Posted on 12/07/2005 3:07:47 PM PST by SandRat
CAMP FALLUJAH, Iraq (Dec. 6, 2005) -- Marines from Force Protection Platoon, 8th Communications Battalion, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Headquarters Group, II MEF (FWD), prove on a daily basis they are not just communication savvy.
These 26 men, who are at the tip of the spear behind the armored metal of military vehicles, provide much more than their communication ability; they easily transform into a lethal combat team for convoy operations.
On a day where many Marines and sailors enjoyed a warm Thanksgiving dinner aboard Camp Fallujah, Marines from Force Protection Platoon traveled through the streets of Fallujah to an outpost in the city to take a little piece of heaven to their brothers-in-arms; mail and a Thanksgiving dinner.
Their day began after a convoy brief, where they received intelligence updates and rehearsed immediate action procedures should they encounter an enemy attack. They loaded up their vehicles with gear and weapons and then prepared for their mission.
After dodging civilians and traffic jams during their maneuvers through the streets, the Marines arrived to a grateful group.
“I have been with the battalion since July of last year,” said 1st Sgt. Mcezelvias Corbin Jr., battalion first sergeant. “I found out real quick 8th Communications Battalion wears many hats. The Marines are far more proficient in their (military occupational specialty.) This is noticeable by the many outside agencies that seek out their expertise to work for them in the civilian sector.”
Force Protection Platoon’s expertise allows them to disperse within the compound for various jobs, however their main focus leads them outside the wire.
“Our basic job is to provide security within the interior guard around the compound and also provide convoy security for the battalion,” said Sgt. Christopher Bruck, platoon sergeant, Force Protection Platoon. “The platoon is comprised of Marines who hold a variety of MOSs, such as wiremen and radio operators.”
The team is trained in every aspect of infantry unit tactics including convoy operations, urban warfare and reaction drills.
“The Marines are a self-contained unit with all the assets needed to execute urban warfare tactics, reactionary to [improvised explosive device] attacks, improvised mine reactionary tactics, call for fire and the list goes on,” said Corbin.
The communications team, who arrived to Camp Fallujah on their first deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in August, takes on other missions outside of the battalion for II MHG, II MEF (FWD).
“When we go on convoys we pretty much run the show,” said Bruck. “We could be an [infantry] unit in our own little world here. We’re like the outcasts in the battalion. Everybody wants to be us, but everybody hates us.”
If the men from 8th Communications Bn. are not out on a convoy, they are continuously training or standing post around the compound.
“The Marines are a total package, and this is a testament of the hundreds of convoy operations they have conducted while in country with no fatality or injuries to Marines or damage to equipment,” said Corbin. “1st Lt. Conrad Wiedemann, Staff Sgt. Daniel Sankey and Staff Sgt. Christopher Ransom run a tight team and are commended on their focus of effort and attention to detail on every operation.”
Force Protection Platoon’s leaders ensure every Marine on the team thoroughly understands the mission at hand.
“Our mission is to deliver and pick up supplies, passengers and any other miscellaneous gear,” said Bruck. “It's a basic convoy, and we provide the security to make sure the mission gets done safely."
GO DEVIL DOGS!!!
Marines! They can do it all!!
Compare the character of these Marines with scumbags like Howard Dean. It's night and day.
Have a good evening and say thank you to him for me.
Good On Them!!!
These 26 men, who are at the tip of the spear behind the armored metal of military vehicles, provide much more than their communication ability; they easily transform into a lethal combat team for convoy operations.
Thanks for the ping!
BTTT
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