6th Marine Regt. Pushing Through the Shadow of the Insurgency
MARJAH DISTRICT, Helmand province – “There are no insurgents here. He says they aren’t here.” The pashto-speaking interpreter translates as he looks from an older man to LCpl. Andrew Wurster, a squad leader with 4th Plt. This is the first person they've encountered this morning, during their patrol through the Polpazai village, an area where insurgents are known to be operating.
Glancing away, Wurster looks across the freshly irrigated field, before turning back to the man and his teenage son. The father wears white robes and a coffee-colored vest. His facial hair is closely groomed, and he carries himself as if he hadn’t a care in the world. After another attempt to gain info on insurgent activity, Wurster shakes their hands and departs. Before the Marines have crossed the field, both father and son have disappeared. Normally that would be a clear sign that something is amiss, but it’s the month of Ramadan, in which Muslims fast during the daylight hours, forsaking water and food, and often wait until dusk to tend their crops. As the Marines make their way across one of the many canals, they reach another swath of farmland. Wurster spots a young boy tending a small herd of sheep. As the patrol begins to spread out, Wurster reaches the child. Rounds rip past the Marines as automatic weapons come to life across the field. They take fire from the South and the West, the direction they're heading, and the direction they came from. They have found who they were looking for. “The atmospherics were kind of weird; it can be a bit misleading during Ramadan,” said Wurster, explaining the suddenness of the ambush. “We saw the little kid and thought, ‘Oh, we’re not going to get hit,’ because the insurgents have a propaganda campaign, and don’t want to alienate the locals.” As the fight unfolds, the Marines lay down suppressing fire, allowing their squadmates to reach the cover of the canal they just crossed, but as the last of them leaps headlong into the wadi, one takes a gunshot wound to the leg. Unable to use the fields on either side of the canal as a landing zone for a medical evacuation, Wurster sets out to secure an alternate landing zone that can offer more protection for the aircraft, its crew, and the wounded Marine."For a number of them, it was their first firefight," explained Wurster, who is on his 2nd deployment to Marjah with 1/6. “They did really well; my team leaders in particular. They took control of their Marines so I could talk on the radio.” Marines take aim at figures firing from rooftops, as their attackers begin to fall back toward cover. Within fifteen minutes, the heaviest of the fighting has drawn down, but not died out. Occasional shots slap and skim across hard earth or wedge into trees and mud with a final thud. The Army medevac helicopter arrives within 15 minutes of the casualty report. As it touches down, the young shepherd from earlier wanders toward the patrol, but as he gets closer, he hears his father’s voice. The boy runs to his father, and they disappear -- much like the family earlier in the day. Meanwhile, the wounded Marine is whisked away to Camp Leatherneck, the HQ of 2nd Marine Div (Fwd) in Helmand prov. Timely responses such as this have saved countless Marines in Helmand, and are one of the main reasons that casualty rates here are lower than in most past wars throughout history. This is the surreal environment of Marjah’s northeastern outskirts, where Marines hunt an insurgent remnant lingering at the district’s edge. The bn. treks across wide open fields and uneven terrain, interacting with local citizens, who have less contact with CF than those dwelling near the district center. ISAF and ANSF work to increase security in these final enclaves of insurgent resistance, believing that residents here, like those throughout the majority of the district, will turn against insurgents once they see a persistent coalition presence. “We’ve been doing census patrols, getting to know local leaders, and trying to identify villages that are friendly,” said Staff Sgt Jeffrey Globis, a plt. sgt. for 2nd Plt. “The last couple of days, we’ve had a couple of firefights. The insurgents are testing us, seeing how we’d respond. We know that if we go out east, we will take contact. We walked right into their living room, and put our feet on their couch.” As the Marines make their way back to the PB, and attack helicopters circle high overhead, the insurgency is steadily losing ground. Just over a year ago, the entirety of the city sat in its shadow, but insurgents are now forced to the district’s periphery, finding more and more doors shut. The Marines closely pursue in a tradition of discontent, forsaking safety in their unwillingness to accept an outcome less than total victory.An interpreter speaks to a young boy moments before a firefight between insurgents and the Marines began.
Marines return fire during a firefight with insurgents.
Marines sprint for cover during a firefight with insurgents.
A Marine shields himself as a rotary wing aircraft lifts off after performing a medical evacuation.
CAMP LEATHERNECK -- Matthew Johnson spent his formative years following in his stepfather’s footsteps. But, today as both Johnson and his stepfather serve in Afghanistan, the roles have been somewhat reversed.
