Engineers provide security for road improvements

Photo By Cpl. John McCall | Marines with 8th Engineer Support Battalion repair a culvert along route 611, March 3. Enemy forces use Culverts and ditches along the road to emplace improvised explosive devices. Route Clearance Platoon 3, 1st Combat Engineer Battalion, 1st Marine Division (Forward), cleared the culvert ensuring it was free of IEDs before construction began.  

SANGIN, AFGHANISTAN

03.07.2011

Story by Cpl. John McCall 

1st Marine Division

SANGIN, Afghanistan – Marines with Route Clearance Platoon 3, Mobility Assault Company, 1st Combat Engineer Battalion, 1st Marine Division (Forward), were focused on freedom of mobility while they provided security on Route 611 Feb. 25 to March 3.

The 8th Engineer Support Battalion is responsible for conducting major road construction along 611. Improving the roadway is an ongoing process that will eventually replace the poorly maintained dirt roads with pavement. The route has been notorious for improvised explosive devices and enemy activity that disrupt vehicle convoys regularly.

Marines with RCP-3 cleared the road as well as spots that have been plagued by IEDs, such as culverts and ditches. After nightfall they set up a perimeter along 611 to ensure enemy fighters did not emplace any IEDs.

“What we do is essential to other units so they can do their job,” said Staff Sgt. Vince Mabalot, a 28-year-old platoon guide from Stockton, Calif.

Route clearance Marines are on the road for weeks at a time, ensuring the roadways of southern Afghanistan are safe for not only coalition forces but local residents as well.

“The missions are long and it can be tiring, but that is the nature of the beast,” said Cpl. Ryan Gliddon, a 24-year-old combat engineer from Santa Rosa, Calif.

With one deployment to Afghanistan under his belt, Gliddon has been in vehicles that hit IEDs on more than one occasion.

“Being on the receiving end of a blast showed me the importance of what we do,” Gliddon explained.

While holding 611, Marines responded to several IED incidents that occurred on the road. Even with all of the danger that revolves around their usual routine, Marines learn to deal with it.

“When you first expose the pressure plate or jug you feel a rush of excitement, but you have to stay focused and continue working,” Mabalot said. “After you’ve seen so many, you just get used to it.”

Third platoon continues to provide route clearance support to other units throughout Helmand province, clearing the way for friendly forces and protecting local residents from IEDs.

• Date Taken: 03.07.2011
• Date Posted: 03.08.2011 05:55
• Story ID: 66664
• Location: SANGIN, AF