BABADAG TRAINING AREA, Romania -- Black Sea Rotational Force 13 is more than just a Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Take Force. It takes more than Marines with rifles to make it work. Like a well-oiled machine, several supporting elements work together to keep the 300-person force operational. It has an administration section, civil affairs section, food services section, a motor pool, and more. Each section has a unique function that keeps BSRF-13 “in the fight.”
Cpl. Thomas Wood, an intelligence specialist with BSRF-13, works in the intelligence section to improve the commander’s situational awareness. “I analyze information gathered from several different sources and formulate a report for the higher ups,” said Wood.
Wood’s “intel” shop is responsible for supplying critical information, from weather reports to gathering information from enemy personnel and submitting an intel report, and determining how external forces affect the battle for all personnel. Small unit leaders benefit from information, like weather reports, which help make decisions about how much gear and food they’ll carry for missions. The battalion commander and his tactical decision makes use intel reports to formulate appropriate plans which reflect the most current information.
While supporting a field exercise BSRF-13 conducted in Babadag Training Area, Romania, Cpl. Wood helped build the training scenarios the Macedonian and Romanians soldier encountered. In one scenario, a patrol discovered a simulated improvised explosive device, while another was a protest at the front gate where a simulated suicide bomber attacked, and the Macedonian soldiers had to react to a mass-casualty situation.
“I have many responsibilities that are critical to any mission,” said Wood. “I am responsible for map upkeep, weather updates and gather information that could provide intel on the enemy. The S-2 lives by the old saying ‘intel drives operations.’”
The final exercise during the first of two visits by BSRF-13 to BTA consisted of over 20 different scenarios in a 48 hour period. The Macedonian soldiers engaged in the exercise conducted patrols, maintained an entry control point and dealt with protesters.
The first iteration of training engagements at BTA is now complete. Marines and sailors will have a camaraderie day with the partner forces that will include a barbeque and competitive sports.
BSRF-13 will be supporting various military engagements while also serving as a crisis contingency force for the Black Sea, Caucus, and Balkan region. BSRF-13 is slated to conduct military engagement operations with approximately 21 different nations during its six-month deployment. During that time, BSRF will exchange and advise small unit tactics, convoy operations, live fire weapon ranges, non-lethal weapons employment and counter-improvised explosive device training.