Country music star Toby Keith performs for Marines in southern Afghanistan

April 25, 2009
Story by: Lance Cpl. Ronald W. Stauffer


CAMP LEATHERNECK, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan – Country music star Toby Keith rocked the sands of southern Afghanistan while performing for service members at forward operating bases Bakwa and Delaram, and Camp Leatherneck, in the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, April 23, 2009.

At Camp Leatherneck, about 2,000 concertgoers, consisting mainly of U.S. Marines and a number of Navy, Army, Air Force service members and civilian contractors, as well as foreign military members, crowded around the small stage cheering as Toby Keith and The Easy Money Band took the stage.

One song fittingly performed for the Marines and possibly loud enough to be heard for miles was “The Taliban Song,” stirring the crowd into a frenzy, encouraging them to sing along.

“I wish that he would have sung more songs, but I enjoyed every one he did, especially The Taliban Song,” said Lance Cpl. Jennifer N. Hays, a radio operator assigned to Headquarters Company, Combat Logistics Battalion 3. “It made being out here surreal because everything’s been so real for the last six months. It was nice for us to be able to take our minds off things at least a little while.”

Keith, a strong supporter of the U.S. military, donned a tri-colored camouflage uniform and a 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment (Reinforced), baseball cap, which was presented to him at an acoustic performance earlier that day at FOB Delaram.

“It was pretty big for the small FOBs because they’re not used to seeing stuff like that regularly,” said Master Gunnery Sgt. Francisco Olmos, the Marine Corps Community Service chief assigned to Headquarters Co., CLB-3. “Since two of the (United Service Organizations) shows had been cancelled previously, it was a good thing that it came through and the feedback was excellent.”

Olmos said he has received feedback from family members stating how happy their service members were with the experience.

Although Keith let his songs do most of the talking, he did manage to get a few words out over the loud roar of the crowd.

“Thanks for your service,” Keith said. “That’s why I’m here, by God. I appreciate ya.”

Another patriotic song performed by Keith was “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue,” leaving many Marines holding their covers high in the air to show their appreciation.

“It was a success from start to finish, and it was a great thing to do,” Olmos said. “It’s a good way to go home and end the tour out here by bringing a morale booster this big out here for the war fighters.”

Afghanistan deployed Corpsmen conduct ambulance training

KANDAHAR AIR FIELD, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan – Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Orlando X. Delacruz demonstrates how a heavy armored ground ambulance can be turned into a tactical vehicle by flipping the several red crosses located around the vehicle’s exterior April 24, 2009, on Kandahar Air Field, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan.

Delacruz and a team of corpsmen with Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force – Afghanistan’s aviation combat element conducted familiarization training in preparation for utilizing the life-saving vehicle in-theater.

Delacruz is a hospital corpsman with the ACE.

SPMAGTF-A’s mission is to conduct counterinsurgency operations, with a focus on training and mentoring the Afghan National Police.
(photo by Sgt. Juan D. Alfonso)






KANDAHAR AIR FIELD, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan – Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Orlando X. Delacruz explains how night vision can be mounted onto a heavy armored ground ambulance to Navy Lt. Janet West April 24, 2009, on Kandahar Air Field, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan.

Delacruz and a team of corpsmen with Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force – Afghanistan’s aviation combat element conducted familiarization training in preparation for utilizing the life-saving vehicle in-theater.

Delacruz is a hospital corpsman with the ACE. West is the ACE flight surgeon.

SPMAGTF-A’s mission is to conduct counterinsurgency operations, with a focus on training and mentoring the Afghan National Police.
(photo by Sgt. Juan D. Alfonso)




KANDAHAR AIR FIELD, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan – Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Orlando X. Delacruz explains to Navy Lt. Janet West how some of a heavy armored ground ambulance’s medical equipment can be mounted to its exterior April 24, 2009, on Kandahar Air Field, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan.

Delacruz and a team of corpsmen with Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force – Afghanistan’s aviation combat element conducted familiarization training in preparation for utilizing the life-saving vehicle in-theater.

Delacruz is a hospital corpsman with the ACE. West is the ACE flight surgeon.

