The 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit completed its Realistic Urban Training Exercise, involving 2,200 Marines and Sailors in integrated land-based training scenarios.

Over three weeks, the unit conducted diverse missions, including offensive raid operations and foreign disaster relief, preparing for various deployment scenarios. The scenario-based missions were largely centered around conflict in the urban battlefield, designed to test the 24th MEU’s ability to plan and execute as a cohesive unit.

The exercise marked the first comprehensive integration of all Marine Air-Ground Task Force elements, emphasizing teamwork and readiness. The Battalion Landing Team 1/8 collaborated with U.S. Army Special Operations Forces, enhancing familiarity with special operations integration.

The successful RUT contributes to the 24th MEU's goal of achieving special operations capability and readiness for global contingencies. Next, they prepare for the Composite Unit Training Exercise before embarking on the Wasp Amphibious Ready Group for COMPTUEX, the final deployment certification event.

The command element; Ground Combat Element, Battalion Landing Team 1/8; Logistics Combat Element, Combat Logistics Battalion 24; and the Aviation Combat Element, Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 365 (Reinforced) comprise the 24th MEU Marine Air Ground Task Force.

Mission success requires the precise planning and collaboration between all elements of the MAGTF – the CE, ACE, GCE, and LCE.