DVIDS reported last week that the U.S. Marines from the 2nd Low Altitude Air Defense (LAAD) Battalion, Marine Air Control Group 28, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW), conducted scenario-based training on counter-unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, from April 15-17
The training aimed to evaluate, improve, and validate tactics, techniques, and procedures for countering UAS threats. It also aimed to enhance the confidence of the 2nd LAAD Battalion Marines in executing counter-UAS missions. Such events allow the 2nd LAAD Battalion to train its personnel, educate them, and develop expertise to support the establishment of counter-UAS initiatives across the 2nd MAW. These initiatives are vital for identifying and neutralizing adversary intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and targeting systems, aiding counter-reconnaissance efforts, and enabling friendly forces to operate within enemy weapon engagement zones. Counter-UAS remains a critical mission for the 2nd LAAD Battalion. The battalion will continue to adapt, refine, and validate its tactics to address the evolving challenges posed by the UAS landscape and the increasing prevalence of unmanned aircraft systems.
“Today’s training gives LAAD a way to develop tactics, techniques, and procedures for us to conduct active air defense against small UAS when we are integrated with the infantry,” said 2nd Lt. John Osment, a native of Charlotte, North Carolina, and the unit readiness coordinator for 2nd LAAD Battalion. “It also gives the infantry a chance to see standard operating procedures that we employ so that when LAAD is not there to support them, they can conduct force protection on their own with weapons that are organic to the infantry battalion.”
During the training, Marines were evaluated on their shooting, moving, and communicating skills during counter-UAS scenarios. They engaged single-operator drones using direct-fire weapons like shotguns, machine guns, and rifles while on patrols and in defensive positions. Three distinct scenarios were presented to the Marines. Upon detecting a drone within their firing zone from an unidentified location, they had to report its location, assume their firing positions, and engage with the drone until it was neutralized or the exercise was concluded.
The Marines attributed their success to thorough planning and rehearsals before the live-fire training. Before the live-fire exercise, they spent several days on sand-table exercises and immediate-action drills, becoming familiar with the training area’s terrain and practicing without live ammunition to boost their confidence. Small-unit leaders ensured their Marines were fully equipped and prepared to execute their counter-UAS mission effectively.
“The proliferation of UAS employment in modern conflict necessitates our Marines to shoot, move, and communicate in a UAS-dominant environment,” said Lt. Col. Bradley Creedon, commanding officer of the 2nd LAAD Battalion and a native of Albuquerque, New Mexico. “Today’s training gives us the opportunity to put our CUAS tactics, techniques, and procedures to the test and build the confidence of our Marines in conducting CUAS gunnery.”
Post Image- U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Zackery Potter, a native of Pennsylvania and a low-altitude air-defense (LAAD) gunner with Bravo Battery, 2nd LAAD Battalion, loads an M4 carbine during a counter-unmanned aircraft system (UAS) range on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, April 16, 2024. The 2nd LAAD Battalion conducted a dynamic, tactical scenario-driven counter-UAS aerial-gunnery range in which Marines had to shoot, maneuver, and communicate while directly engaging UAS aircraft. (Image Credit: U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Anakin Smith)