SPMAGTF-A’s mission is to conduct counterinsurgency operations, with a focus on training and mentoring the Afghan National Police.
(photo by Sgt. Juan D. Alfonso)

Gordon Brown visits Afghanistan deployed Marines

CAMP BASTION, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan – British Prime Minister Gordon Brown shakes hands with Cpl. Sophia Meas before speaking to International Security Assistance Force troops at Camp Bastion, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, April 27, 2009.
During his visit, Brown told the troops that he was thankful for the hard work they are performing in southern Afghanistan.
Meas is a warehouse clerk with Combat Logistics Battalion 3, the logistics combat element of Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force – Afghanistan.
(photo by Lance Cpl. Monty Burton)

CAMP BASTION, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan – British Prime Minister Gordon Brown speaks to International Security Assistance Force troops at Camp Bastion, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, April 27, 2009. During his visit, Brown told the troops that he was thankful for the hard work they are performing in southern Afghanistan.
(photo by Lance Cpl. Monty Burton)

CAMP BASTION, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan – British Prime Minister Gordon Brown speaks to International Security Assistance Force troops at Camp Bastion, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, April 27, 2009. During his visit, Brown told the troops that he was thankful for the hard work they are performing in southern Afghanistan.
(photo by Lance Cpl. Monty Burton)

HMH-362 takes the fight from Iraq to Afghanistan

Date written: April 26, 2009
Story by: Sgt. Juan D. Alfonso

KANDAHAR AIR FIELD, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan – On April 15, 1962, a squadron of Marines launched from the USS Princeton to Soc Trang, Vietnam, becoming the first Marine helicopter squadron in-country. Those Marines began a proud tradition of combat deployments that day. Today the same unit continues their combat tradition in Afghanistan.

Unlike the majority of units serving in the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 362, part of Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force – Afghanistan’s aviation combat element, didn’t deploy from its home station at Marine Corps Base Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii – it deployed to Afghanistan from Al Asad, Iraq.

Originally deployed to Iraq Jan. 23, 2009, to conduct assault support, logistics and movement of personnel missions, the unit was given a new mission shortly after arriving: pack up and go to Afghanistan.

“Afghanistan is where the fight is now,” said Lt. Col. Jeffrey A. Hagan, HMH-362’s commander. “There was a planned drawdown in Iraq and an increasing need for medium lift capabilities in Afghanistan. So we begin making arrangements to move from Al Asad to Kandahar Air Field, Afghanistan.”

Though the unit was motivated and prepared for their new mission, environmental differences between the two theaters coupled with operational requirements called for major modifications to the Ugly Angels’ CH-53D Sea Stallions.

The unit’s maintenance Marines began working around the clock to exchange the T64-GE-413 engines, typically found in CH-53Ds, to hotter burning T64-GE-416 engines used in CH-53E Super Stallions, according to Master Sgt. Robert Webb, the Maintenance Section chief.

In addition to the modifications, the Marines had to partially dismantle their aircraft for transportation to Afghanistan; each bird was sent one at a time. But despite their daunting task, the Marines pulled together, rolled up their sleeves and went to work.
“Our maintenance Marines are the best in the Marine Corps,” said Maj. Gary W. Thomason, HMH-362’s Aircraft Maintenance officer. “On their backs is how we made this happen. I think I speak for everyone involved when I say, fantastic job.”

After more than two months of backbreaking work, the Ugly Angles are in Afghanistan, eager to take the fight to the enemy.

“This deployment has been a great experience,” said Cpl. Jorge Toledo, a crew chief and flight line mechanic with HMH-362. “We’ve been able to operate in both areas of operation and it’s been a good training opportunity with the demanding terrain and climate differences. Since arriving in Afghanistan, I personally was able to be a part of testing seven aircraft in twelve days. I have gained more experience on this one deployment than my whole time in the Marine Corps.”

Today, the Marines and their Sea Stallions are ready to tackle whatever the insurgency and Afghanistan’s terrain throw at them.

“We expect the mission set to remain relatively the same,” Hagan said. “Given the more kinetic nature of this theater, I would expect to see more raid and quick reaction force support than was executed during our time in Iraq. But the Marines are excited and eager to do what Marines do. This deployment has proved beyond a shadow of a doubt that my Marines can, are eager and willing to accomplish any task thrown at them.”