“I joined the Marine Corps when I was 17, almost 6 years ago. My stepfather decided to join the Army a couple years ago, because the economy was really bad,” said Johnson. “It’s funny that I outrank my dad. I joke with him about it as much as I can.” Johnson is scheduled to return home to Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., at the end of August following a 7-month deployment. His stepfather is also slated to return to the U.S. in the near future.“It's funny that my son outranks his dad,” said Erin DeMaagd, Johnson’s mother. “His dad is a little competitive, so it will make for interesting family gatherings. I know Monty is very proud of Matt, and Matt’s proud of his dad too.”Spc. Monty Beaune
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KONAR -- Twenty students from Khas Konar district completed a 10-day sewing seminar, hosted by the U.S. Cultural Support Team, Aug. 6-15. This seminar was the 3rd session held in the district, and the first vocational training to take place in Hakeem Abad village.
“A majority of the students were Afghan local police wives; others were daughters, daughters-in-law, and sisters of the ALP members,” said a member of the U.S. Cultural Support Team (CST) operating in the area. “They said that the ALP has provided them with security throughout the seminar, and they were not afraid for their safety.”A local seamstress and her asst. provided the training for the students, and were given certificates of appreciation for their efforts. The students received certificates of training, along with care packages and newborn kits. Members of the CST saidthat holding the class in the village, made it possible for more women to attend, because they weren't required to travel. “A few ladies brought their children along and took care of them while learning sewing skills,” said a CST member. Many of the women who attended the seminar said that there are lots of projects that men may be involved in, but the sewing seminar was the women’s first opportunity to learn additional skills. “The seminar allowed us to build rapport with the female population, show them our appreciation for being supportive of the ALP program, and allowed us to gather atmospherics of the area,” said a member of the U.S. CST, who assisted with the training.Story and photos by Petty Officer 1st Class Gino Flores
CAMP LEATHERNECK – CF instructors have stayed on target training ANSF throughout the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, and its accompanying sunrise to sunset fast. The students’ strict observation of the fast has created a need for flexibility at JSAS. Class and meal hours have been adjusted to allow ANSF students attending courses to observe the rituals commanded by Islamic tradition.
“Training during Ramadan can be difficult, because the work day starts when you normally would be sleeping,” said Cpl. Evans Burcaw, an instructor for the Small Arms Weapons Instructors’ Course (SAWIC). “We don’t work students during the hottest time of the day, when they’re fasting. However, we do make provisions to keep them on schedule and on target until graduation.” “The emphases on standards remain despite the altered scheduled,” he added. Some courses have also been adjusted to make the learning experience more focused and efficient, by adding instructors and interpreters. “This allows us to break up students into smaller groups,” said Staff Sgt. Bradley Brockman, an instructor and the officer-in-charge of the SAWIC course. “We're able to provide immediate attention to each student, answer more questions and get done faster.” Afghans attending training explained that the thirst and hunger brought on by the fast has been most challenging on the outdoor shooting ranges, where temps creep past 100 degrees Fahrenheit during the day."This year Ramadan started Aug. 1 and will end Aug. 29 or 30, depending on the lunar eclipse. Ramadan is followed by a 3-day holiday, Eid al-Fitr (festival marking the end of Ramadan)," said Wali, a linguist working for CF. Fasting during Ramadan offers Muslims time for reflection, self-awareness and self-determination in accordance with the Quran. “The fast is also one of the 5 pillars of Islam," said Lt. Asif Balbale, a U.S. Navy Muslim chaplain visiting RC-SW for the duration of Ramadan. "The reward for every good deed in this month is multiplied.”Story by Staff Sgt. Andrew Miller
CAMP DWYER, Helmand province – “The biggest thing we want these guys to get out of this is confidence in their tools, to be able to employ a metal detector, as well as to be able to operate comfortably in an IED environment,” said Staff Sgt. Jennifer Ramsey, EOD team leader. “The IED threat out here is obviously very well known.”
EOD techs are embedded with infantry units to gain first-hand knowledge of the IED threat Marines face on a daily basis. The knowledge and experience of EOD techs and infantry Marines, arms the members of RCT-5 with the most up-to-date tactics, techniques and procedures (TTPs) in the counter IED fight.
