Feb 12, 2014 -- CAMP HANSEN, Okinsawa - Stacked together just a few steps from a locked door, Special Reaction Team Marines prepare to execute a basic breach technique. Using the power of a shotgun to shatter the secured door’s lock, they rush in to secure the area.
Marines with the Provost Marshal’s Office conducted basic breaching using the M1014 joint service combat shotgun Jan. 28 on Camp Hansen.
The Provost Marshal’s Office is with Headquarters and Service Battalion, Marine Corps Base Camp Smedley D. Butler, Marine Corps Installations Pacific.
“The team is comprised of military police personnel trained to provide installation commanders (with) the internal ability to counter or contain a special-threat situation involving potential loss of life, limb or property surpassing normal law enforcement capabilities,” said Staff Sgt. Jordan G. Hardy, the SRT commander.
Live-fire training enhances the team’s ability to isolate a crisis scenario by providing proficient marksmanship support, conducting tactical movement, and building entry and clearing, according to Hardy.
“Since the team is expected to successfully conduct unique and advanced missions, basic breaching is a fundamental required for the more advance training, which maintains operational readiness and confidence in the team’s craft,” said Hardy.
During the training, the Marines fired approximately 50 rounds of zinc-compound shotgun rounds.
“We come out to the range frequently, and regardless if it is one round or 100 it allows us to have the knowledge and a better sense of judgment when solving problems,” said Cpl. Corbin L. Renner, a military policeman with the team. “It helps to execute critical decisions when carrying out different missions because we know our weapons systems and the different effects of the ammunition.”
Teamwork, camaraderie and trust are required for the team to be effective and efficient in the line of duty.
The SRT needs to be more cohesive than the average team because when armed and ready to take on a mission it has to be confident and know its role, so it’s not bumping heads while carrying a live weapon, according to Lance Cpl. Michael A. Fuentez, a military policeman with the team.
“We know one person cannot breach the building and take down the target alone,” said Fuentez. “Therefore, we have to trust the Marines left and right to have our back.”
The team members’ continuous training cycle allows them to maintain the readiness to respond to a wide range of emergencies with speed, proficiency and effectiveness when the call is made.
“With a team like ours, our brothers and sister at the installations can depend on us to be completely prepared to defend their safety while in the line of duty,” said Renner.
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