On April 15, the 47-year anniversary of the unit’s Vietnam deployment, The Ugly Angles arrived in Afghanistan. HMH-362 began combat operations April 22.

Afghans, Marines complete Golestan bazaar project

April 23, 2009
Story by 1st Lt. Stewart M. Coles


GOLESTAN, Farah Province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan – Afghan officials and civil affairs Marines with Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force – Afghanistan completed a project to improve the drainage system for the district center bazaar in Golestan, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, April 3, 2009.

The project, one of several for the district, was the result of a request from area leaders because the bazaar did not have an adequate drainage system. Standing water would collect in the roadway, causing unsanitary conditions and hazards for drivers.

The $14,000 project employed 50 Afghan civilians, giving them an alternative to going to nearby districts to harvest poppy.
"There are not a lot of jobs, and sometimes people go down the wrong route," said Qasim Khan, the district sub-governor, as translated by an interpreter.

With the improved conditions, the locals can drive through the bazaar without their vehicles getting stuck in puddles left behind from rainfall.

The new drainage system is expected to bring increased commerce to the bazaar from outlying villages in the district.

"The people are happy that you are here and that you are focused on the bazaar because it is the center of the community," said Khan to the Marines.

Future projects already in the works for the district include: the distribution of 85 tons of wheat, the donation of live chickens, passing out material assistance items, installing a local radio station in the city and adding solar-powered street lamps and public restrooms in the bazaar. Each of these initiatives is based on Afghan needs.

SPMAGTF-A and International Security Assistance Force assist the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan with providing security and services for the Afghan people.

Veterans adopt 1,200 Marines in southern Afghanistan

April 17, 2009
Story by: Lance Cpl. Monty Burton

DELARAM, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan – “Once a Marine, always a Marine” is a phrase often heard around the Marine Corps, but several dedicated Marine veterans, coined “The Moss Creek Marines,” have taken the phrase to a new level.

The Moss Creek Marines are a group of 35 veteran Marines and Navy corpsmen, and Marine spouses and parents from eras ranging from WWII to the Gulf War, one of whom saw both flags raised on Iwo Jima in World War II. The group focuses on “adopting” and showing its appreciation to Marine units deployed to combat zones.

Not forgetting their roots, the Moss Creek Marines adopted the 1,200 Marines and sailors of 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment (Reinforced), the ground combat element of Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force – Afghanistan. The South Carolina-based organization sent 3/8 a total of 87 care packages, worth several thousand dollars, that included eight Xbox 360 videogame consoles, telephone calling cards, toiletries, candy and snacks, DVDs and letters from children with whom the Moss Creek Marines have interacted in the past months.

The Moss Creek Marines have previously adopted 12 other units in Iraq, but 3/8 is the first unit the organization has adopted in Afghanistan.

Lt. j.g. Jason DiPinto, the 3/8 chaplain, said the care packages are much appreciated and will be of great use not only to the Marines currently deployed, but also the Marines who will soon replace 3/8.

“The care packages are great because the Marines are in extremely difficult situations, and with the packages and gaming systems, it gives the Marines an opportunity to release some of the stress that is often acquired while in a combat zone,” said DiPinto.

The battalion’s plan is to distribute the packages among the austere forward-operating bases and combat outposts located in southern Afghanistan.

The Marines are excited about the Xbox 360 gaming consoles.
“It’s always good for the morale of the Marines to have some form of entertainment in a combat zone,” said Cpl. Michael Shupack, an assistant security chief with Battery D, 2nd Battalion, 14th Marine Regiment, whose detachment of Marines are also benefiting from the donated items. “It’s hard for us to personally thank those who have supported us, but it goes unspoken. We definitely appreciate everything they have done for us.”

DiPinto said the deployed Marines and sailors appreciate the patriotism and thoughtfulness of the veteran Marine organization.

“It is an honor to be able to walk on the path that these veterans have paved for us,” Dipinto said. “Their contribution means more to us than words can describe. They have gone above and beyond their call of duty to ensure the Marines and sailors who are deployed have all they need to carry on the legacy of our forefathers.”

