::n::Marines from Bravo Company, Battalion Landing Team, 1st Battalion 8th Marines, began the Mechanized Raid Course, Jan 9, 2006. The Bravo Co., Marines are continuing the pre-deployment training regime by completing the 9-day course while here at Ft. A.P. Hill, Va. ::n::During the first days of the course the Marines learn the fundamentals of a raid and how to deal with the various aspects of conducting a raid. By the end of the course Marines will have learned how to incorporate mechanized units such as, the Assault Amphibious Vehicle or M1A1 Main Battle Tank into their plans to successfully carryout a mechanized raid in an actual combat scenario. ::n::

Photo by Cpl Matt Lyman

SOTG teaches 24 MEU tools of the raid

9 Jan 2006 | Cpl. Matt Lyman 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit

FORT A.P. HILL, Va. -- Marines of Bravo Company, Battalion Landing Team, 1st Battalion, 8th Marines started the 9-day Mechanized Raid Course, Jan 9, 2006. This course will enable the Marines to conduct a successful raid operation with mechanized assets. Some common mechanized units the Marines use are the Assault Amphibian Vehicle and the M1A1 Main Battle Tank.

The first part of the course serves as a refresher course in urban warfare tactics while reemphasizing the importance of sound decision making on the battlefield. The Marines are also introduced to the elements of a raid and some of the successful formulas used in past raids.

After the Marines master the basics of a raid, Marines from the II Marine Expeditionary Force, Special Operations Training Group will teach them how to incorporate mechanized units into their raid structure and plans.

The Marines of the 24 Marine Expeditionary Unit are continuing their pre-deployment training at Ft. A.P. Hill, in preparation for their upcoming deployment.