By Capt. Paul L. Greenberg, RCT-5
COMBAT OUTPOST RUTBAH, Iraq — Coalition and Iraqi Security Forces put together what was truly a joint effort to provide a safe venue for the first regional security meeting held in the city of Rutbah, Iraq, Jan. 2.
Despite the frigid temperatures, senior regional Iraqi and Marine Corps leadership from around the Rutbah district attended the meeting to iron out details in preparation for the local and national democratic elections scheduled to be held at the end of the month.
Tango Battery, 2nd Battalion, 10th Marine Regiment, an artillery unit based out of Camp Lejeune, N.C., took the lead on providing security for the meeting, which hosted leaders and security elements from the Iraqi Army, the Iraqi Police, the Iraqi Highway Patrol, as well as several Coalition units, including Marines from 2nd Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 5.
Although the security situation in western al-Anbar province has improved dramatically over the past two years, the Marines ensured the Iraqis adopted all of the necessary precautionary measures, according to 1st Lt. Steven Mauceri, 24, the officer-in-charge of the Rutbah District Police Transition Team.
“There’s still definitely a threat out there in Rutbah,” said Mauceri, a Brooklyn, N.Y. native. He mentioned specific isolated incidents of suicide vest and small-arms attacks by insurgents that indicated that potential hazards remain in the Iraqi desert.
As the PTT leader, Mauceri and his small force of seasoned Marines worked with the local Iraqi Police to ensure that they were vigilant in patrolling the streets and taking other actions to thwart possible attempts by the insurgency to attack Iraqi or Coalition leadership surrounding the security meeting.
Mauceri identified vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices as another potential threat, but stated that the Iraqi police officers he has worked with and trained over the past six months are up to the job of protecting their city for the upcoming elections, adding that “they have done some remarkable work and made great progress.”
Known by their unit call sign “Tough Guy,” Tango Battery Marines are tasked with providing overall security for all key leader engagements in Rutbah, which include weekly city council sessions and meetings with the mayor. The artillerymen of Tango Battery have adapted to their infantry mission here, conducting vehicle and foot patrols throughout the city with Iraqi Police officers around the clock, seven days a week.
Hours before the regional security meeting began, Tango Battery Marines and their Iraqi counterparts secured the area, with Iraqis and Americans standing side-by-side at posts surrounding the meeting venue. Additionally, Marines and a military police working dog swept the city council building for explosives.
For several hours, joint roving patrols of Marines, Iraqi Police and soldiers from the Iraqi Provisional Security Forces wound their way throughout the streets and alleyways in Rutbah, stopping frequently to speak with local citizens, the Americans doing so through an interpreter.
“Now the city is back to a state of normalization, to a point where the IP’s are in the lead and we’re in assistance to them,” said Capt. Chris Demetriades, 37, commanding officer of Tango Battery, from Henderson, N.C. “Right now, the IP’s are weaning themselves off of reliance on us for security of the city.”
Demetriades noted challenges in working with the Iraqis, but explained that through patience, mutual respect, and a clear focus on putting the Iraqis in the forefront of all operations, Tango Battery has achieved an excellent working relationship with the Rutbah-area police. Together, they have been able to maintain peace for the city’s 20,000 citizens. This is vital for the success of the upcoming elections.
“As a Marine, you always want to plan ahead, in detail, for every contingency, in the Marine Corps way,” said Demetriades, on his fourth tour in Iraq. “But the (Iraqi Police) came up with their own security plan for the meeting, and we supported it. In the end, an Iraqi plan is better than an American plan, because this is their country.”
This was the second of several regional security meetings scheduled prior to the upcoming local and national Iraqi elections at the end of January.
“I am very happy because we made sure of security at this event,” said Mustafa Adnan Ali, 23, a Rutbah native with 18 months of the local police force. “The Iraqi forces came from many places and did a good job today. With Coalition Forces, we all work like brothers and one team.”
During the elections, the Iraqis will have the lead on ensuring the safety of all election sites in the Rutbah district, with the police guarding the patrolling sites and the army and other elements of the Iraqi Security Forces responsible for the nearly 4,000 miles of open desert terrain.
By Lance Cpl. Scott Schmidt, RCT-5
RAWAH, Iraq – Iraqi Police in Rawah assumed responsibility for the parole of nine former Coalition Force detainees Dec. 28.
Marines with 4th Platoon, Company C, Task Force 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 5, provided overwatch for this Iraqi Police-run operation and said the Iraqis proved themselves to be capable and professional during the transfer.
