thedrifter
07-10-07, 06:18 AM
Convoys are pivotal to keeping military operations running at optimum performance. They keep the fight fueled and make sure every Marine operating forward has what they need.
Just as important is civilian commercial and private traffic, which serves as the foundation for rebuilding an economy and, overall, rebuilding a nation.
While insurgents try to thwart this progress, Marines with Military Police Company, 2nd Maintenance Battalion, 2nd Marine Logistics Group (Forward) keep a watchful eye on the roads.
At the “tip of the spear” of the patrols are the patrol leaders most of whom are corporals: the junior noncommissioned officer rank in the Corps.
Cpl. Andrew B. Coleman, a military policeman with the company, serves as vehicle commander on these patrols.
“Our biggest responsibility is route clearance – making sure the roads are clear for convoys to come through,” the Savannah, Ga., native explained. “We search vehicles and look for (improvised explosive device) making materials or anything else out of the ordinary.”
During these convoys, the patrol leader runs the show while vehicle commanders are responsible for everyone and everything in the vehicles, Coleman said.
“In the past, these patrols were led by (staff noncommissioned officers) or officers. They are forced to make tough decisions while operating independently on patrols,” explained 1st Lt. Anita J. Genetti, the executive officer of the company.
“We have to rely on them to make mature decisions because their actions can quickly become high visibility at every level. It's a lot of weight on their shoulders but they are well trained and have proven they are fully capable of the task.”
Before the mission, the Marines go over an extensive pre-combat checklist to ensure everyone has the proper equipment needed and that all vehicles are prepared to handle the demands of Iraq’s terrain.
These checks and balances are all part of creating the type of tight-knight, integral team needed to accomplish the mission at hand.
“With the unit cohesion we have and small unit leadership, we are able to get things done,” Coleman explained. “Everyone has a mutual respect for one another.”
Genetti added how important that respect is when the Marines are on patrol.
“Their integrity is vital since they are expected to do all the right things in the absence of senior leadership. It requires a great deal of maturity on their part. The NCOs ensure that their Marines maintain high levels of discipline at all times,” explained Genetti.
Their knowledge of mission accomplishment and junior-leadership also helps the Marines progress professionally.
“It’s easier to learn from someone who is only one rank above you,” said Lance Cpl. Daniel A. Reeves, a military policeman with the company and Gillett, Wis., native. “They know what it’s like to be in your shoes because it was not that long ago they were.”
Passing on those lessons learned is one of the most important factors of strengthening the unit, according to Coleman.
“It makes better Marines and better leaders,” Coleman said.
Just as important is civilian commercial and private traffic, which serves as the foundation for rebuilding an economy and, overall, rebuilding a nation.
While insurgents try to thwart this progress, Marines with Military Police Company, 2nd Maintenance Battalion, 2nd Marine Logistics Group (Forward) keep a watchful eye on the roads.
At the “tip of the spear” of the patrols are the patrol leaders most of whom are corporals: the junior noncommissioned officer rank in the Corps.
Cpl. Andrew B. Coleman, a military policeman with the company, serves as vehicle commander on these patrols.
“Our biggest responsibility is route clearance – making sure the roads are clear for convoys to come through,” the Savannah, Ga., native explained. “We search vehicles and look for (improvised explosive device) making materials or anything else out of the ordinary.”
During these convoys, the patrol leader runs the show while vehicle commanders are responsible for everyone and everything in the vehicles, Coleman said.
“In the past, these patrols were led by (staff noncommissioned officers) or officers. They are forced to make tough decisions while operating independently on patrols,” explained 1st Lt. Anita J. Genetti, the executive officer of the company.
“We have to rely on them to make mature decisions because their actions can quickly become high visibility at every level. It's a lot of weight on their shoulders but they are well trained and have proven they are fully capable of the task.”
Before the mission, the Marines go over an extensive pre-combat checklist to ensure everyone has the proper equipment needed and that all vehicles are prepared to handle the demands of Iraq’s terrain.
These checks and balances are all part of creating the type of tight-knight, integral team needed to accomplish the mission at hand.
“With the unit cohesion we have and small unit leadership, we are able to get things done,” Coleman explained. “Everyone has a mutual respect for one another.”
Genetti added how important that respect is when the Marines are on patrol.
“Their integrity is vital since they are expected to do all the right things in the absence of senior leadership. It requires a great deal of maturity on their part. The NCOs ensure that their Marines maintain high levels of discipline at all times,” explained Genetti.
Their knowledge of mission accomplishment and junior-leadership also helps the Marines progress professionally.
“It’s easier to learn from someone who is only one rank above you,” said Lance Cpl. Daniel A. Reeves, a military policeman with the company and Gillett, Wis., native. “They know what it’s like to be in your shoes because it was not that long ago they were.”
Passing on those lessons learned is one of the most important factors of strengthening the unit, according to Coleman.
“It makes better Marines and better leaders,” Coleman said.