QATAR: Snipers, grenades, and volleyball

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Marines from Camp Pendleton are in the Qatar desert training with the Qatari military in an exercise called Eastern Maverick.

The exercise, involving the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit and Qatari soldiers, includes sniper training, grenade handling and the use of a Global Positioning System.

‘They picked it up very quickly,’ said Lt. Jesus Mendez.

It’s not all work. There was also time for a volleyball game.

‘It’s a good way to break down the barriers,’ said Qatari Maj. Adel Ali Al Saadi in an official statement released by the Marines.

— Tony Perry, San Diego

Photo: Marine Lt. Kyle Bibby tutors Qatari soldiers on patrolling. Credit: Marine Corps