Support Company Marines multi task

Photo By Cpl. John McCall | Marines with Support Company, 1st Combat Engineer Battalion, 1st Marine Division (Forward), put together the frame of a guard post while constructing a patrol base in Garmser, Jan. 22, 2011. The elevated position will allow for a better view of the surrounding area.  

AFGHANISTAN

01.31.2011

Story by Cpl. John McCall 

1st Marine Division

GARMSER, Helmand province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan – Marines with Support Company, 1st Combat Engineer Battalion, 1st Marine Division (Forward), worked outside of their primary job skills to construct a series of patrol bases in support of 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, Jan. 16-Jan. 28.

Support Company is made up of heavy equipment operators, motor transport drivers, mechanics and electricians. During the mission, Marines were setting up Hesco barriers, building wooden guard posts and living quarters.

“Getting out there and doing things that you wouldn’t normally do everyday is good experience,” said Lance Cpl. Trent Long, a heavy equipment operator from Gaston, Oreg. “It’s hard work, but it has a purpose – it benefits others.”

The positions were made using Hesco barriers, square metal cages lined with cloth that hold dirt. Wooden guard posts were assembled on top of the Hesco barriers to allow for an elevated over watch position.

Working all day and into the night, Marines stayed until the job was done.

“Building a patrol base is a very time consuming process,” said Sgt. Julian Briones, 28, a heavy equipment operator from Santa Maria, Calif. “We worked hard to get everything built up quickly so that other Marines could take over and do their job.”

The Marines of 2/1 were living out of local compounds until the support Marines built them a new home.

“We built the Marines a place that they can call home, so they have a place where they can drop their pack and relax,” said Cpl. Keandre Easterling, 22, a motor transport operator from Hartford, Conn.

Support Company Marines built three patrol bases during their mission, allowing 2/1 to expand their presence in new areas.

With the new homes, 2/1 Marines were able feel safe knowing that they have reliable protection from enemy attacks. Those involved in the construction process can feel a sense of accomplishment after seeing the results of their work.

“It’s nice seeing how much these guys appreciate your hard work when they first walk in and see the home that we built for them,” said Cpl. Gary Anoushian, 24, an electrician from Philadelphia.

• Date Taken: 01.31.2011
• Date Posted: 02.05.2011 11:54
• Story ID: 64877
• Location: AF