TWENTYNINE PALMS, Calif. -- TWENTYNINE PALMS, Calif. – Approximately 4,279 Marines and Sailors from Marine Forces Reserve are mobilizing from across the country to form Marine Air-Ground Task Force 23 and conduct Integrated Training Exercise 4-24 at Marine Corps Air-Ground Combat Center here, from June 8-25, 2024 .
ITX is a live-fire exercise combining infantry, artillery, aircraft, combat logistics, and all the supporting elements to train battalion and squadron-sized units in the tactical application of combined-arms maneuver and offensive and defensive operations during combat.
“The training we will conduct during ITX will mirror not just the battle drills we would employ on the battlefields of tomorrow, but also the pre-deployment training should any regiment be mobilized in time of war,” said Col. Robert Barnhart, commanding officer, MAGTF-23.
This year’s iteration of the MFR ITX will be led by 23rd Marine Regiment Headquarters as the command element.
· The ground combat element consists of 3rd Battalion, 23rd Marines, headquartered in Bridgeton, Mo. and 3rd Battalion, 25th Marines, headquartered in Brook Park, Ohio.
· The aviation combat element is Marine Aircraft Group 41, headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas.
· The logistics combat element is Combat Logistics Battalion 23, headquartered at Joint Base Lewis McCord, Wash.
The exercise will include integration of active-duty components to include 7th Marine Regiment and 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing. MAGTF-23 will also use new technology with their Marine Corps Tactical Instrumentation System. According to Barnhart, MCTIS is a new laser-tag-like equipment system that enables battlefield tracking. The data can be analyzed to support enhancements of tactics, techniques, and procedures.
“Reserve integration in the active component is often sought after in that it replicates how or what the Reserve components can provide as a literal force multiplier,” said Barnhart.
At the conclusion of ITX 4-24, MAGTF-23 will have attained a heightened level of readiness and will be the first Marine Forces Reserve unit called upon in the event of a global contingency.
“These Marines and Sailors represent the epitome of our Nation’s warrior class and it’s because of them that we remain confident there will be an America for the next 1,000 years,” Barnhart said.
-30-
Follow us at:
X www.x.com/MarForRes
FACEBOOK www.facebook.com/marforres
INSTAGRAM www.instagram.com/usmcreserve
YOUTUBE www.youtube.com/marineforcesreserve1
LINKEDIN www.linkedin.com/company/marforres