Alan Calderon, the commanding officer of the Moss Creek Marines, himself a veteran of the Vietnam War, explained in his own words why his organization feels it is important to support deployed Marines.

“On behalf of all of us in the Moss Creek Marines, thank you for all that you do to maintain our freedom,” Calderon said. “We all know that freedom is not free. God bless America and God bless the Marine Corps.”

Cobb County Marine serves proudly in Afghanistan

Date written: April 20, 2009
Story by Lance Cpl. Brian D. Jones

GOLESTAN, Farah Province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan – Lance Cpl. Dustin C. Spicer wanted to call it quits while attending South Cobb High School from 2004-2007. He figured he would work for his father selling automobiles and eventually take over his father’s business. As he looks back, he’s glad to have been persuaded to do otherwise.

“When I started high school, I really didn’t have any goals at all,” said Spicer. “I hated school and wanted to get out. I really didn’t care. I thought I was going to end up working with my dad and take over the family business anyway. Then I met a few teachers who turned my whole perspective around.”

During his first combat tour, he’s found himself in the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, surrounded by barren, mountainous terrain. Far from home, he thinks about the people who have influenced him most, leading him to where he is today.

Now the 21-year-old Cobb County, Ga., native is a Marine Corps infantryman with second platoon, Company K, 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment (Reinforced), the ground combat element of Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force – Afghanistan. He’s focused and ready for the mission.

SPMAGTF-A’s mission is to conduct counterinsurgency operations in support of the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, and train and mentor the Afghan National Police.

Henley Sawicki, his biology teacher; Andrew Cole, his U.S. history teacher; Helen Lane, his math teacher; and Jamison Warner, a science department teacher; all of South Cobb High School, took a part in shaping his future, he said.

“They taught me a lot about life, just by taking the time to sit down and talk to me,” said Spicer.

The lessons his teachers taught him have left a lasting impression on him, and he’s carried what he learned from them over to the Marine Corps.

“My teachers showed me I could do better,” said Spicer. “They proved to me that if I actually tried, I could do not only what I needed to pass but actually do better than just pass and that I have great potential.”

Spicer believes the best advice his teachers ever gave him was to set goals and not give into failure or laziness until he achieved them. And once he had accomplished those goals, he should set even higher ones and keep the stride going.

His teachers also taught their hot-tempered student how to re-channel his aggression when he got easily upset, Spicer said.

They taught him to stop and calmly think things through, while setting his feelings aside, a skill all Marines must develop.

Learning to set his differences with others aside and remaining professional are important when it comes to completing the mission, he said.

“There are some people that will (make you mad), but out here they’re your family and you still have their backs,” said Spicer. “You may not like someone, but something might happen to them and you have to be there for them no matter what.”

As a kid, Spicer remembers his mother taking him to bingo nights at a local Veterans of Foreign Wars post where he met veterans and heard their stories, which led him to thinking of joining the military when he was old enough.

“I never thought that I would actually do it though,” said Spicer.

Later on in life, one of Spicer’s best friends, Cody Evans, who also attended South Cobb High School a grade ahead of Spicer, joined the Marine Corps.

“We were just alike in high school,” said Spicer. “We didn’t care about anything. We just wanted to get by.”

After returning home from recruit training, Evens told Spicer what the Marine Corps had done for him. Intrigued by what Evans told him, Spicer contemplated the idea of enlisting once again.

Thanks to the teachers’ confidence in Spicer, he stuck it out and graduated in May 2007.

Though he has a lot of special memories from high school, it was when he walked across the stage and received his diploma that he reserves as his proudest moment.

“That was the first time my dad ever said he was proud of me,” said Spicer. “It kind of made it a big deal.”

Shortly after graduating, Spicer enlisted into the Marine Corps.

“My family is very proud of me,” Spicer said. “My mom doesn’t like that I’m over here right now, but she couldn’t be more proud of me.”

Spicer is unsure whether he will make a career of the Marine Corps, but he says he would like to use the Montgomery G.I. Bill to attend the University of Georgia, where he would earn a degree in business management.

Spicer still hopes to own and run a business back home. He is just taking a bit of different route to get there than he had originally planned.

