'Bastards' search for insurgents high, low

Courtesy Photo | Lance Cpl. Josh D. Noble, a 23-year-old rifleman, greets an Iraqi toddler east of Fallujah, Iraq Sept. 5. Noble and other Marines of L Company, 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment were looking for insurgents and intelligence when they stopped at the house. Noble is from Bradford, N.H., and is currently serving a seven-month deployment in the Habbaniyah area under Regimental Combat Team 5.  

CAMP HABBANIYAH, IRAQ

09.05.2006

Courtesy Story

I Marine Expeditionary Force

By Lance Cpl. Ray Lewis
1st Marine Division

CAMP HABBANIYAH, Iraq (Sept. 5, 2006) -- It doesn't matter if insurgents want to hide high or low. Marines assigned to L Company, 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment are still searching everywhere

The company recently conducted an insurgent search east of Fallujah Sept. 5. 2nd Lt. Jonathan E. McConnell, a platoon commander for L Company, said his Marines went inside every home, every store and livestock pen looking for evidence of insurgent activity.

"I can't say any house was left unturned," said McConnell, a 24-year-old from Mobile, Ala.

The "Betio Bastards" of 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment are serving in Iraq with Regimental Combat Team 5.

McConnell led his men onto lush brush and tarred rooftops looking for insurgents, improvised explosive device-makers and illegal weapons.

Marines made sure Iraqis knew why they are in their village.

"We just want to let them know that we're looking for the bad guys," said Cpl. Zachary P. Schlarb, a team leader with L Company who is on his third deployment.

The 21-year-old rifleman from Reading, Pa., and his team are taking necessary precautions to prevent his Marines from getting hurt in the future.

The searches aren't only for the Marines safety. They're also helping Iraqi civilians.

"IEDs are killing most of them," said Cpl. Joshua W. Simonson, a squad leader for L Company who is also serving his third tour in Iraq. "Once we get rid of these IEDs, we'll be able to open up the main road so it will be easier for the Iraqis to get around."

Although Iraqis go through daily struggles, they told Marines during the operation they understood Marines have a goal to accomplish. In fact, Iraqis welcomed the Marines in to their homes for hot tea and freshly baked flatbread.

Marines saw the invitations and welcoming attitudes as a good sign. Local Iraqis are seeing Marines keep the pressure on insurgents and that's translating into safer communities for citizens in the area.

• Date Taken: 09.05.2006
• Date Posted: 09.14.2006 11:42
• Story ID: 7730
• Location: CAMP HABBANIYAH, IQ