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31st Marine Expeditionary Unit

The only continuously forward-deployed MEU

Okinawa, Japan
US Marines, Australian Defence Force practice weapons drills during Talisman Sabre

By Senior Airman Sara Csurilla | | July 13, 2011

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U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpls. Stephan A. Fournier (left) and Craig J. Reyes (right), both mortarmen with Golf Company, Battalion Landing Team 2nd Battalion 7th Marines, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, conduct a weapons drill with a 60 mm mortar as an Australian Blackhawk helicopter takes off behind them on Camp Rocky during Talisman Saber 2011. TS11 is a biennial combined training activity, designed to train Australian and U.S. forces in planning and conducting Combined Task Force operations to improve Australian Defense Force/U.S. combat readiness and interoperability. It reflects the closeness of the alliance and the strength and flexibility of the ongoing military-military relationship.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpls. Stephan A. Fournier (left) and Craig J. Reyes (right), both mortarmen with Golf Company, Battalion Landing Team 2nd Battalion 7th Marines, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, conduct a weapons drill with a 60 mm mortar as an Australian Blackhawk helicopter takes off behind them on Camp Rocky during Talisman Saber 2011. TS11 is a biennial combined training activity, designed to train Australian and U.S. forces in planning and conducting Combined Task Force operations to improve Australian Defense Force/U.S. combat readiness and interoperability. It reflects the closeness of the alliance and the strength and flexibility of the ongoing military-military relationship. (Photo by Lance Cpl. Jerome E. Reed)


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U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Craig J. Reyes (left), Cpl. Caleb D. Benson (center), and Lance Cpl. Stephan A. Fournier (right), mortarmen with Golf Company, Battalion Landing Team 2nd Battalion 7th Marines, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, conduct a weapons drill with a mortar on Camp Rocky during Talisman Saber 2011. TS11 is a biennial combined training activity, designed to train Australian and U.S. forces in planning and conducting Combined Task Force operations to improve Australian Defense Force/U.S. combat readiness and interoperability. It reflects the closeness of the alliance and the strength and flexibility of the ongoing military-military relationship.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Craig J. Reyes (left), Cpl. Caleb D. Benson (center), and Lance Cpl. Stephan A. Fournier (right), mortarmen with Golf Company, Battalion Landing Team 2nd Battalion 7th Marines, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, conduct a weapons drill with a mortar on Camp Rocky during Talisman Saber 2011. TS11 is a biennial combined training activity, designed to train Australian and U.S. forces in planning and conducting Combined Task Force operations to improve Australian Defense Force/U.S. combat readiness and interoperability. It reflects the closeness of the alliance and the strength and flexibility of the ongoing military-military relationship. (Photo by Lance Cpl. Jerome E. Reed)


Photo Details | Download |

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Caleb D. Benson (left), Lance Cpl. Stephan A. Fournier (center), and Lance Cpl. Craig J. Reyes (right), mortarmen with Golf Company, Battalion Landing Team 2nd Battalion 7th Marines, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, conduct a weapons drill with a mortar on Camp Rocky during Talisman Saber 2011. TS11 is a biennial combined training activity, designed to train Australian and U.S. forces in planning and conducting Combined Task Force operations to improve Australian Defense Force/U.S. combat readiness and interoperability. It reflects the closeness of the alliance and the strength and flexibility of the ongoing military-military relationship.

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Caleb D. Benson (left), Lance Cpl. Stephan A. Fournier (center), and Lance Cpl. Craig J. Reyes (right), mortarmen with Golf Company, Battalion Landing Team 2nd Battalion 7th Marines, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, conduct a weapons drill with a mortar on Camp Rocky during Talisman Saber 2011. TS11 is a biennial combined training activity, designed to train Australian and U.S. forces in planning and conducting Combined Task Force operations to improve Australian Defense Force/U.S. combat readiness and interoperability. It reflects the closeness of the alliance and the strength and flexibility of the ongoing military-military relationship. (Photo by Lance Cpl. Jerome E. Reed)


