Navy teaches basic combat skills to sailors on land

[unhappycamper]

Expeditionary Combat Skills students assume fighting positions while conducting bailout training with Humvees


Navy teaches basic combat skills to sailors on land
By Jeff Schogol, Stars and Stripes
Mideast edition, Thursday, November 8, 2007


ARLINGTON, Va. — The Navy is establishing a course to teach basic combat skills to sailors assigned to Navy Expeditionary Combat Command.

The command was established in January 2006 to encompass sailors who fight in shallow waters and ashore, including Seabees, riverine sailors and Explosive Ordnance Disposal technicians.

Shortly after the command was founded, it became apparent that sailors were joining NECC without any training in individual combat skills, said Capt. Mark Kohart.

“This was problematic to say the least,” said Kohart, commanding officer of the Navy’s Center for Security Forces, which falls under Navy Personnel Development Command.

Now the Navy is establishing the Expeditionary Combat Skills course in Gulfport, Miss., to give sailors coming to NECC a baseline for basic combat skills, said Kohart, who is responsible for the school’s curriculum.

Kohart said the course is for sailors coming to NECC from the fleet or out of “A” School, where they learn their rating. Sailors will then go on to further training if needed.


Rest of article at: http://stripes.com/article.asp?section=104&article=50121

[harlinchi]

1. Signed up for the Navy or the Air Force?

Like the tiger-striped, unfortunate and uncomprehending Roger who thought calling his tattoo artist on his new Comcast phone would get him a different answer, only to hear, "Sorry, Roger! You tiger now!", aspiring air- and seamen will more and more hear, "Sorry, trainee! You soldier now!"