Indonesian, US Marines Conduct Shooting Exercise

Situbondo (Antara Bali) - Members of Indonesian and US Marine Corps were involved in a shooting drill at the Baluran Marine Combat Training Center in Karangtekok, Situbondo, East Java, on Sunday.

The exercise involving the Indonesian Marine Corps Amphibious Reconnaissance Unit and the US Marsoc marine special unit was monitored by the commander of the exercise task force, Major Freddy Ardiansyah, operation staff office of the Marine Corps, Major Brian Iwan Prang and operations section officer Captain Aristoyudho.

The exercise code-named "Lantern Iron 15-5524" was aimed at improving individual technical and tactical capability and knowledge of personnel in the use of guns.

Various types of guns were used in the exercise that began on March 19 including pistol, M4, MP5, SS-1, Syeyr and Sniper rifles.

Shooting materials given by US Marsoc soldiers include theories as well as practical exercises including correct way of holding guns, correct shooting position and how to deal with problematic guns.

Freddy Ardiansyah said, according to a press statement from the Marine Corps, exercise also included reaction shooting and shooting with a barricade.

"The aim of the Lantern Iron 15-5524 is improving the knowledge and technica1 and practical capabilities of Amphibious Reconnaissance Unit personnel and cooperation with US Marsoc in the military field," he said. He said theories given in a classroom include first-aid service to victims of war, combat patrol, identification as well as explosives handling.

Field exercises meanwhile include sniper shooting, city combat operations, swamp forest patrol, pioneer swimming exercise, amphibious raid, advanced coastal reconnaissance and survival. He said the exercise is also carried out in Lampon combat training center in Banyuwangi, East Java. (WDY)