The course began with in depth classroom instruction covering types, production, placement and detection of IEDs. Particular emphasis was placed on the production and components of homemade explosives (HME). A Marine’s ability to identify these components and prevent the production of HME is instrumental in decreasing the number of IED attacks on CF. Practical application followed classroom instruction. Marines and sailors acquired hands-on experience with various metal detectors, sweeping narrow lanes of earth laced with simulated IEDs. As students found these phony threats, instructors insured they were using the proper procedures to identify and mark the simulated devices. Students next moved from the IED lanes to the enhanced IED course. This course placed Marines and sailors in an environment similar to those they will face, while patrolling in southern Helmand. They worked together as a team, maneuvering through simulated rural and urban terrain, utilizing everything they'd learned during classroom instruction and practical application. More often than not members of RCT-5 put their earlier training to good use, finding simulated IEDs, and quickly marking or clearing the threat. Complacency, however, was rewarded by the sound of a controlled detonation of C4 adjacent to the training area, reminding students that the counter IED fight is a high stakes one. “The training was different than anything we did stateside, because we’re learning from an EOD team who knows the area of op (AO), and has first-hand knowledge of the enemy’s TTPs,” said Sgt. William R. Biggs, a PSD vehicle cmdr. “As a leader, this helps me ensure the safety of the Marines under my charge, and the completion of our mission.”Now that RCT-5 has boots on the ground in southern Helmand, every training evolution is approached with a renewed sense of purpose. "This hits a little closer to home, since we're in country now,” said Pvt. Corey Porter, a machine gunner, with the PSD. “You definitely take it seriously, because this kind of stuff is going to save your life, and make sure the Marines behind you get home as well.”
Members of RCT 5 PSD receive a brief from Staff Sgt. Jennifer Ramsey, Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team leader, prior to conducting a patrol exercise.
Members conduct a patrol.
Members sweep a wall for simulated IEDs.
Members conduct a patrol during counter IED training
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ISAF Joint Command
ISAF Joint Command Operational Update, Aug. 23, 2011
South
HELMAND PROVINCE -- In Sangin District, an Afghan and coalition combined SecFor detained several suspected insurgents, during a security op targeting a Taliban leader, yesterday. The leader directs Taliban ops in Kotozay Village, providing support and guidance to insurgent members in Sangin District. KANDAHAR PROVINCE -- A combined Afghan and coalition SecFor detained a Taliban facilitator and multiple assocs., during a security op in Shah Wali Kot District, yesterday.The facilitator was responsible for transporting rockets and weapons from Tarnak wa Jaldek District into Daman District, and also provided situation reports to Taliban senior leadership. East
PAKTIYA PROVINCE – An Afghan and coalition combined SecFor killed several Haqqani Network insurgents, during an op in Zurmat District, yesterday. The force was searching for a Haqqani leader, responsible for attacks against ANSF, when it was attacked by several armed insurgents from a nearby compound.
After receiving continuous fire, the force responded to the attack, killing the insurgents. The insurgents were armed with multiple grenades, blasting caps used for explosives, AK-47 assault rifles, and 30-lbs (14 kilos) of other home-made explosives.
After the incident, local residents informed the SecFor about the insurgents’ actions in the area. According to the reports, the insurgents forced their way into the compound, and demanded that the residents give them room and board.----- An Afghan and coalition combined SecFor detained multiple suspected insurgents, while searching for a Haqqani facilitator in Jani Khel District, yesterday. The targeted facilitator participates in direct action attacks, and moves weapons and equipment to high-profile leaders in Khost prov. The SecFor also confiscated multiple RPGs, mortar rounds, and AK-47 assault rifles during the search.
KHOST PROVINCE -- In Khost District, a combined Afghan and coalition SecFor detained a Haqqani Network leader and 2 suspected insurgents during a security search, yesterday.The leader was involved in roadside bomb and direct action attacks in the area, and also distributed weapons and supplies for attacks.GHAZNI PROVINCE -- In Ghazni city, an Afghan and coalition combined SecFor detained 2 suspected insurgents, yesterday, while searching for a Taliban leader. The leader manages fighters, facilitates roadside bomb ops, and coordinates with other Taliban leaders and facilitators in the area.WARDAK PROVINCE -- A combined Afghan and coalition SecFor detained a Hezb-e Islami Gulbuddin leader and 2 suspected insurgents, during a security op in Nerkh District, yesterday. The detained leader was responsible for planning and coordinating several attacks, including roadside bomb attacks, against ANSF.
Pfc. Tiffany Harris, food service specialist, Co G, 1st Bn, 5th FA, logs info from an incoming call over the radio at COB Warrior, Aug. 22, 2011. Harris proved her competence and knowledge by winning her bn’s Soldier of the Month board.