It's been several months since Marines with 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 3, first arrived to Forward Operating Base Geronimo, and even though operations continue 24 hours a day, Marines do more than just work and sleep.
The FOB may seem meager in comparison to some of the larger, more-established bases in country, but the Marines here have everything they need, said Lance Cpl. James Pursley, a guard force Marine.
The base includes a chow hall, field-expedient bathrooms, showers and even a Morale, Welfare and Recreation tent with Internet and phone access, he explained.
The chaplain also operates out of the MWR tent. Marines know they can visit the MWR/chaplain tent for personal items such as razor blades, shaving cream and soap, as well as snacks, and the MWR/chaplain tent holds movie night every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.
Petty Officer 2nd Class Michael Caldera, a religious program specialist, said, "We are here to do as much for the Marines as we can."
The MWR/chaplain tent offers many different services including snacks and coffee for the Marines, Caldera said.
"The only things I could do without are the sand storms," Pursley said of the dust devils that blow through camp almost daily in summer and are common year-round.
Though deployed, Marines continue maintenance training such as Marine Corps Martial Arts Program. There is also a gym that includes free weights so physical training is more than just running and pull-ups.
"Life on Geronimo is actually pretty good," said field wireman Lance Cpl. Eric Fisher."