“We were tasked with security in order to ensure the safe and proper release of detainees. Iraqi authorities are here to gather information and see these men off into the community,” explained 1stLt. Robert Paulus, 25, 4th Plt. commander. “Our time in Iraq is finite and this is their country. With our efforts to develop (Iraqi Security Forces), one of the key indicators is their ability to parole and reintegrate former detainees.”
The release is a priority for the Iraqi government and came days before the U.S.-Iraq Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) took effect. The SOFA establishes legal standing for U.S. troops in Iraq and their departure from the country by December 2011.
“We are completely capable with our security and our judicial system to take on the challenge of these detainees,” said Capt. Fil Amer Abdrazq, an Iraqi Police officer in Rawah. “Like any judicial process, these men have served their sentence and are being processed through our stations before they return to the community and their families.”
As the detainees left the hands of their Marine escorts, they were welcomed by Iraqi Police and government officials.
“As soon as we made the transfer, (Iraqi Police) removed the hand cuffs and blind folds and welcomed the (former) detainees,” said Sgt. Jeffery Rapp, 26, a squad leader with 4th Platoon. “The police invited families, and compared to other releases, Iraqis welcomed the men back to the community. It is now up to the Iraqi Police to protect and keep an eye on the men.”
“We are sufficiently able to handle investigations, interrogations, intelligence and the judicial process when handling the detainees,” Abdrazq conveyed through an interpreter.
These skills are critical to the community’s security and governance process and help to legitimize the independence Iraqis have assumed from the Coalition Forces in the area.
“It is vital that (Iraqis) develop these skills now while we are still here with all the necessary advice and guidance,” explained Paulus, a Hudson, Ohio native. “We take a back seat to their handling of former detainees, increasing their ability to be self-sufficient.”
Rawah authorities’ lead role in security of the former detainees demonstrated their control of the judicial and security services in their community.
“The process is working,” said Rapp, a native of Norwood, Mass. “Rawah is secure and peaceful, which results from the efforts of the (Iraqi Police).”
Coalition Forces have confidence in the Iraqi Police in the area, and the Iraqi Police have confidence in themselves.
“We are confident,” commented Abdrazq, “that the release of the detainees is not detrimental to the successes we’ve had over the last couple of years.”
By Capt. Paul Greenberg, RCT-5
COMBAT OUTPOST RUTBAH, Iraq — Marines from Echo Company, 2nd Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment,
Regimental Combat Team 5, conducted “atmospherics” on a security patrol in Rutbah, Dec. 29, in conjunction with their Iraqi Police counterparts.
The goal of an atmospherics patrol is to assess living
conditions for the average Iraqi citizen and to show a security presence in the city.
The patrol was led by Sgt. Daniel Giere, 23, a squad leader with 4th Platoon, Echo Co., from Exton, Pa. A carpenter in civilian life, this is Giere’s second tour in Iraq as a Reserve Marine, his first being with 1st Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment in Fallujah, during more turbulent days in 2006.
The Marines of 4th Plt., Echo Co., are currently attached to Tango Battery, 2nd Battalion, 10th Marine Regiment, an artillery unit which deployed here in October from their home base at Camp Lejeune, N.C.
Giere explained that by finding out about specific unemployment issues and problems with essential services – such as water and electricity – in different parts of the city during the atmospherics patrols, the unit can gain important information which they can pass to the Rutbah City Council to address.
In this way, the Marines can mentor and empower the local Iraqi government, thereby enhancing the quality of life for the city’s 20,000 residents, while setting the wheels in motion for complete Iraqi governance in the area.
“It’s a presence patrol,” said Giere. “It is also a ‘meet and greet’ to let the locals know we’re here to establish rapport.”
One of the citizens that Giere interviewed was Abdel Salam Fakaj, 50, a Rutbah resident.
When asked about changes in the population, Fakaj said that many people in Rutbah have been returning to their homes in Fallujah and Ramadi, two of the largest population centers in al-Anbar province, where thousands had fled in 2003-2005 because of heavy fighting between Coalition Forces and insurgents.
Because the security situation throughout western al-Anbar province has improved tremendously over the past year, life for citizens throughout the province is returning to a sense of normalcy.
Fakaj said that although he does have some faith in the local elected leaders, he has more confidence in the Marine units to respond to issues such as electrical outages and water services.
The Marines, however, are working to change this paradigm and improve the credibility of Iraqi leadership. This is especially important in light of the planned draw-down of U.S. forces in Iraq over the next two years.