CLB-3 brings mobile exchange, post office to Marines in remote southern Afghanistan

April 9, 2009
Story by: Lance Cpl. Ronald W. Stauffer

HELMAND PROVINCE, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan – Combat Logistics Battalion 3 delivered some of the amenities of daily life that most take for granted during a specialized combat logistics patrol to Forward Operating Base Now Zad, Helmand Province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, April 1, 2009.
CLB-3, the logistics combat element of Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force – Afghanistan, made the delivery of precious cargo to the Marines of Company L, 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment (Reinforced), the ground combat element of SPMAGTF-A, who are serving in one of the most remote and austere areas of southern Afghanistan.

The cargo – enough containers filled with food, beverages, toiletries and much-needed uniform items to create an expeditionary post exchange. Additionally, 10 large containers of mail were transported aboard the trucks by second platoon, Motor Transportation Company, CLB-3.

With mountainous terrain encircling much of the FOB, an abandoned district center nearby and enemy insurgent forces scattered throughout, Co. L Marines rely mostly on combat logistics patrols and air deliveries for supplies and provisions from CLB-3.

“I think it went very well,” said Gunnery Sgt. Brian K. Scarbrough, the Marine Corps Exchange manager assigned to CLB-3, whose services directly enhance SPMAGTF-A’s morale, welfare and recreation programs.

Scarbrough explained that he brings items the Marines want or can’t get and makes sure he takes as much of the items as possible to meet their needs.

The Marines at the FOB may go two weeks to a month before seeing a logistics patrol depending on factors such as weather, terrain conditions and the overall logistics challenges and demands of southern Afghanistan.

“Bringing the exchange boosts morale, and the Marines get what they want or need,” Scarbrough said. “They’re ecstatic, and it’s like their icing on the cake.”
Utilizing the FOB’s dining facility as the exchange site, CLB-3 Marines carried in boxes of chips, crackers, energy drinks, soft drinks, hygiene products and uniform items, filling most of the building’s capacity.

Scarbrough said the Marines see all the little things that are taken for granted because they don’t always have them.

“People don’t realize the extent of what we do as (Marine Corps Community Services Marines) Marines,” said Scarbrough. “Personally, I was happy to be involved and able to give the Marines who are actually in the fight the opportunity to get what they need.”

At a small table, Cpl. Bona Chantha, a disbursing clerk assigned to CLB-3, provided the Marines the opportunity to withdraw a cash advance, making it possible for them to make purchases at the mobile post exchange.

“It was a great opportunity to serve the Marines who are in the fight, as well as see how they interact at the FOB,” Chantha said.

Equally as important for the Marines at the FOB was CLB-3’s first mobile post office, giving Marines the opportunity not only to send letters home but also extra personal items they’ve accumulated, which many packed in storage trunks that were purchased at the mobile post exchange.

“It was a big hit,” said Staff Sgt. Jason N. Dixon, the postal chief based out of Okinawa, Japan, who is currently assigned to CLB-3. “It was really successful, and we were really busy.”

Dixon said the Marines were extremely happy to send home letters and lighten their load of non-essential personal belongings before redeploying home.

As well as collecting outbound mail, Dixon also brought the 10 large containers-worth of inbound mail with him.

“It feels great,” said Cpl. Ryan P. Little, an automatic rifleman assigned to second platoon, Co. L. “We knew it was coming, and everybody was excited.”

Dixon said CLB-3 did an excellent job, and he was impressed with what they accomplished.

“They did a bang-up job, and I appreciated the help that I got from my fellow CLB-3 (Marines),” said Dixon. “They were ready and willing to volunteer and help out.”

At the end of the one-day mobile post exchange and mail operation, $20,433 of total goods were sold, and the post office accepted more than 5,000 pounds of outbound mail for processing.

Since arriving in Afghanistan, Scarbrough’s post exchange sales have totaled more than $429,000, including sales to all of the U.S. military’s service branches, as well as civilian Department of Defense personnel and alliance forces. Dixon’s postal operation has received nearly 600,000 pounds of mail and out-processed more than 74,000 pounds of mail. CLB-3’s disbursing section has provided services to almost 14,000 customers in casual payments totaling nearly $1.5 million.

