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24th MEU preps for TRUEX

23 Feb 2006 | Cpl. Matt Lyman 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit

The first wave of Marines from the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit began arriving in the Hampton Roads area Feb. 21, to begin the next phase of its pre-deployment training program. The 24th MEU will conduct its Training in an Urban Environment Exercise here over the next three weeks. 

TRUEX is meant to provide Marines a realistic training scenario and prepare them to conduct combat operations in crowded urban environments.

24th MEU Marines left Camp Lejeune, N.C., this week to prepare for the arrival of the rest of the MEU next week. 

“We set up initial communications and follow on communications for the command element of the 24 MEU, Battalion Landing Team 1/8, Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron-365, and MEU Service Support Group 24.,” said 1st Lt. John Frushour, 28, the Joint Task Force Enable officer in charge and a native of Lexington, Ky.

This is not a small task, as the JTF could have as many as 150 people using all aspects of their extensive network at one time. The JTF network consists of the 24 MEU command element’s internet capabilities; phone lines, both DSN and non-DSN; field radios; and any other communication equipment the MEU deems necessary to use.

“My crew is very small. I’ve got 16 Marines including myself,” said Frushour. “Most of my NCOs have the capability of a very senior staff NCO. They are very capable Marines.”

The 24 MEU is scheduled to begin training by the end of the week and plans to incorporate every asset in the MEU’s arsenal during TRUEX to ensure the Marines are ready for any scenario that may arise during their upcoming deployment.