In accordance with the current strategic plan, all Coalition patrols in Rutbah are now done jointly with Iraqi police.
As the patrol neared the end of its route, the Iraqi police officers were particularly helpful.
“The IPs, they did very well tonight,” said Giere. “They showed good judgment, especially with the time of day. Sunset is always the worst, as visibility is really low.”
The patrol also stopped to talk to an adolescent boy, who had greeted the Marines in English. The boy showed them his English language textbook, explaining that he had learned his foreign language skills in high school.
In addition to greeting nearly everyone they passed in rudimentary Arabic, the Marines also gave out candy and kicked around a soccer ball with some of the younger children they encountered.
“I think Rutbah was a really good town long before we got here,” said Giere. “There was never very much of an insurgency here in comparison to Ramadi, Fallujah and Haditha. The people here want peace, plain and simple.
“I’ve asked them if they want us here. You get a generic answer, and people usually say ‘yes,’” Giere continued. “But every now and then you get a straight shooter why says, ‘thanks for everything you’ve done, but now it’s time for you to go home.’ I don’t see anything wrong with that. We’ve been here for a long time, and we’ve done a lot of good.”
By Cpl. Sean Cummins, RCT-5
COMBAT OUTPOST UBAYDI, Iraq – Snowstorms and sleigh bells were replaced by sandstorms and radio chatter here this holiday season.
Marines with Task Force 3rd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 5 strung lights and hung stockings to remind themselves of home during the time usually spent with family celebrating holiday traditions.
Even though the Marines are away from families, a full schedule and camaraderie with other Marines have made it easier to cope with the distance.
“To be honest, (the command) keep us pretty busy. I didn’t even realize it was Christmas Eve until about noon today,” said Lance Cpl. Deriek P. Tullock, 20, a driver with Combined Anti-Armor Team White, Weapons Company, TF 3rd Bn, 7th Marines, from Boone, Iowa. “It’s good because you don’t think about what you’re missing out on back home.”
The holiday spirit could be seen everywhere on base. Trees were decorated with ornaments, and candy canes inside of offices and stockings were hung from bedposts. Even the chow hall was adorned with festive decorations for the holiday meal that was served Christmas Day.
“We talk about the holidays, we talk about family and things of that nature, but we generally don’t miss it in the sense that they would because we have each other,” said 1st Sgt. Elvis Tate, 37, company first sergeant for Headquarters and Service Co., TF 3rd Bn, 7th Marines. “We laugh, we joke, we tell stories about the TV shows that we watched and the food we ate (back home). It’s not a lonesome feeling. We actually get a lot of joy out of it.”
Satellite phones, phone centers and e-mail provide an easily accessible means of communication for Marines who want to stay connected to their friends and families back home during the holidays.
“Everybody takes the holidays as a time to reflect with loved ones,” said Sgt. Joe M. Allen, 29, an assistant log chief with H&S Co. from Duluth, Minn., who has two children and a wife in the United States. “I understand it’s difficult on both ends. I call, I talk to the kids, but they don’t understand phones yet. It’s hard for us as well as (the families), but as long as there is communication, there is a way to get by.”
By sharing a bond with each other normally reserved for close family members and childhood friends, the Marines have been able to support one another throughout the holiday season.
By Capt. Paul Greenberg, RCT-5
RUTBAH, Iraq — Marines with 2nd Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 5 based here brought toys, snacks and holiday cheer to Iraqi children at Mekasid Primary School in Rutbah, Iraq, on the morning of Dec. 23.
This is the fourth Rutbah-area school the Marines have visited in the past three months, and each time they brought gifts and a message of unity. Most of the items they have distributed were donated and sent by private citizens back in the States.
The items which they gave to the children at Mekasid were donated by staff members from a home healthcare company and a hospice in Medina, Ohio.
Beth DeFelice, a 45-year-old social worker employed at both health care facilities, took the lead on collecting all the toys, candy, beef jerky and gum, as well as packing them into boxes and shipping the goods to the Marines in Iraq.
“People here in Medina care about the troops, and we’ve had many local folks serve in Iraq over the past few years. We all realize how blessed we are, especially working with sick and dying people on a daily basis,” said DeFelice, who has been a social worker for more than 23 years. “Therefore, it wasn’t surprising that our caring staffs responded to my request to give charitably. I was touched by just how generous people were and it brought tears to my eyes as we packed and labeled the 13 boxes to go to 2nd Battalion, 25th Marines.”
In addition to passing out items to the students, the Marines met with the school staff and spoke to the students about Coalition forces’ cooperation with Iraqi security forces and government leadership to improve the overall security situation and quality of life for the local residents.