3/8 Marines stay prepared, vigilant

FARAH PROVINCE, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan – Marines with Company I, 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment (Reinforced), maneuver across the Afghan terrain in a humvee April 10, 2009, in Farah Province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan.
3/8 is the ground combat element of Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force – Afghanistan, whose mission is to conduct counterinsurgency operations, with a focus on training and mentoring the Afghan National Police.
(photo by Lance Cpl. Monty Burton)








FARAH PROVINCE, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan – Lance Cpl. Kingley Arrajo remains vigilant at an observation post April 10, 2009, in Farah Province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan.
Arrajo is a mortarman with Company I, 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment (Reinforced), the ground combat element of Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force – Afghanistan.
SPMAGTF-A’s mission is to conduct counterinsurgency operations, with a focus on training and mentoring the Afghan National Police.
(photo by Lance Cpl. Monty Burton)

FARAH PROVINCE, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan – Lance Cpl. Kingley Arrajo remains vigilant at an observation post April 10, 2009, in Farah Province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan.
Arrajo is a mortarman with Company I, 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment (Reinforced), the ground combat element of Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force – Afghanistan.
SPMAGTF-A’s mission is to conduct counterinsurgency operations, with a focus on training and mentoring the Afghan National Police.
(photo by Lance Cpl. Monty Burton)

ISAF, Afghan leaders meet in Delaram, Farah province

DELARAM, Farah Province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan – International Security Assistance Force commander U.S. Army Gen. David D. McKiernan and other ISAF leaders met with Afghan officials and community leaders from Farah Province at Forward Operating Base Delaram, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, April 17, 2009.

The ISAF leaders met with the sub-governors of Bakwa, Delaram and Golestan districts, the mayor of Delaram, Afghan National Police officials and local Afghan elders to discuss the progress of ongoing operations and the future of Afghanistan.

The Afghan leaders said they were pleased with the efforts of Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force – Afghanistan to provide security to the area, and offered suggestions on how ISAF and Afghan security forces can work better together in the future. McKiernan also listened to requests for development projects such as road paving and improved cellular phone service.

The Marines of SPMAGTF-A have been working alongside the Afghan National Police and conducting operations with the Afghan National Army to ensure security and freedom of movement for the Afghan people. The improved security in the area has enabled the Afghans and Marines to implement several reconstruction projects, including an irrigation project in Golestan, a road improvement project in Delaram and a bazaar clean-up project in Bakwa.

SPMAGTF-A and ISAF support the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan in providing security and services for the Afghan people.

U.S. Marines strike insurgent positions in Now Zad, Afghanistan

Date written: April 6, 2009
Story by Lance Cpl. Brian D. Jones

NOW ZAD, Helmand Province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan – Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force – Afghanistan conducted a major combat operation against insurgent forces in Now Zad, Helmand Province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, April 3, 2009.

The Marines of Company L, 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment (Reinforced), the ground combat element of Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force – Afghanistan, struck well-known enemy locations identified within and near the insurgent-infested Now Zad district center.

“Now Zad’s district center is kind of a unique place in Afghanistan because there is no local civilian population,” said 1st Lt. Mike H. Buonocore, the executive officer of Co. L.

Company L was reinforced by engineers with Combat Logistics Battalion 3, the logistics combat element of SPMAGTF-A, aviation support from the aviation combat element, rocket artillery support from SPMAGTF-A’s Battery D, 2nd Battalion, 14th Marine Regiment, Air Force and Navy aviation assets and Army rocket artillery support. During the combat operation, the Co. L Marines targeted positively identified enemy positions where insurgent attacks have originated from over the past several months. Other locations were identified with intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance assets.

The two major components involved in the operation were a ground force and an aerial assault. Enemy targets were destroyed by combined fires from rocket artillery, aircraft, mortars and ground troops.

“The mission took some enemy forces out of the fight and showed them how much force we have with us and what we can use against them,” said Cpl. Andrew C. Conte, a squad leader with the ground assault element. “It really cleared out some of the areas we were having troubles in.”

The ground scheme of maneuver employed Co. L as the main effort by conducting a raid on a known enemy position, while other Marines held blocking positions to ensure insurgent reinforcements were denied freedom of movement and the opportunity to engage the Marine forces.

