A light armored vehicle rolls along a dusty road on its way to an objective while the Marines inside prepare to conduct a raid on a suspected terrorist training camp during a training exercise here June 5. The Marines, with Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, conducted the raid as part of their pre-deployment workups, in preparation for an upcoming deployment later this year.

Photo by Cpl. Scott M. Biscuiti

CAAT, LAR platoons hit enemy hard during raid training

6 Jun 2007 | - 11th MEU Public Affairs 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. -- Marines from Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, Camp Pendleton, began a week-long training exercise at Fire Base Gloria here designed to train Marines to conduct raids on terrorist targets from the air, land and sea.

According to instructors from the Marine Corps Special Operations Training Group, I Marine Expeditionary Unit, here, the Combined Anti-Armor Team (CAAT) and Light Armored Reconnaissance (LAR) Platoons of BLT 1/5 are learning how to work as a team to hit the enemy hard, fast and with lethal force. Using scenarios modeled after real and possible future operations, the Marines are training to hit suspected terrorist training facilities suspected of manufacturing improvised explosive devices, rocket propelled grenades and small arms.

The exercises are part of the 11th MEU’s pre-deployment training in preparation for their upcoming deployment later this year. To read more about the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit visit their website at http://www.usmc.mil/11thmeu.

All Entries

Marine Corps News

Colonel Caleb Hyatt

Commanding Officer

Colonel Caleb Hyatt is a native of Tamarac, Florida. He was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant following graduation with merit from the United States Naval Academy in May 2001. Colonel Hyatt’s command positions include Guns Platoon Commander, Battery S, 5th Battalion, 10th Marines; Headquarters Battery Commander, 5th Battalion, 11th Marines; Battery R Commander, 5th Battalion, 11th Marines; and Commanding Officer, 2d Battalion, 11th Marines. Colonel Hyatt has deployed in support of Operations IRAQI FREEDOM and ENDURING FREEDOM with artillery, light armored reconnaissance, and logistics units. Colonel Hyatt holds a BS in Computer Science, MA in Management, MMAS in Theater Operations, and an MS in National Security Strategy. Colonel Hyatt is also a 2023 distinguished graduate from the National War College.

Read Biography

Lieutenant Col. Steven M. Sprigg

Executive Officer

LtCol Sprigg was born in Parkersburg, WV. LtCol Sprigg enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in September 2004 and recruit training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, SC. LtCol Sprigg was selected for the Enlisted Commissioning Program and commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in March 2008. He was designated a Naval Aviator in February 2011 and reported to HMLAT-303 for training as an AH-1W pilot. LtCol Sprigg is currently serving as the Executive Officer for the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit in Camp Pendleton, California.

Read Biography

Sergeant Major Geronimo Guzman

Sergeant Major

Sergeant Major Guzman enlisted in the Marine Corps in November of 1998. He attended recruit training aboard Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, California. In April of 1999, Private First Class Guzman transferred to the Material Readiness Battalion, 3rd Force Service Support Group, Okinawa, Japan. In July of 2005, Sergeant Guzman reported to Drill Instructor School, Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, California. In May of 2011, Staff Sergeant Guzman reported to the Officers Candidate School, Quantico, Virginia. In November of 2019, Sergeant Major Guzman was promoted to his current rank and reported to Recruiting Station Sacramento. In July 2022, Sergeant Major Guzman reported to 1st Maintenance Battalion, where he previously served as the Battalion Sergeant Major.

Read Biography