Ahmed Attalah Mohammed, 43, has been principal of the school for the past nine years. A father of four, he was also a teacher in local schools for nine years.
During their meeting, Mohammed lauded the Coalition’s efforts to work with the Rutbah City Council to further develop the governance and essential services in the city.
“Teaching the Iraqis how to govern is more important than teaching them how to fight,” Mohammed said through an interpreter. “We see something now that we never saw in the past years: democracy.”
Mohammed thanked the Marines for their gifts, and took them on a tour of the school. The students gathered in the courtyard for a short talk by 1st Sgt. Clark Rhiel, 42, the company first sergeant for Headquarters and Service Company.
Rhiel reinforced the message that Coalition Forces are working with local police in Rutbah to ensure the safety of its citizens.
A 21-year veteran of the Marine Corps and a Secaucus City, N.J., police supervisor, with 18 years on the force, he explained his dual careers as a Reserve Marine and full-time police officer.
“(Marines) protect life, liberty and property. That’s the job of a police officer, too,” explained Rhiel.
The Marines and sailors handed out toys and snacks to the students, as well as new soccer balls. Then they took the opportunity to kick the soccer balls around with the students and pose for a photo with a Marine Corps flag, which the principal signed, thanking the Medina staff members for their generous gifts.
The Marines mailed this flag and sent electronic photos to DeFelice to share with her colleagues back home.
“The Iraqis must know by now how genuine, caring and good the Americans are just by spending time with the Marines,” said DeFelice. “They can see the troops genuinely care for them and their children with no strings attached.”
By Cpl. Shawn Coolman, RCT-5
LAKE THAR THAR, Iraq – Al-Anbar Iraqi River Police officers aced their final exam.
Select Iraqi policemen here with the al-Anbar Iraqi River Police force, which was established to patrol the local waterways independently from Coalition forces, finished a week-long certification course Dec. 21. This was the first class taught by the Navy “River Rats” of Detachment 3, Riverine Squadron 1, Regimental Combat Team 5 on Lake Thar Thar.
In this class taught by Detachment 3, roughly 35 Iraqis graduated, which brought the Iraqi River Police closer to their goal of having over 250 police officers patrolling the waterways throughout al-Anbar province. Four classes have already been taught on Lake Qadisiyah by various Navy Riverine units, but this is the first class to graduate here.
The training consisted of different boat tactics and operating procedures that were conducted on Lake Thar Thar, the largest lake in Iraq.
“We started training them on basic boat handling and characteristics,” said Petty Officer 1st Class Bret M. Hand, 27, a joint terminal attack controller with the detachment from Hampton Bays, N.Y. “Once they were comfortable, we showed them basic tactics for boats and weapon handling for their personal weapons.”
“Our people benefited from the excellent training, and I thank our friends on their effort they gave to form our team,” said Maj. Diab Khalaf Diab, chief of al-Anbar Iraqi River Police. “It’s a new team, and hopefully we will continue our training with the same detail as what was taught to us.
“We started building our team in July, and it’s the first Iraqi team to patrol Lake Thar Thar,” said Diab. “We’re going to be monitoring the shores around the lake so that there aren’t any bad activities going on, such as weapon smuggling and drug smuggling.”
During the training, four Iraqi police officers were designated as trainers for future Iraqi students.
“We’re also going to be conducting our own river police training school for the new Iraqi attendants who want to join our ranks,” said Diab.
The Iraqi River Police have been training on boats which were supplied to them by the detachment, but have ordered 50 boats to use throughout al-Anbar province.
“We have ordered over 40 small boats and approximately 10 large boats to patrol the lakes (throughout al-Anbar province),” said Diab. “We are going to use the boats to conduct patrols and searches in the area so we can ensure the safety of the people around the lakes.”
Through their hours of training, the policemen have learned how to proficiently patrol the area and ensure the safety of the local Iraqi citizens.
“From this moment, I am very sure that the team is ready to go on patrols by themselves,” said Diab. “We are ready to take the reigns (from Coalition forces patrolling the river). We are ready and willing to begin patrolling the area everyday, keeping the area safe for the people.”
By Lance Cpl. Scott Schmidt, RCT-5
RAWAH, Iraq – The expeditionary nature of the Marine Corps requires a responsive and capable force able to adapt to the ever-changing mission of the Global War on Terror and operations in Iraq.
