Photo By Sgt. Benjamin Crilly | FORWARD OPERATING BASE INKERMAN, Helmand province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan -...... read more read more
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FORWARD OPERATING BASE INKERMAN, Helmand province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan – Lance Cpl. Matthew J. Mistretta, a team leader for 3rd Platoon, Company B, 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, first heard ”slow is smooth, smooth is fast” long before he arrived in the Sangin District of Afghanistan. Now he understands why his instructors at the School of Infantry-West wanted their students to adhere to the simple principle.
“The more you rush anything, the more likely it is to get messed up,” said Mistretta, 20, from Reno, Nev. “When things get messed up in a combat zone on patrol, there are serious consequences.”
Mistretta and the Marines of 3rd Platoon ensure they keep that mantra on the tip of their tongues every time their platoon steps off on one of their patrols.
They are starting to see more and more people coming to the area, preparing for the harvest season. The end of the harvest season can turn full-time farmers into part-time fighters as the enemy tries to re-ignite the insurgency in the area. This is always on the minds of the Marines and sailors of Company B. With an enemy that could be around the next corner, they must prepare to move slowly, but with aggression, when the situation warrants.
The platoon’s slow, smooth movement is also important in countering the improvised explosive device threat in the area by sweeping with detectors and always being on the lookout.
Third unit’s predecessors in the area, Marines from 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines, learned a lot about the counter-IED fight and passed that knowledge on to Company B to help Marines in the unit remain safe while on patrol, said Pvt. Cory A. Malone, a point man for 3rd Plt.
“Taking your time as you clear that area is important because you don’t know where the IED is at,” said Sgt. Christian A. Marlow, a squad leader for 3rd Plt.
As point man, the 20-year-old Malone is responsible for determining the safest course for the patrol and has to remain vigilant for indicators along the patrol route.
“I sweep the area to save the lives of the Marines behind me,” said Malone, from Cerro Gordo, Ill. “It makes me feel good. Everyone looks to me for the safe route.”
The slow steps the Marines of 3rd Platoon take now by sweeping the area and establishing a solid baseline will allow them to quickly accomplish their mission and return home safely.
“You really just have to take it one step at a time,” said Marlow. “’Slow is smooth, smooth is fast’ is going to play in huge once they harvest the poppy and we start to see the kinetics to follow.”
Editor’s note: 1/5 is currently assigned to Regimental Combat Team-8, 2nd Marine Division (Forward). The division is working in partnership with the Afghan National Security Force and the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan to conduct counterinsurgency operations. The unit is dedicated to securing the Afghan people, defeating insurgent forces, and enabling ANSF assumption of security responsibilities within its area of operations in order to support the expansion of stability, development and legitimate governance.
| Date Taken: | 04.17.2011 |
| Date Posted: | 04.25.2011 15:15 |
| Story ID: | 69326 |
| Location: | FORWARD OPERATING BASE INKERMAN, AF |
| Web Views: | 2,049 |
| Downloads: | 4 |
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