes & Colonel Damon Raine
622 words; about a 3 minute read
Mission:
Prelude: Blowing away the Cobwebs
Location: Marine Holodeck
Timeline: Current
On
2300hrs. <>
"The Artificers need to learn to keep their heads down." CPL McCarthy commented to Hawkes as they scanned the mock battlefield in front of them.
"What can you expect of a bunch of engineers. We knew it would take some serious training to get them up to speed." Hawkes replied.
2NDLT Raine then crawled up to the sniper hide.
"They could as well be wearing neon armor for all that they are trying to hide themselves." Damon commented "But something about their tactic doesn't add up. Some of these guys have seen a fair bit of action and would know better." He let the words hang in the air for a moment. "Have third platoon push forwads, try to overun their position. I'm curious to see how they react in the moment."
"Third platoon, push up and take the position" Hawkes ordered. As they watched 3rd Platoon pushed through the 2nd platoon position and proceeded to fight for the enemy position. As the fight continued the 3 1/2 marines in the sniper hide watched as the 2 platoon marines and engineers sat in their pits, failing to follow 3rd platoon. This saw the enemy over run 3 platoon, pushing them back into the 2 platoon position.
"Bloody disgraceful" Hawkes looked at his OC, "How long would it take to replace a whole platoon?" he asked
Damon simply shook his head. "They aren't used to taking offencive action. What's worse is they can't adapt to a shifting battlefield." He quickly watched as the two platoons nearly merged with each other. "Pull whats left of the Third and move the Second back. Have them detonate the ordinance once the enemy is within range." He looked over to his Gunny. "Once they have shifted, the field is yours Jethro."
"2 platoon move back to overwatch position. 3 Platoon make your way back to the FUP (Forming Up Position). ASM (Artificer Sergeant Major) you have the green light to detonate charges once the enemy has moved into 2 platoons fox-holes. Sierra 1 has the field" As Hawkes relayed the OC's orders to the platoons, Samantha unpacked the TR116A Sniper Rifle. Hawkes took the rifle and as he took a sight picture Samantha scanned the battlefield through her spotting scope.
Hawkes watched through the scope as the simulated enemy close on 2 platoons old position. As this happened the ASM detonated the anti personnel charges. Most of the enemy were destroyed in the initial blast but a few stubborn ones started to make their way out of the defensive position towards the decimated platoons.
Samantha and Hawkes saw the targets together and Samantha was calling ranging data to Hawkes so he could accurately adjust his scope. Hawkes was on the trial team for the Helmet Sighting System, but still chose to use a manual scope. "Tango 1, 1764m, winds SSW, 6 knots, 12 degree down angle." Samantha relayed into her headset. "Green light." Samantha gave the order to engage and the target was still, only a second and a half later.
"Simulation end." Hawkes called to the Holodeck computer. "Officers report to the Coy Commander. The rest of you square formation, 1 platoon per side. We are going to review what just happened and hopefully when we do this again, and we will do this again we will get it right."
The Company was still formed up at 0800 the next morning, after the first few marines started to nod off, Gunnery Sergeant Hawkes gave the whole company motivation training. They may learn to hate him, but if it saves their lives at least it will be worth it.
Off
2nd Lieutenant Damon Raine
Commanding Officer - MarDet
USS Orion
Gunnery Sergeant Hawkes
First Sergeant - MarDet
USS Orion
Corporal Samantha McCarthy
Corporal - MarDet
USS Orion
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