Intel Marines Immerse Themselves in Training

U.S. Marine Corps Counterintelligence/Human Intelligence, or CI/HUMINT, specialists with 1st Intelligence Battalion, I Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group, conducted a tactical exercise at the Infantry Immersion Trainer, Oct. 19, 2020.

The IIT is a training range designed to replicate a specific location where Marines could operate. This training is especially unique due to the involvement of contractors who act as role players that match the simulated environment.

CI/HUMINT specialists train to detect and deny terrorism, espionage, sabotage and subversion while gathering insight on the battlespace by using humans as intelligence receptors. This skillset allows Marines to make sound decisions during operations.

Infantrymen and Marines from other various military specialties within 1st Intelligence Battalion supported the CI/HUMINT Marines during the training.

Staff Sgt. Thomas Timmons, a CI/HUMINT specialist with 1st Intelligence Battalion, participated alongside the other Marines within the IIT.

Timmons said CI/HUMINT Marines are a versatile and educated force that are effective wherever they operate.

“We’re trained to the highest standard. We can operate in any environment, anytime, anywhere,” said Timmons. “Our main goal before we reach any operational environment, whichever it may be, in any country, is that we do extensive research on that environment.”

The exercise was a precursor to future deployments and emphasized a CI/HUMINT specialist’s purpose during an operation.

“Our role is to go out with security and intermingle with the population,” said Timmons.

During the exercise, as the Marines provided medical care and security to the area, they were required to communicate to locals with the help of interpreters. These interactions established a positive reputation within the community.