By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Matthew Jackson, USS Boxer Public Affairs
MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. (NNS) -- Forward command element (FCE) Marines from the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) conducted simulated training exercises with U.S. Department of State (DOS) officials at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton Nov. 3-7.
The exercises were part of the MEU's training operations while embarked aboard amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LHD 4).
"The forward combat element provides liaison communications between the 13th MEU and Department of State officials," said 13th MEU Executive Officer Lt. Col. Stefan Bien, who serves as the officer in charge of the FCE. "We also communicate with Boxer Expeditionary Strike Group (BOXESG)."
The FCE was staged at the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force Battle Simulation Center. From the simulation center, the FCE trained with DOS officials who played the roles of foreign nation U.S. embassy staff.
"Interoperability between the Marine Corps and other government organizations is absolutely crucial to mission success," said Bien.
DOS officials and FCE Marines planned, observed and participated in several operations including a humanitarian assistance survey team, humanitarian assistance operation, simulated press conference and a non-combatant evacuation operation.
"I think this training is important to help 13th MEU Marines better understand political issues and considerations of a host government," said Alaina Teplitz, director of administrative management training division for the Department of State. "It also allows the DOS to learn from them what their considerations are and scenarios we may encounter."
The exercises further allowed the 13th MEU to increase their interoperability with BOXESG, while training with DOS officials.
"BOXESG's Composite Training Unit Exercise gives both the Navy and Marine Corps much needed time to build up our preparedness and teamwork," said Bien.
DOS officials were able to lend authenticity to scenarios 13th MEU Marines are likely to encounter during future operations.
Teplitz added, "Although we work for different government agencies, we are all on the same team. This training was successful in teamwork and tackling issues as well as learning from each other".
BOXESG is scheduled for more training exercises this fall prior to a deployment scheduled for early next year.
BOXESG is comprised of Amphibious Squadron 5, the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), USS Boxer (LHD 4), USS New Orleans (LPD 18), USS Comstock (LSD 45), USS Chung Hoon (DDG 93), USS Lake Champlain (CG 57), Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 21, Naval Beach Group 1, Assault Craft Unit 5, Assault Craft Unit 1, Beach Master Unit 1 and Fleet Surgical Team 5.
The 13th MEU is comprised of Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 163 (Reinforced), Combat Logistics Battalion 13 and Battalion Landing Team 1/1.