Photo Details | Download |

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Craig J. Reyes (left) and Cpl. Caleb D. Benson (right), mortarmen with Golf Company, Battalion Landing Team 2nd Battalion 7th Marines, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, conduct a weapons drill with a mortar on Camp Rocky during Talisman Saber 2011. TS11 is a biennial combined training activity, designed to train Australian and U.S. forces in planning and conducting Combined Task Force operations to improve Australian Defense Force/U.S. combat readiness and interoperability. It reflects the closeness of the alliance and the strength and flexibility of the ongoing military-military relationship.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Craig J. Reyes (left) and Cpl. Caleb D. Benson (right), mortarmen with Golf Company, Battalion Landing Team 2nd Battalion 7th Marines, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, conduct a weapons drill with a mortar on Camp Rocky during Talisman Saber 2011. TS11 is a biennial combined training activity, designed to train Australian and U.S. forces in planning and conducting Combined Task Force operations to improve Australian Defense Force/U.S. combat readiness and interoperability. It reflects the closeness of the alliance and the strength and flexibility of the ongoing military-military relationship. (Photo by Lance Cpl. Jerome E. Reed)


Photo Details | Download |

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpls. Chris L. Kusnierz (left) and Jonathon P. Ashley (right), machinegunners with Weapons Company, Battalion Landing Team 2nd Battalion 7th Marines, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, conduct a weapons drill with a .50 caliber machine gun on Camp Rocky during Talisman Saber 2011. TS11 is a biennial combined training activity, designed to train Australian and U.S. forces in planning and conducting Combined Task Force operations to improve Australian Defense Force/U.S. combat readiness and interoperability. It reflects the closeness of the alliance and the strength and flexibility of the ongoing military-military relationship.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpls. Chris L. Kusnierz (left) and Jonathon P. Ashley (right), machinegunners with Weapons Company, Battalion Landing Team 2nd Battalion 7th Marines, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, conduct a weapons drill with a .50 caliber machine gun on Camp Rocky during Talisman Saber 2011. TS11 is a biennial combined training activity, designed to train Australian and U.S. forces in planning and conducting Combined Task Force operations to improve Australian Defense Force/U.S. combat readiness and interoperability. It reflects the closeness of the alliance and the strength and flexibility of the ongoing military-military relationship. (Photo by Lance Cpl. Jerome E. Reed)


Photo Details | Download |

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpls. Chris L. Kusnierz (left) and Jonathon P. Ashley (right), machinegunners with Weapons Company, Battalion Landing Team 2nd Battalion 7th Marines, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, conduct a weapons drill with a .50 caliber machine gun on Camp Rocky during Talisman Saber 2011. TS11 is a biennial combined training activity, designed to train Australian and U.S. forces in planning and conducting Combined Task Force operations to improve Australian Defense Force/U.S. combat readiness and interoperability. It reflects the closeness of the alliance and the strength and flexibility of the ongoing military-military relationship.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpls. Chris L. Kusnierz (left) and Jonathon P. Ashley (right), machinegunners with Weapons Company, Battalion Landing Team 2nd Battalion 7th Marines, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, conduct a weapons drill with a .50 caliber machine gun on Camp Rocky during Talisman Saber 2011. TS11 is a biennial combined training activity, designed to train Australian and U.S. forces in planning and conducting Combined Task Force operations to improve Australian Defense Force/U.S. combat readiness and interoperability. It reflects the closeness of the alliance and the strength and flexibility of the ongoing military-military relationship. (Photo by Lance Cpl. Jerome E. Reed)


