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| Military personnel stationed in Bremerhaven are often heard to complain that they cannot distinguish between summer and winter here due to the frequently unpredictable weather. However, local Navy men have no problem telling when summer has "officially" arrived in the Port City - that's when NSGA Bremerhaven conducts its annual field problems. The four field problems held each summer at Garlstedt, Germany, are part of this command's Infantry Training Program. The program is administered by Major Arthur P. Finlon, commanding officer of Company "F" Marine Support Battalion., and is designed to ensure that each member of the command receives a brief concept of what would be required of a naval infantry unit in case of attack. As a supplement to the field problems, NSGA Bremerhaven personnel also attend two days of weapons familiarization classes, where they learn about and fire the .45 caliber pistol, the M-1 and M-14 rifles, and the M-60 machine gun. Alfa Section went to Garlstedt for their in-the-filed training on July 18 and 19 under the leadership of Lieutenant Carleton J. Brown of Fourth Division. During the first day, personnel were instructed in riot control, and in various offensive and defensive combat tactics. The actual field problems began at about 6:00 p.m. that evening. For their problem, the section was responsible for reaching and defending a predetermined camp against guerilla attack by an aggressor force composed of other sailors and Company "F" Marines. Upon reaching their camp, the defenders dug foxholes, established combat communications, and set up various outposts to await the attack which came at about 2:00 a.m. the following day. At about 7:00 a.m. on the 19th, Alfa Section received a bonus for "successfully" defending their camp against guerrilla attack (Major Finlon said that the defenders always win, although the opposite appeared to be true at times). Their reward? Some practical training in defense during a gas attack, complete with tear gas. |
 Major Arthur P. Finlon (right) explains defensive tactics to Liertenant Carleton J. Brown of Fourth Division. |
 During riot control training, personnel were divided into two groups - the rioters and the riot squad. Here the riot squad attempts to disperse an unruly mob, after being clouted with dirt balls and a wide variety of verbal abuse which we will refrain from quoting here. |
 A four-man fire team practices offensive tactics that will be used against the aggressor force later in the field problem. |
 Assembling his gear fo the Alfa Section field problem which was held July 18-19 at Garlstedt, Germany, is Commincations Technician First Class Darryl W. Schilling. The field problems are part of the NSGA Bremerhaven Infantry Training Program. |
 Following a day of intensive training in defensive tactics and other subjects, Alfa Section moves out into the field to put to practice what they have learned. |
 Shown here industriously digging the foxhole which will become their temporary "home away from home" are Communications Technician Second Class Roger L. Caplinger (left) and Communications Technician Third Class Donald M. Wynn. |
 Staff Sergeant Eugene F. Dietz (right), with the assistance of Sgt Dwight W. Mitchell, explains the use and operation of a gas mask to personnel about to experience the effects of tear gas. Much to the dismay of some personnel, SSgt Dietz pointed out that a beard may prevent a tight fit of the mask to the face. |
 When the tear gas clouds rolled in, two men discovered that a tight-fitting gas mask is essential. |
 A member of the aggressor force, Staff Sergeant Jerome M. Duran, became a "turncoat" long enough to present a lecture on defensive tactics to Alfa Section personnel. |
 "We Want You!" Check off list of items to use on the field exercise. |
