CAMP HANSEN, Okinawa, Japan -- Marines from the 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade particpated in a Watch Officer, Watch Chief and Battle Staff Training Course here Nov. 14-21 provided by the Marine Air-Ground Task Force Integrated Systems Training Center to improve their readiness and ability to respond to contingencies in the Asia-Pacific.
The Watch Officer/Watch Chief Course provides the students with a baseline in systems and procedures while operating in a Combat Operations Center. This will allow Marines with the 3rd MEB to more effectively command and control forces assigned to them in the event of a crisis or contingency.
The 3rd MEB is constantly engaged in the Asia-Pacific through annual exercises and a forward presence. As the Alert Contingency MAGTF, the 3rd MEB has to be prepared to respond to a crisis in the region within 24 hours. This training allows Marines and members of the JGSDF to more quickly and efficiently integrate into any COC.