When the Sixth Marine Division began its training program for its
first—and only—operation, it had several initial advantages: Over two
thirds of its officers and men were veterans, well schooled in the ways
of the wily Japanese; it started off with the experience gained from
nearly four years of war; the structure of the entire division was
organized to benefit from this experience. Through October, 1944, and on
into February, 1945, the division trained vigorously. Special emphasis
was placed on individual marksmanship, combat firing exercises employing
all weapons and arms, night problems, flame-thrower-demolition teams,
tank-infantry problems, and air-ground problems. Training was concluded
with an eight day division problem illustrating tactical principles for
large unit employment. All through the training period General Shepherd
strove to indoctrinate his division with the spirit of attack; that it
was cheaper to drive ahead in unrelenting assault than to hesitate
trying to find easier ways of achieving the objective while troops
remained in contact with the enemy. This indoctrination was to pay
dividends on Okinawa when forward progress seemed impossible.