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Finance continues operations in field

28 Mar 2014 | Lance Cpl. Sarah A. Luna Marine Corps Base Quantico

The Marines worked as if it were just another day in the office, except this week their mission had a twist.

The finance section from Marine Corps Combat Development Command’s Combat Development Company executed the Continuation of Operations Plan 2014 exercise from March 24-28.

“The purpose of COOP 2014 is for the finance office to be prepared to keep working in the event of an emergency, whether it’s a natural disaster, attack or some sort of displacement from our set buildings,” said Sgt. Kevin Wilson, a squad leader.

The Marines began the week by pitching tents that fit two people each. They also set up two finance offices that would operate as normal, and one Control Operations Command center.

They performed land warfare exercises such as patrol operations, operations at the Military Operations on Urban Terrain Town and radio communications to call for medical evacuations. They also practiced financial drills that they might conduct during combat, such as pay missions.

“It’s good training,” said Mario Garcia, a finance technician. “It’s good to be out of the office for a while.”

The finance Marines did not accomplish the weeklong exercise on their own. They had help from the base G-6, combat camera, and Installation Personnel Administration Center.

“We’ve been trying to do more field type training to boost morale and give that training back to the Marines so they understand every Marine is a rifleman,” said Wilson.

Every Marine had the opportunity to participate in the land warfare exercises and continue to perform their daily duties.

“We will be prepared to continue operations within a matter of days, making sure Marines get paid and we have the ability to perform any kind of combat operation,” said Wilson.

This is the second COOP exercise the finance office has accomplished. Wilson said it is currently an annual thing, but they hope to make it a semiannual exercise.

Correspondent: sarah.a.garcia@usmc.mil


Marine Corps Base Quantico