Kerkesner operation will begin in two weeks at Fort Indiantown Gap. Pa., giving many students their first combat basic training in a domain environment, said Marine Lt. Chris Stede, a physiologist to serve as course director.
For some students, especially the 70 percent of the class without prior military service, it will be their first experience living and working in the field, firing a weapon, navigation in an orienteering course and wear a chemical protection suit after a simulated attack.
The exercise will be conducted simultaneously with Operation Bushmaster, a more advanced exercise that exposes fourth-year students to the challenges of providing medical care to support combat, peacekeeping and humanitarian operations.
