CAMP HANSEN, OKINAWA, Japan -- Marines with 5th Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company attended a three-day training course given by the Marine Corps Security Cooperation Group Mobile Training Team Dec. 8-10 on Camp Hansen.
The highlights of the training included preparing the Marines for security cooperation issues they may face and basic engagement skills to increase integrated training with joint, allied and coalition partners in the Pacific Command area of operations, according to Lt. Col. John M. Baseel, the officer in charge for PACOM Team, MCSCG.
“I can’t think of a better unit for this training than 5th ANGLICO because they do this pretty much every day,” said Baseel, from San Dimas, California. “This definitely will help them understand other countries culturally, understand what U.S. goals are in foreign nations, and how to maximize training opportunities.”
The training brought in a knowledgeable training team to ensure the participating Marines are aligned with the Marine Corps Regional Theater Security Cooperation Exercises.
“Through this course we’re developing better communication techniques with our foreign partners,” said Gunnery Sgt. James W. Clingan, the 1st Brigade platoon sergeant, 5th ANGLICO, III Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group, III MEF. “It allows us to communicate things such as what we can provide for the training and what they can provide for us. This will increase training potential and strengthen relationships for the future.”
Throughout the training the Marines learned about the PACOM security cooperation environment, social perspective, cross culture communication, communicating through an interpreter, interacting with media and building relations and rapport. The Marines applied this knowledge through active engagement and practical application.
“Some of the classes we took (included) negotiations, persuasion, elevator speeches,” said Clingan, from Milford, Delaware. “(The classes) gave us a better way to convey what 5th ANGLICO can bring to the table. This is definitely a valuable course to go through, and I’m confident that the Marines will take the knowledge that they’ve gained and use it when we deploy for training exercises.”
The course also gave small-unit leaders the scope and understanding necessary to better facilitate integration with joint, allied and coalition forces, particularly in regions not often frequented by the Marine Corps.
“I learned how to communicate with foreign forces despite some language barriers and cultural differences,” said Cpl. Michael G. Dempich, a fire support man with 5th ANGLICO. “I also learned how to negotiate different training arrangements without inadvertently insulting someone. Some countries may have a skewed perception when it comes to U.S. armed forces conducting bilateral training, but I can now more effectively convey our mission in a way that will clear up any misunderstandings.”
With active participation and positive feedback from the training, the MCSCG team is confident they have taught the Marines of 5th ANGLICO that being proficient at their military occupational specialty is only the first step in becoming effective in engaging in security cooperation operations, according to Baseel.
“The MCSCG is excited to be out here and provide support to III MEF,” said Baseel. “We are looking forward to more training opportunities in the future.”