From Staff and Wire Reports
TWENTY-NINE PALMS – Base officials of the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center informed the Bureau of Land Management recent on the Marine Corps' plans to conduct a large-scale exercise in August of 2016 that will include training in the congressionally established Shared Use Area.
In December 2013, Congress authorized the use of the Shared Use Area for military training exercises for two 30-day periods annually. The Marine Corps has developed both a comprehensive plan for a large-scale exercise of this nature and public outreach and engagement methods over the last several years to ensure public understanding of changes in land use.
"We have been deliberate in our planning to utilize this new and important resource necessary for mission readiness in a venue that can support fully integrated, large-scale training," said Maj. Gen. Lewis A. Craparotta, Combat Center Commanding General. "The planned exercises will better test our commanders and their Marines and sailors, while enhancing their ability to succeed in future deployments and return home safely. We will return the Shared Use Area to the BLM at the end of the one-month training cycle, and are committed to continuing to be a good neighbor and steward of these important resources."
In June, Combat Center personnel participated in an anti-terrorism and force protection exercise, Semper Durus 2015. Semper Durus was a regional exercise that trained personnel, adjacent and subordinate agencies, and the installation staff to be prepared for, react to, and remain vigilant in force protection measures.