CAMP HANSEN, OKINAWA, Japan — The BLT, currently the ground combat element for the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, focused the training on mastering basic tactics and skills of an infantry unit to better prepare them to handle combat and humanitarian operations.

The Marines patrolled the base in fire team formations while practicing combat maneuvers and knocking on doors to gather information about base operations.

“The training covers the basics as far as being able to go in and introduce ourselves, let people know we’re here for them and gather whatever information we can,” said Staff Sgt. Richard Estudillo, a platoon sergeant with the battalion’s I Company. Estudillo stressed the importance of winning the hearts and minds of the local people.

According to Estudillo, the local populace can provide a unit with valuable intelligence crucial to the success and safety of Marines in the area. The types of information gathered may include geographic data and information about hostile or non-hostile activities in the area.

During operations, the BLT Marines may encounter situations that require sharp thinking and immediate action, Estudillo said. He went on to say, the training here better prepares the team for those dangerous situations.

The BLT also practiced immediate actions drills that exercised the unit’s ability to respond to a threat.

Marines need to know how to assess and eliminate enemy threats in a timely and efficient manner, Estudillo said.

The training is important for the success of future missions, he added.

The training also provides junior Marines the opportunity to sharpen skills, said Lance Cpl. John Cardenas, a rifleman with I Co.

The principle aspect of the training is for the teams to gain knowledge and build confidence in their capabilities, he said.

“If something does happen, they automatically know what to do. They’re not going to have to think about it, hey are just going to do it,” Cardenas said.

Although the Marines have received this type of training in the past, this exercise was meant to sharpen their current skills to handle immediate action drills, patrols and gathering intelligence, Estudillo said.

“There is a saying that goes around — high speed, low drag,” Estudillo said. “High speed is nothing more than being brilliant at the basics, and if we can’t be brilliant at the basics, then we will never be able to make mission.”