Marine engineers clear dangerous Afghan roads

Photo By Sgt. Walter D. Marino II | Marines from Route Clearance Platoon 3, Mobility Assault Company, 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion, analyze the area where an explosion of improvised explosive device occurred in Helmand province, Afghanistan, Nov. 17. The blast did not harm any Marines. This was part of a five-day, route-clearance mission.  

HELMAND PROVINCE, AFGHANISTAN

11.23.2009

Story by Lance Cpl. Walter D. Marino II 

I Marine Expeditionary Force

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan — A blast is heard and the convoy comes to a halt. A roadside bomb has created a mushroom cloud of dust reaching high in the air and visible for miles. It is day one of Route Clearance Platoon 3, Mobility Assault Company, 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion's mission and one hour into their convoy an explosion can be seen.

On Nov. 13, RCP-3 left Camp Dwyer to provide route clearance support for three different infantry units. What they encountered along the way is considered just another part of the mission.

"You can patrol streets and build schools and hospitals. But if you can't get your troops from point A to point B without getting blown up you're not going to accomplish your mission," said Cpl. Sidney B. Rougelot IV, a combat engineer for RCP-3. "With a clear route, you have mobility. That's key in any battle."

Arriving to the scene of the blast, RCP-3 conducted a sweep of the surrounding area to check for additional roadside bombs. Explosive ordinance disposal technicians conducted a post analysis of the blast. Their investigation found that the explosion was the result of a detonated pressure plate, fueled by homemade explosives.

The following day, RCP-3 led a path for a reconnaissance company to take to their mission. Shortly after dropping off a reconnaissance team, RCP-3 encountered an IED.

"We make it safe for the entire [Marine Expeditionary Brigade] to move around out here," said Lance Cpl. Kyle J. Bierwagen, a combat engineer for RCP-3. "We found an IED with a mine roller. It's better than someone stepping on it. That's why we have these big vehicles, so that people don't get hurt."

From early-morning vehicle maintenance to long hours behind the wheel, motivation drove the Marines of RCP-3 during their five-day mission.

"My wife keeps me motivated. Also being able to depend on my fellow Marines sweeping out here motivates me too," said Cpl. Adam S. Rogers, a sweep team commander for the platoon. You've got military personnel and Afghan civilians doing there jobs with the risk of being hurt. We're making our presence known by getting rid of these IEDs and keeping people safe."

Some would claim that sweeping for bombs with a metal detector is dangerous. The Marines of RCP-3 disagree.

"This job is no more dangerous than anyone else's job in Afghanistan," said Sgt. Johnny Morris, an explosive ordinance technician for RCP-3. "It comes down to understanding the risks and having the know how of accomplishing your task. You just need to pay attention and do what you're trained to do."

Over the next few days, RCP-3 successfully navigated through possible roadside bombs to bring 3rd Battalion, 10th Marine Regiment and 3rd Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment to their destinations. Time and time again, stops were made to investigate anything picked up by their metal detectors. The Marines took no chances.

"What motivates me out here is my Marines safety," said Rougelot. "If I miss something my Marines can get hurt, and that's something I can't deal with. The best thing about the Marine Corps is the Marines themselves. That's why I'm here."

Every day in Afghanistan, the route clearance platoons of 2nd CEB fight to protect Marines from IEDs. There mission may be done, but their work here is not.

"Were taking out the only weapon they have," said Lance Cpl. Brandon A. Pressley, a sweeper for the platoon. "Their old AK-47s can't compete with our M-16A4s."

• Date Taken: 11.23.2009
• Date Posted: 11.23.2009 11:45
• Story ID: 41921
• Location: HELMAND PROVINCE, AF