Marines and sailors with Task Force 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, completed a battalion-wide movement from Habbaniyah, Iraq, to here and are adapting to their new area of operations. The battalion now falls under the command of Regimental Combat Team 5 in western al-Anbar province.
“As Marines, we are able to pick up and move to follow the mission,” explained Maj. Roy Ezell, 36, the battalion’s operations officer.
A shift in the battalion’s operational tempo is evident, though the Marines feel assured they will continue to build on the successes of the units that preceded them.
“Our mission to provide assistance to the Iraqis hasn’t changed,” explained Sgt. Brian Licht, 24, a squad leader with 1st Bn., 2nd Marines from Katy, Texas. “The capacity and method in which we assist the Iraqis will be re-evaluated now that we are in a new area.
“It is imperative that Iraqis take the lead every way they can,” said Licht. “We are continuing to act as facilitators and focusing combat operations when needed.”
Compared to the battalion’s former area, Ezell explained that Rawah is further along in the transitional process and highly developed with a stable government that is able to provide for the community it represents.
“(Iraqi Security Forces) operate freely from Coalition force influence, and the need for us has decreased,” explained Ezell, who is from Jacksonville, N.C. “We will continue key leader engagements and allow Iraqis to come to the forefront (of security and governance).”
By acting as advisors and providing an overwatch element, the battalion will continue to work with ISF and the local town governments. These efforts will continue to facilitate a unified, democratic and federal Iraq that can sustain a democratic government and defend itself against those looking to reverse the political and military gains made over the past years.
By Cpl. Sean P. Cummins, RCT-5
RAWAH, Iraq – Smoke filled the sky and shrapnel pierced targets as Marines with 1st Combat Engineer Battalion, Regimental Combat Team 5 detonated various explosives on a range near Combat Outpost Rawah December 17.
The range gave the combat engineers a chance to refresh their demolition detonation and preparation skills during their deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
“If you don’t use it, you lose it,” said Cpl. Matthew J. Leuthold, 22, a team leader with 1st CEB from Darrtown, Ohio, referring to engineer skills. “The purpose was to give the junior Marines the opportunity to train and retain the knowledge they were taught in the States.”
The combat engineers, who are here supporting Task Force 3rd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, RCT-5, discharged four different types of explosives over the course of three detonations. The explosives included C4, shape charges, platter charges and grape shots – a type of field expedient claymore.
“(The engineers here) haven’t had a chance to go out and actually do (demolitions) in Iraq, so it gives them a chance to go out and refresh their skills,” 1st Lt. Paul Cleland, 25, platoon commander, 1st CEB.
By allowing the junior Marines to have more hands-on experience, they were able to improve their technical skills for preparation of explosives and learn what it takes to set up an effective demolition.
“(It gave the Marines the) confidence in their skills to be able to go out there and execute some demolition training by themselves,” Cleland said. “Squad leaders and (noncommissioned officers) ran it by themselves; even some of the lance corporals were stepping up.”
Safety was paramount as the Marines prepared their explosives. Timed fuses and safe distances kept the Marines as far away from the explosion as possible to keep the damages solely on the targets.
“At (Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center) 29 Palms, (Calif.), everything is closely regulated and it doesn’t allow the chance to make a mistake, because you’ve got so many different things going on,” said Cleland, who is from Canton, Ohio.
In Iraq, the Marines mimic those same precautions with safety briefs and close supervision.
The demolition range was the first of a number of exercises the combat engineers plan to execute throughout the deployment to keep them proficient at their jobs while Iraqi Security Forces maintain control of Iraq’s security.
“I would say it’s good that we have the opportunities to do ranges in Iraq, because it shows that we’re making steps toward peace in this country and we have time to do training rather than go out and fight,” said Leuthold.
“We’re planning on doing a final range in February, and this is just one of those building blocks to get us there,” said Cleland.
In the meantime, the engineers will continue maintaining force protection and helping the rest of the battalion find weapons caches and improvised explosive devices.
By Cpl. Sean P. Cummins, RCT-5
UBAYDI, Iraq – Now that Iraqi Security Forces have minimized insurgent activity within Iraq’s borders, they are working to keep it that way with the help of the Marine Corps.
M1A1 Abrams Main Battle Tanks and humvees with Task Force 3rd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 5 drove out to the border Dec. 18 to meet with Iraqi border guards so the Marines could see how they operate and observe some of their training.
“We got to meet with the battalion’s (executive officer) for the border guards. We learned what their needs are and what kind of classes they have there,” said Sgt. Julian Bejarano, 28, a section leader with Combined Anti-Armor Team Red, Weapons Company, Task Force 3rd Battalion, 7th Marines. “We went there with the intent of introducing ourselves and paying our respects. Our mission while we’re here is mainly to give classes and training.”
