Newsletter Issue 2 2016

Commanding Officer LtCol Robert J. Bodisch, 2d Tank Battalion, 2d MAR DIV stated the New Year brought an exceptionally busy time for the Battalion (BN). In addition, 2d Platoon, Charlie Company, the first tank platoon to deploy to Eastern Europe as part of the Black Sea Rotational Force Combined Arms Company (BSRF-CAC) returned from the historic deployment late in the month and later replaced by 1st Platoon, Charlie Company. The BSRF-CAC tank platoons exemplified the “Iron Horse”, 2d Marine Division and the entire Marine Corps in outstanding fashion. Also, 1st Platoon, Charlie Company participated in coalition exercises in Romania, Bulgaria, and Norway; and 2d Platoon, Alpha Company followed with an impressive deployment with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit. Similarly, 1st Platoon Alpha Company followed with its deployment with the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU). All of the MEU tank platoons are highly trained and accomplished their missions as expected. The Battalion Marines and sailors back at MC Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina continued preparing their combat readiness training and maintenance schedules.

January 2016―Bravo Company successfully qualified all of its tank crews during semi-annual gunnery qualification. And last month, the battalion conducted a somber Charlie Company Deactivation ceremony in which more than 350 visitors witnessed the Formal procedure. Charlie Company’s rich combat history will never be forgotten and we all greatly anticipate the day of its reactivation.

February 2016―2d Tank Battalion conducted an unprecedentedly large exercise known as “IRON BLITZ” which included 16 units from across the Marine Expeditionary Force; and units from the US Navy and US Air Force.

The exercise took place on Camp Lejeune and involved crossing the New River with more than 180 vehicles and 800 Marines under live artillery fire and simulated chemical attack conditions. The BN conducted non-live and live-fire combined arms maneuver training integrated with LAVs, Amtracks, infantry, and special intelligence assets to include aircraft from the US Air Force for 7-days. The BN performed magnificently in all areas. There is no question the Marines and Sailors stand ready to answer the nation’s call in any mission.

March 2016―much of the Battalion departed Camp Lejeune headed to Fort Pickett, Virginia. While in Virginia the BN trained there until 2 April conducting Platoon and Company level training with H&S Company, Alpha Company, Charlie Company, Scouts Platoon and TOW Platoon and attachments from 2d Tracks and 2d CEB. During this time, both tank companies conducted tank gunnery and company level maneuver training while H&S Company, Scouts and TOW Platoon conducted various live fire and non-live training. Also, 1st BN 6th Marines mortar platoon, a rifle platoon from Lima Company, 3d BN 8th Marines and Hotel Battery 3rd BN 14th Marines (USMCR) joined the BN training. The BN conducted Fire Support Coordination Exercise mid-month, integrating tank fires, mortars, 155mm artillery, and close air support. After concluding FSCE and “IRON FURY” with a 5-day FEX event the BN participated in a Marine Corps Combat Readiness Evaluation (MCCRE). During the MCCRE event, the BN conducted offensive and defensive tasks to include breaching with ABVs and AVLBs, employed our TOW and Scout Platoons, conducted numerous relief-in-place and passage of lines between units with the highlight of incorporating a forward tank platoon engagement area live fire as well as conducted operational level NBC decontamination. The operation required BN level railhead movement including tanks, M88s, AAVs, AVLBs, ABVs, and wheeled vehicles on 68 railcars totaling over 3,800 tons. The train was over 1 mile long and the II MEF transportation folks informed us it was the largest rail movement conducted out of Camp Lejeune in the last 10-years. It was quite the logistical challenge as we needed to refresh and sharpen our embarkation and deployment readiness and the Marines did a fantastic job despite the inclement weather. Lastly as you all know, Delta Company was in the final stages of deactivation having already divested all of their weapons, tanks, wheeled vehicles, and communications equipment.

April 2016―brought the BN Talent Show where numerous Marines and Sailors bravely took the stage and displayed their talents in poetry, music, singing, and comedy. The LtCol expressed his special thanks to those who participated. Furthermore, with summer quickly approaching, a turnover of Battalion key personnel was anticipated with the loss of the BN Operations Chief- Master Gunnery Sergeant Ramon Sanchez and his wife (Command Team Advisor [CTA]) Ester; and Sergeant Major Thomas Burkhardt and his wife (CTA) Kandi as well as others. But with these farewells, the BN warmly welcomed the new Marines/ Sailors and their families aboard 2d Tanks.

June 2016―ushered in hotter weather and a change in command at 2d Tank Battalion, Camp Lejeune. Lieutenant Colonel Robert J. Bodisch of Texas relinquished his command to Lieutenant Colonel Lance J. Langfeldt of Nebraska. Major General John K. Love of Abilene Texas presided over the Change of Command Ceremony on Wednesday, 22 June 2016 at W.P.T Hill Field, Camp Lejeune North Carolina. Family and friends attended and wished the Colonels well.

LtCol. Bodisch stated the Marines and Sailors of 2d Tank Battalion “Iron Horse” are all doing well and training hard and saw the companies remained busy training in the field, taking care of individual annual training, and conducting maintenance exercises through the last quarter, and bid the BN Marines and Sailors, and family’s farewell.

LtCol Robert J. Bodisch, Commanding Officer