Photo Details | Download |

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpls. Chris L. Kusnierz (left) and Jonathon P. Ashley (right), machinegunners with Weapons Company, Battalion Landing Team 2nd Battalion 7th Marines, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, conduct a weapons drill with a .50 caliber machine gun on Camp Rocky during Talisman Saber 2011. TS11 is a biennial combined training activity, designed to train Australian and U.S. forces in planning and conducting Combined Task Force operations to improve Australian Defense Force/U.S. combat readiness and interoperability. It reflects the closeness of the alliance and the strength and flexibility of the ongoing military-military relationship.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpls. Chris L. Kusnierz (left) and Jonathon P. Ashley (right), machinegunners with Weapons Company, Battalion Landing Team 2nd Battalion 7th Marines, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, conduct a weapons drill with a .50 caliber machine gun on Camp Rocky during Talisman Saber 2011. TS11 is a biennial combined training activity, designed to train Australian and U.S. forces in planning and conducting Combined Task Force operations to improve Australian Defense Force/U.S. combat readiness and interoperability. It reflects the closeness of the alliance and the strength and flexibility of the ongoing military-military relationship. (Photo by Lance Cpl. Jerome E. Reed)


Photo Details | Download |

Anna McManamey, a newsreporter for Australian News Channel 7, interviews Lance Cpl. William E. Coffey, a machinegunner with Weapons Company, Battalion Landing Team 2nd Battalion 7th Marines, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, after a weapons drill on Camp Rocky during Talisman Saber 2011. TS11 is a biennial combined training activity, designed to train Australian and U.S. forces in planning and conducting Combined Task Force operations to improve Australian Defense Force/U.S. combat readiness and interoperability. It reflects the closeness of the alliance and the strength and flexibility of the ongoing military-military relationship.

Anna McManamey, a newsreporter for Australian News Channel 7, interviews Lance Cpl. William E. Coffey, a machinegunner with Weapons Company, Battalion Landing Team 2nd Battalion 7th Marines, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, after a weapons drill on Camp Rocky during Talisman Saber 2011. TS11 is a biennial combined training activity, designed to train Australian and U.S. forces in planning and conducting Combined Task Force operations to improve Australian Defense Force/U.S. combat readiness and interoperability. It reflects the closeness of the alliance and the strength and flexibility of the ongoing military-military relationship. (Photo by Lance Cpl. Jerome E. Reed)


Photo Details | Download |

Anna McManamey, a newsreporter for Australian News Channel 7, interviews Cpl. Caleb D. Benson, a mortarman with Golf Company, Battalion Landing Team 2nd Battalion 7th Marines, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, after a weapons drill on Camp Rocky during Talisman Saber 2011. TS11 is a biennial combined training activity, designed to train Australian and U.S. forces in planning and conducting Combined Task Force operations to improve Australian Defense Force/U.S. combat readiness and interoperability. It reflects the closeness of the alliance and the strength and flexibility of the ongoing military-military relationship.

Anna McManamey, a newsreporter for Australian News Channel 7, interviews Cpl. Caleb D. Benson, a mortarman with Golf Company, Battalion Landing Team 2nd Battalion 7th Marines, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, after a weapons drill on Camp Rocky during Talisman Saber 2011. TS11 is a biennial combined training activity, designed to train Australian and U.S. forces in planning and conducting Combined Task Force operations to improve Australian Defense Force/U.S. combat readiness and interoperability. It reflects the closeness of the alliance and the strength and flexibility of the ongoing military-military relationship. (Photo by Lance Cpl. Jerome E. Reed)


Photo Details | Download |

Anna McManamey, a newsreporter for Australian News Channel 7, interviews Cpl. Caleb D. Benson, a mortarman with Golf Company, Battalion Landing Team 2nd Battalion 7th Marines, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, after a weapons drill on Camp Rocky during Talisman Saber 2011. TS11 is a biennial combined training activity, designed to train Australian and U.S. forces in planning and conducting Combined Task Force operations to improve Australian Defense Force/U.S. combat readiness and interoperability. It reflects the closeness of the alliance and the strength and flexibility of the ongoing military-military relationship.

