Defense & Security News - Netherlands
 
Dutch and U.S. Marines to conduct bilateral training at U.S. Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune.
Dutch Marines from the Netherlands armed forces traveled nearly 2,580 km to conduct bilateral training with U.S. Marines with II Marine Expeditionary Force during a weeklong exercise at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., March 21-24, 2017.
     
Dutch Marines from the Netherlands armed forces traveled nearly 2,580 km to conduct bilateral training with U.S. Marines with II Marine Expeditionary Force during a weeklong exercise at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., March 21-24, 2017.
Dutch Marines provide suppressive fire with a M240B machine while training with U.S. Marines with 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, during a Military Operation in Urban Terrain exercise at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., March 23, 2017.
     
The training increases interoperability between the Korps Mariniers and U.S. Marines working side-by-side as partner nations. These Dutch Marines, stationed in Aruba, welcome the opportunity to work in the cooler temperatures and urban training environment offered by North Carolina. In turn, U.S. Marines will travel to Aruba to perfect their tactics in a hot climate and perform multiple dive operations on the island.

The Korps Mariniers company is regarded as an essential line of defense for the island of Aruba. This bilateral training with U.S. Marines increases their proficiency in a variety of skills necessary to complete their mission.

By working together, Marines from each nation develop a better understanding of how to implement new techniques. “The Dutch Marines only use dogs in special operations,” Sgt. Justin McCormick, a military police officer with 2nd Law Enforcement Battalion. “We’re integrating our capabilities into their capabilities. We’re going through the MOUT town [modern operations on urban terrain] and helping them complete their missions.”

This type of bilateral training is beneficial for the Dutch Marines who enjoy training here and look forward to coming back yearly.

“This is a great training opportunity for our Marines,” said van Dishoeck. “We are very grateful for the opportunity provided to us by the United States, the Marine Corps and the Reconnaissance Marines who are working with us out here.”