Lance Cpl. Luther Sackett, a rifleman from Rockyford, Co., rushes toward targets during a live-fire and maneuver exercise here Jan. 29. Sackett, and other Marines with Light Armored Reconnaissance Platoon, Weapons Company, Battalion Landing Team 2/4, 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, conducted live-fire weapons shoots and trained with the French Army Jan. 28-Feb. 5.

Photo by Sgt. Scott Biscuiti

LAR lights up Djibouti

5 Feb 2010 | Sgt. Scott Biscuiti 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit

QAID RANGE, Djibouti -- The 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit's Light Armored Reconnaissance Platoon hit the Djibouti shore for live-fire weapons shoots and bilateral training with the French Army Jan. 28-Feb. 5.

It was the first time the platoon conducted a live-fire and maneuver exercise since before they deployed in November, 2009.

The bulk of the training included fire team maneuvers from light armored vehicles, firing the LAVs M242 25 mm chain gun and vehicle maneuvers with French soldiers during one of their field exercises.

"They retained all their skills and performed above our expectations," said Sgt. Eric Laisure, a section leader with the platoon and Hesperia, Mich., native.

Light armored vehicle crewman and dismounted scouts worked together to assault through a fire and maneuver course and crewman and vehicle commanders had a chance to locate and destroy targets with the thundering 25mm Bushmaster.

Constant sand storms and the ever present moon dust slowed the training at times, but didn't affect the Marine's performance, said Gunnery Sgt. Matt Vickers, the LAR platoon sergeant and Decatur, Ill., native.

"They showed brilliance of the basics," Vickers said about the platoon's performance. "It's the best our guys have done."

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