thedrifter
09-26-07, 06:40 AM
Billings Marine unit takes part in global fight against terrorism
Sep 25, 2007 10:33 PM
Reporting from KTVQ in Billings
They've been recon Marines since their unit was first sent to Vietnam in the late 1960's. Now Montana's lone Marine Corps Reserve Unit is eyeing a new mission.
Marines come from all across the Rocky Mountain West to be a part of this local Marine Corps Reserve Unit.
Over the last year, the Marines have been transitioning from their recon status to what is now the Marine Corps' only anti-terrorism battalion.
Captain William Gordon says the loss of the unit's recon designation is hard for some.
He says their new counterterrorism mission makes their unit the tip of the spear in the global war on terror. The unit is preparing for their fourth deployment in support of Operation Iraq Freedom and Gordon says they're ready.
"They know that what they're learning now and what they're being told by their leadership. It means something. It's not just we're gonna practice every Sunday for the Super Bowl and maybe never play. They know they're going. This is what they joined for."
In addition to force protection and global counter-terrorism missions members of the Anti-Terrorism Battalion in Billings may also be called on to serve as members of personal security teams for top officials in war zones.
Ellie
Sep 25, 2007 10:33 PM
Reporting from KTVQ in Billings
They've been recon Marines since their unit was first sent to Vietnam in the late 1960's. Now Montana's lone Marine Corps Reserve Unit is eyeing a new mission.
Marines come from all across the Rocky Mountain West to be a part of this local Marine Corps Reserve Unit.
Over the last year, the Marines have been transitioning from their recon status to what is now the Marine Corps' only anti-terrorism battalion.
Captain William Gordon says the loss of the unit's recon designation is hard for some.
He says their new counterterrorism mission makes their unit the tip of the spear in the global war on terror. The unit is preparing for their fourth deployment in support of Operation Iraq Freedom and Gordon says they're ready.
"They know that what they're learning now and what they're being told by their leadership. It means something. It's not just we're gonna practice every Sunday for the Super Bowl and maybe never play. They know they're going. This is what they joined for."
In addition to force protection and global counter-terrorism missions members of the Anti-Terrorism Battalion in Billings may also be called on to serve as members of personal security teams for top officials in war zones.
Ellie