Anna McManamey, a newsreporter for Australian News Channel 7, interviews Cpl. Caleb D. Benson, a mortarman with Golf Company, Battalion Landing Team 2nd Battalion 7th Marines, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, after a weapons drill on Camp Rocky during Talisman Saber 2011. TS11 is a biennial combined training activity, designed to train Australian and U.S. forces in planning and conducting Combined Task Force operations to improve Australian Defense Force/U.S. combat readiness and interoperability. It reflects the closeness of the alliance and the strength and flexibility of the ongoing military-military relationship. (Photo by Lance Cpl. Jerome E. Reed)


Photo Details | Download |

U.S. Marines with Weapons Company, 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines conduct a weapons drill with Australian Defense Force Privates James Newton and Peter Noble, operator supply, 6th Aviation Regiment, and Craftsman Carl Norling, armorer, 6th Aviation Regiment, on Camp Rocky during Talisman Saber 2011. TS11 is a biennial combined training activity, designed to train Australian and U.S. forces in planning and conducting Combined Task Force operations to improve Australian Defense Force/U.S. combat readiness and interoperability. It reflects the closeness of the alliance and the strength and flexibility of the ongoing military-military relationship.

U.S. Marines with Weapons Company, 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines conduct a weapons drill with Australian Defense Force Privates James Newton and Peter Noble, operator supply, 6th Aviation Regiment, and Craftsman Carl Norling, armorer, 6th Aviation Regiment, on Camp Rocky during Talisman Saber 2011. TS11 is a biennial combined training activity, designed to train Australian and U.S. forces in planning and conducting Combined Task Force operations to improve Australian Defense Force/U.S. combat readiness and interoperability. It reflects the closeness of the alliance and the strength and flexibility of the ongoing military-military relationship. (Photo by Lance Cpl. Jerome E. Reed)


Photo Details | Download |

Australian Defense Force Privates James Newton (left) and Peter Noble (right), operator supply, 6th Aviation Regiment, and Craftsman Carl Norling (center), armorer, 6th Aviation Regiment, conduct a weapons drill with a U.S. .50 caliber machine gun on Camp Rocky during Talisman Saber 2011. TS11 is a biennial combined training activity, designed to train Australian and U.S. forces in planning and conducting Combined Task Force operations to improve Australian Defense Force/U.S. combat readiness and interoperability. It reflects the closeness of the alliance and the strength and flexibility of the ongoing military-military relationship.

Australian Defense Force Privates James Newton (left) and Peter Noble (right), operator supply, 6th Aviation Regiment, and Craftsman Carl Norling (center), armorer, 6th Aviation Regiment, conduct a weapons drill with a U.S. .50 caliber machine gun on Camp Rocky during Talisman Saber 2011. TS11 is a biennial combined training activity, designed to train Australian and U.S. forces in planning and conducting Combined Task Force operations to improve Australian Defense Force/U.S. combat readiness and interoperability. It reflects the closeness of the alliance and the strength and flexibility of the ongoing military-military relationship. (Photo by Lance Cpl. Jerome E. Reed)


Photo Details | Download |

Australian Defense Force Craftsman Carl Norling (left), armorer, 6th Aviation Regiment, and Privates Peter Noble (center) and James Newton (right), operator supply, 6th Aviation Regiment, conduct a weapons drill with a U.S. .50 caliber machine gun on Camp Rocky during Talisman Saber 2011. TS11 is biennial combined training activity, designed to train Australian and U.S. forces in planning and conducting Combined Task Force operations to improve Australian Defense Force/U.S. combat readiness and interoperability. It reflects the closeness of the alliance and the strength and flexibility of the ongoing military-military relationship.

Australian Defense Force Craftsman Carl Norling (left), armorer, 6th Aviation Regiment, and Privates Peter Noble (center) and James Newton (right), operator supply, 6th Aviation Regiment, conduct a weapons drill with a U.S. .50 caliber machine gun on Camp Rocky during Talisman Saber 2011. TS11 is biennial combined training activity, designed to train Australian and U.S. forces in planning and conducting Combined Task Force operations to improve Australian Defense Force/U.S. combat readiness and interoperability. It reflects the closeness of the alliance and the strength and flexibility of the ongoing military-military relationship. (Photo by Lance Cpl. Jerome E. Reed)


Photo Details | Download |

U.S. Marines with Weapons Company, Battalion Landing Team 2nd Battalion 7th Marines, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, demonstrate how to utilize a .50 caliber machine gun for members of the Australian Defense Force on Camp Rocky during Talisman Saber 2011. TS11 is a biennial combined training activity, designed to train Australian and U.S. forces in planning and conducting Combined Task Force operations to improve Australian Defense Force/U.S. combat readiness and interoperability. It reflects the closeness of the alliance and the strength and flexibility of the ongoing military-military relationship.