“This area has been very good,” said Lt.Col. Hamid Kniyaf, executive officer for the border guards, through an interpreter. “We used to have some problems, but the Marines have helped us take care of them.”
The two M1A1 Abrams tanks from 2nd Tank Bn., RCT-5, in support of TF 3rd Bn., 7th Marines, who have been making runs to the border for more than a month, escorted the Marines across the open desert to the posts.
“We were taking the (Marines) out to the border forts to interact and get to know the people out there and get a feel for what they’ve got. We’ve been on the border pretty much the whole time just patrolling,” said Lance Cpl. Andy A. Goldsmith, a 21-year-old gunner from Fort Myer, Fla., with 2nd Tank Bn.
With the information the Marines gathered, they have a better idea of how they can assist the local guards with border security training to keep their borders secure. The guards, many who live as far out as Baghdad and Fallujah, are deployed for months at a time to posts scattered along the border.
“(The Iraqi Army) is always out there. Literally, every time we get past a certain point we can count on them being there. They’re all over the place,” said Goldsmith.
“In the future, we’d like to do some training with them, maybe doing some patrols,” said Bejarano, who is from Goshen, Calif.
By Cpl. Sean Cummins, RCT-5
COMBAT OUTPOST UBAYDI, Iraq – With Marines deployed in cities located up and down the Euphrates River in western al-Anbar province, communication becomes an important asset in more ways than one.
The communications Marines of Headquarters and Service Company, Task Force 3rd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 5 provide the battalion with an array of tools to keep everyone connected. Their tools and knowledge are required to keep the phones, Internet and cameras up to ensure everyone can do their job.
“We’ve got to support the battalion through providing (secure Internet) and (non-secure Internet) service and radio communications,” said 1st Lt. Matthew E. Wopschall, communications officer, H&S Co. “We’re responsible for providing that link to the outside world.”
From running wires and maintaining internet connectivity to fixing radios, the communications Marines work around the clock. Each Marine has a different job that keeps the battalion talking.
“Everything that moves in and out of here and around the battalion has an element of communications with it,” said Master Sgt. Marvin Barber,34, communications chief, H&S Co. “If we can’t communicate, we just flat out can’t move.”
As Task Force 3rd Bn., 7th Marines moves from one combat outpost to another, making way for other battalions to come in, the communication Marines have had to stay one step ahead. Operations centers and workspaces must be pieced apart and set up again at the next combat outpost every time the company moves. These moves have increased as Coalition forces have moved out of cities and demilitarized the bases.
“It’s like any other move; we’ve kind of become accustomed to it,” said Sgt. Christopher M. Phibbs, 21, data chief, H&S Co., from Spotsylvania, Va. “We know it’s going to happen, so we’ve prepped ourselves.”
To accommodate each company in the battalion, communication Marines are attached to various combat outposts spread throughout the area of operation. This takes away more assets from the communications platoon, which still has to maintain the same amount of equipment. The Marines have learned new skills to assist the battalion. This often puts young noncommissioned officers into billets with great responsibilities.
“Our success as a communications shop has been based on the Marines stepping up into roles in which they weren’t accustomed and typically aren’t expected to step into,” said Wopshall, 27, from La Canada, Calif. “We couldn’t have survived without the cross-training that we’ve done in country. Every single Marine is filling multiple roles, that’s the most important part.”
Each day presents a different task and challenge for the communication Marines. With Marines tasked to numerous combat outposts and sections within the battalion, there’s always work to be done.
“It gets a little overwhelming sometimes; it has its ups and downs,” said Cpl. Jeremy C. Olson, 22, tech shop supervisor for H&S Co., from Sierra Vista, Ariz. “Everyday someone needs something done or I have to go out somewhere and fix a radio. It’s just like any other job I guess. I’m on call 24/7 to fix whatever goes down.”
No matter the mission, the communication Marines have managed to stay one step ahead of the game.
“The beauty of this battalion, this year and this deployment, has simply been the non-stop variety of it,” said Barber, who is from Jackson, Ind. ”We’re constantly executing or planning to do whatever, whether it be moving, improving what we fell in on, supporting every communications (detachment) that we have out with every company position right now.”
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American Infidel said:
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concretebob said:
[this is good]Merry Christmas Marines. Happy New Year. We look forward to welcoming all of you home soon. Your hard work and... read more
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