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    Marines build OPs to provide security

    Marines Build OPs to Provide Security

    Photo By Sgt. Walter D. Marino II | Marines with 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion work into the night constructing an...... read more read more

    HELMAND PROVINCE, AFGHANISTAN

    01.11.2010

    Story by Cpl. Walter D. Marino II 

    I Marine Expeditionary Force

    HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan — The convoy stopped and Marines looked at each other with confused looks, knowing that there are very few reasons a convoy abruptly stops. The machine gunners swiveled in their turrets on high alert, surveying the area. Ironically, their excitement died when the Marines learned their convoy had stopped for a possible improvised explosive device.

    While convoying down route Cowboys for a mission, a road viscously laden with IEDs, 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion, found roadside bombs and a weapons cache.

    In response to insurgent tactics to place IEDs on this route, 2nd CEB's mission was to convoy to three designated positions, and build observation posts along the route. With surveillance on the path, insurgence opportunity for future IED emplacements will be decrease.

    Recently, numerous OPs have been built along the notorious route, developing a chain of security leading south along the road. Each post has sight to the next post, and with each new OP comes increased road security.

    "Our goal is to get eyes in the structure and to fight and have clear path for us and the people of Afghanistan," said Staff Sgt. Juan A. Perez, a combat engineer for 2nd CEB. "The people see that were fixing roads and adding protection. It's good in soo many ways and aspects, and the Marines will have a place if they get engaged."

    Roadside bombs left the Marines several hours behind schedule, but they were determined to finish in a timely manner.

    For three days, Marines worked from early morning to late into the night on a rocky dirt path surrounded by brush, mud houses and a murky green canal.

    Shoveling mounds of dirt, placing concertina wire and sawing lumber were just a few of the tasks Marines did to create the posts, and although at times fatigue was apparent, the Marines did not complain.

    "Hard work doesn't bother me because I know the job has to be done. The sooner the better," said Sgt. Jonathan J. Sanabria, a truck master for 2nd CEB.

    Large bundles of HESCO barriers were unloaded from trucks. A HESCO barriers is a product used by the military to build protective barriers or in this case an OP. It's mesh, hollow body allows it to be filled with dirt, to be used similar to a sand bag. While using HESCO barriers may sound simple enough, getting the mass amounts of dirt that's needed to fill the barrier can be quite the exercise.

    "It's tough but sometimes you just got to push through and get the job done. What gets me through it is seeing everyone come together through that hard work, and getting the mission done," said Lance Cpl. Sherwin O. Charles, a motor transport operator for 2nd CEB.

    An interpreter working with the Marines also decided to get his hands dirty.

    "I'm always trying to help because they're working hard. Everyone was tired," said Jamshid, an interpreter for the American forces. "I thought lets help them because they are tired. I like to work with good people that work for peace in Afghanistan. One day this post may stop some bullets and save someone's life."

    Each post took several hours to create. But after three days of work, all three OPs were completed and manned by infantry Marines. With their work done, 2nd CEB convoyed back to their base on an IED-free route.

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    NEWS INFO

    Date Taken: 01.11.2010
    Date Posted: 01.11.2010 01:40
    Story ID: 43643
    Location: HELMAND PROVINCE, AF

    Web Views: 845
    Downloads: 822

    PUBLIC DOMAIN