U.S. Marines with Weapons Company, Battalion Landing Team 2nd Battalion 7th Marines, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, demonstrate how to utilize a .50 caliber machine gun for members of the Australian Defense Force on Camp Rocky during Talisman Saber 2011. TS11 is a biennial combined training activity, designed to train Australian and U.S. forces in planning and conducting Combined Task Force operations to improve Australian Defense Force/U.S. combat readiness and interoperability. It reflects the closeness of the alliance and the strength and flexibility of the ongoing military-military relationship. (Photo by Lance Cpl. Jerome E. Reed)


Photo Details | Download |

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Chris L. Kusnierz, a machinegunner with Weapons Company, Battalion Landing Team 2nd Battalion 7th Marines, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, demonstrates how to utilize a .50 caliber machine gun for Australian Defense Force Craftsman Carl Norling, armorer, 6th Aviation Regiment, and Privates James Newton and Peter Noble, operator supply, 6th Aviation Regiment, on Camp Rocky during Talisman Saber 2011. TS11 is a biennial combined training activity, designed to train Australian and U.S. forces in planning and conducting Combined Task Force operations to improve Australian Defense Force/U.S. combat readiness and interoperability. It reflects the closeness of the alliance and the strength and flexibility of the ongoing military-military relationship.

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Chris L. Kusnierz, a machinegunner with Weapons Company, Battalion Landing Team 2nd Battalion 7th Marines, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, demonstrates how to utilize a .50 caliber machine gun for Australian Defense Force Craftsman Carl Norling, armorer, 6th Aviation Regiment, and Privates James Newton and Peter Noble, operator supply, 6th Aviation Regiment, on Camp Rocky during Talisman Saber 2011. TS11 is a biennial combined training activity, designed to train Australian and U.S. forces in planning and conducting Combined Task Force operations to improve Australian Defense Force/U.S. combat readiness and interoperability. It reflects the closeness of the alliance and the strength and flexibility of the ongoing military-military relationship. (Photo by Lance Cpl. Jerome E. Reed)


Photo Details | Download |

CAMP ROCKY, Rockhampton, Australia -- From a distance, it looked like a normal training exercise taking place on any U.S. military installation, but up-close it looked a bit unusual.

The U.S. Marines were training Australian soldiers on weapons drills here as part of Talisman Sabre 2011.

“A weapons drill is an exercise where we move a weapon system from one location to another in as little time as possible,” said Sgt. Todd Martin, with Battalion Landing Team 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit. “The purpose of learning these drills is to know how to get a better advantage on our enemies when in a firefight.”

To kick off the training, Marines conducted two demonstrations in a grassy area about the size of a soccer field.

The Marines taught weapons drills with a 60 mm mortar, a M2 .50-caliber machine gun and a Mark 19 automatic grenade launcher.

Then it was the Australian Defence Force service members' turn.

With assistance from Marines, the ADF troops completed two weapons drills. Drills consisted of running across a field to emplace and assemble the weapon systems.

“That was bonza, mate,” Craftsman Carl Norling, 6th Aviation Regiment with the Australian army, said after completing the drills.

Bonza is Australian slang for excellent.

“The drills were pretty difficult, but it was still a lot of fun," Norling said. "Plus, the Marines training us were a good bunch of guys. They were fun to learn from, and they were always good for a chat.”

Weapons drills are only a small part of what the Marines are doing at Talisman Sabre 2011.

The overall focus of Talisman Sabre 2011 is to train U.S. and Australian forces to plan and conduct Combined Task Force operations to improve combat readiness and interoperability.

“We are here to build better partnerships with Australian and U.S. forces, and this has been a great opportunity to do just that,” said Martin.

“Any chance I get to work with military members from other nations is always a great experience," he said. "The Aussies remind me a lot of my own unit; they joke around and love to have fun, all awhile getting the job done.”

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