CAX-83

Approximately 2,200 Marine Corps reservists descended upon the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center at Twentynine Palms, Calif., for two weeks of intensive desert warfare training.

Designated Combined Arms Exercise 8-83 (CAX 8-83), it was the second of two live-fire exercises for Marine reservists this past summer. During the exercise,'Col James Ruffini, Commanding Officer of the 24th Marines, was unit commander. He had Marine air, ground and support from more than 70 Marine Reserve Centers throughout the United States.

The operation-a simulated confrontation of "enemy" and "friendly" forces-was designed to improve the proficiency of the reservists in all phases of modern combat skills. Scenarios involving all facets of Marine Corps combat training were brought into play as the reservists from ground and air elements combined forces and operated as they would under actual battle conditions. The operation also indoctrinated troops to techniques and rigors of desert warfare and survival.

The first week of the exercise was devoted to classroom preparation. Companies live-fired at the ranges and crew-served weapons were also fired. Combat support was practiced during the first week, integrating with...