FORWARD OPERATING BASE INKERMAN, Helmand Province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan -- The Marines and sailors of the 81mm Mortar Platoon, Weapons Company, 1st Battalion, 5th Marines, conducted an atmospherics and security patrol, April 16.
The patrol route took the Marines down Route 611 and through the village of Sareagar, allowing interaction with local residents while maintaining a strong presence in the area.
Upon reaching an intersection known as the “bus stop,” the squad-sized element and its Afghan National Army counterparts conducted a vehicle checkpoint.
Six months ago this would have been impossible to do, since the route was an unpaved road heavily laden with improvised explosive devices. Today, the 611 is a primary route used by the residents to get to the bazaar and move freely through Sangin.
“At the end of the day it is imperative that we are always out there,” said 1st Lt. Patrick B. O’Shea, the platoon commander. “The simple fact is that if we are out there conducting patrols and VCPs, the enemy is forced to go underground and cannot intimidate the local population.”
Collectively, they stopped and searched more than 100 motorcycles and vehicles. The Marines and ANA soldiers were able to interact with the local residents and show a presence in the area. The Marines knew their presence was important to creating a safe environment for the people of Sareagar and show insurgents they are not going anywhere.
“We have to be out there so the people can see us and feel safe,” said Sgt. Richard D. Schimkat, a squad leader for the 81’s platoon. “If the people see the (insurgents) out there more than they see us, then people feel like the (insurgents) dominate the area.”
With the spring offensive on its way, the Marines recognize stopping vehicles alone will not accomplish their mission in Sangin. They learned from their predecessors with 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines, the importance of employing counterinsurgency tactics to win the trust of the Afghans.
“We can run around and beat the bad guys in every firefight, but at the end of the day we won’t win that way,” said O’Shea, from Oakdale, N.Y. “We have to figure out the causes of instabilities and why there are problems if we are going to ensure the efforts in Sangin are sustainable.”
Mingling with local residents and developing rapport with them does not just save lives, said Schimkat it also enables them to stand up for themselves and work with the Marines to keep the area safe.
On top of that, going out and meeting with local residents also improves the Marines’ morale.
“I like to get to know the people, and after so many patrols you learn who lives where,” said Schimkat, from Lake Havasa City, Ariz. “Seeing the kids all the time out on patrols and getting to hang out with them just motivates me.“
Despite the challenges they face day in and day out, the Marines of the 81mm Mortar Platoon know they must remain vigilant on patrol and employ counterinsurgency tactics in order to ensure a safe environment for the people of Sareagar.
Editors note: 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, is part of Regimental Combat Team 8, Task Force Leatherneck, and is currently supporting combat operations in Northern Helmand province. The task force, headed by 2nd Marine Division (Forward), 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.