Navy F/A-18C Hornet fighter-attack aircraft, an Air Force B-1B Lancer bomber, Marine AH-1W Super Cobra attack helicopters, the Army’s tactical missile system and Btry. D, 2/14’s high mobility artillery rocket system set conditions for the operation by employing precision munitions on key insurgent targets.

“Once the bombs started dropping there wasn’t too much movement,” said Conte. “With all the ground forces out there and everything we had overhead, it was calm because we knew nothing was going to touch us.”

Additional munitions were called in on other known enemy positions to ensure the raid force was successful. Upon initial disruption of the enemy locations, the assault element moved in and conducted thorough site exploitation.

“We were able to engage some enemy targets before they engaged us,” said Cpl. Taylor E. Vogel, a forward observer with the 81 mm mortar platoon. “We were able to drop mortars on (enemy) fire teams that were moving in on (Marine) units. We definitely achieved what we wanted to. We destroyed the big targets that have been occupied by enemy forces.”

Leading up to the operation, the Marines had proactively conducted combat operations in Now Zad’s district center daily in order to shape the battlefield by moving insurgents into disposable positions. Marines took precaution by using leaflet drops and radio broadcasts in the area to warn the population in nearby villages of danger in the area, which helped create agreeable conditions that would result in little or no collateral damage.

“Throughout the winter in Afghanistan, you hear about the (insurgent) spring offensive,” said Conte. “We caught them before they caught us in the spring offensive, and we set the tone of it with showing how much (firepower) we have and what we can use.”

Insurgents attempted to counter the Marines’ strike on Now Zad with improvised explosive devices, mortars, small-arms fire and two rockets that were fired overhead with no success. Unwavering, the Marines positively identified and pursued their targets.

“The operation was a tremendous success on all levels,” said Buonocore. “The confirmed battle damage assessment is pretty significant. There were no civilian casualties, and nothing was hit that wasn’t a target. We have achieved tremendous success here against the enemy.”

Afghanistan deployed corpsmen sharpen life-saving skills

Date written: April 7, 2009
Story by: Sgt. Juan D. Alfonso

KANDAHAR AIR FIELD, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan – A medical officer sits at her desk awaiting any of her hundreds of Marines to walk through her door. She’s trained and ready to tackle any medical concern they may have. The door opens, a tall Marine walks into her tent and says, “Doc… you got a band-aid?” with a smile of relief she responds, “Yes, yes I do.”

For Navy Lt. Janet West and her team of experienced corpsmen, that simple exchange is commonplace. The majority of Marines under her charge ask for first aid supplies or the occasional medical curiosity to be answered. But she and her staff know that at any moment a life threatening situation may occur, and they have to be ready.

Despite their high operational tempo, West and her Afghanistan deployed corpsmen, with Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force – Afghanistan’s aviation combat element, set time aside to hone their already sharpened medical skills on a routine basis.

Recently, an example of their routine training events presented itself April 7, when West, the ACE flight surgeon, conducted a half-hour refresher on how to splint broken bones on Kandahar Air Field, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan.
What may first seem like just a short lesson served as a perfect example of the many medical skills the combat first responders practice to ensure they can provide quick and efficient medical treatment when the bullets start flying.

“Short, but frequent, sessions keep them fresh, engaged and helps them retain what they’ve learned,” West said. “When they find themselves in that combat situation and their stress is high, they’ll revert to their lowest level of training, the things they can do without having to think.”

West gives her “hip-pocket” classes as often as she can, ranging from routine injuries to advanced life saving techniques and on occasion, case studies of any recent or unusual scenarios they’ve encountered while deployed.

It’s those skills, practiced repeatedly over time, that have become as natural to her team as breathing, which is good news for their Marines.

“It keeps us on our toes,” said Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Stephen L. Thurston, the leading petty officer in charge of the ACE’s aid station. “It keeps us sharp. That way when we do see those injuries, knowing how to treat it just becomes second nature. This way we can just jump in and fix them when they’re hurt. That’s what Marines love about us and that’s what we’re here for.”

SPMAGTF-A’s mission is to conduct counterinsurgency operations, with a focus on training and mentoring the Afghan National Police.