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26th MEU to train for urban combat in Indiana

INDIANAPOLIS — About 2,300 Marines will take part in an urban combat training exercise in central and southern Indiana, including landing helicopters at Indianapolis shopping malls, parks and the state fairgrounds, officials said.

Most of the activities during the June 4-19 exercises will take place at central Indiana’s Camp Atterbury, but Columbus, Seymour, Hope, North Vernon and Greensburg will also see activity.

The troops will be from the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit based in Camp Lejuene, N.C.

“Our aim in Indianapolis is to expose our Marines to realistic scenarios and stresses posed by operating in an actual urban community, said Col. Mark J. Desens, the unit’s commanding officer.

The troops will fire weapons, conduct patrols and react to ambushes in an unfamiliar urban environment.

Residents living close to the training areas will be notified in advance, Desens said.

The city of Indianapolis offered the Marines 26 sites for training, include Eastgate Mall, Bush Stadium and several city parks.

“I think it’s very good training for them,” said Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard, a retired Marine officer. “Actually, city fighting, urban fighting is really the most dangerous type of fighting there is.”