Posted on 12/21/2005 3:42:24 PM PST by SandRat
CAMP FALLUJAH, Iraq (Dec. 21, 2005) -- Marines are known for their ability to adapt and overcome any challenge. A Marine from Reydon, Okla. is living up to that ability while deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom with Regimental Combat Team 8.
Lance Cpl. Steven L. Bentley, a 20-year-old radio operator, is proving he is flexible in his job. He is not working in his primary military occupational specialty. Instead, he is developing critical skills in another MOS -- 0861, fire support man.
“As a fire support man, I am part of a team that coordinates all indirect fire for the regiment,” Bentley said. “If there is anything going on involving indirect fire, it has to go through us first.”
Bentley’s main job is to plot counter fire and to check for collateral damage on targets.
“What he does for me is run the command and control personal computer, or C2PC,” said Staff Sgt. Freddie E. Fowler, the regimental fire support chief for RCT-8. “When we get a counter battery mission, Bentley processes the grid into the C2PC and gets a photo overlay of the impact area to minimize any collateral damage.
“Once he has imagery of the impact area, I check for any structures or friendly units in the area. If the area is clear, the watch officer clears the mission and we shoot the round.”
“Its fun, I love it,” Bentley added. “It’s stressful but it’s a lot more exciting than working for comm. I think I am doing a pretty good job so far.”
Bentley’s opinion of himself is echoed by his chain of command.
“He is a good Marine, a hard worker,” said Fowler, a 32-year-old native of Sterling, Va.
In June, Bentley was tasked with another job outside of his MOS. He was responsible for setting up a counter mortar radar system at an observation post for two weeks. He had to learn how to assemble, disassemble, operate and perform maintenance on the radar in two days before going out there.
“I always wanted to be a Marine ever since I was little and saw pictures of his granddad in his (winter service uniform),” said the Reydon High School graduate. “My grandfather, aunt and uncle were in the Marine Corps.”
His aunt met his uncle while they were in the Marines and they ended up getting married. Bentley say’s his aunt also inspired him to enlist.
“I got to see her and talk to her and kind of see that that was something I wanted to do.”
He entered the delayed entry program in the summer of 2003 between his junior and senior year. He officially entered the Marine Corps on May 24, 2004, three days after graduating high school.
“It took some convincing to get my parents to sign the paperwork but now that I am a Marine my parents are all about it.”
Marine Ping
“As a fire support man, I am part of a team that coordinates all indirect fire for the regiment,” Bentley said. “If there is anything going on involving indirect fire, it has to go through us first.”
Thanks for the ping!
BTTT
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