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thedrifter
07-20-04, 06:33 AM
22nd MEU (SOC) recognized for its role in the war on terror
Submitted by: 22nd MEU
Story Identification #: 20047205332
Story by Gunnery Sgt.



KANDAHAR AIR FIELD, Afghanistan (July 20, 2004) -- A recent Marine Administrative message (MarAdmin 295/04) listed the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) as among those units awarded the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal (GWOTEM).

In mid-March 2003, President George W. Bush signed an executive order creating the GWOTEM and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and earlier this year the Department of Defense published the exact criteria for the award.

"These medals recognize the significant contributions members of the armed forces bring to bear in combating terrorism in all forms throughout the world - - for both current and future operations," stated the DoD news release announcing the medals.

The awarding of the GWOTEM to the 22nd MEU (SOC) was specifically for its 2002 deployment during which the unit conducted security operations in Pakistan, humanitarian relief efforts in Djibouti, and several other operations in the Central Command theater, the nature of which remain classified.

Approval for the MEU's current deployment that includes extended combat service in Afghanistan remains pending until the unit leaves the area of operations.

The GWOTEM is positioned above the GWOTSM, both of which are worn before the Armed Forces Service Medal. There are currently no provisions for multiple awards of the GWOTEM.

The scarlet, white, and blue stripes on the GWOTEM's ribbon represent the United States while the gold stands for excellence and the light blue for worldwide cooperation against terrorism.

On the front of the medal's bronze-colored disc is a shield and eagle representing the United States. In the eagle's claws is a crushed serpent meant to symbolize terrorism, two crossed swords beneath the shield represent readiness, and the underlying wreath denotes honor and achievement.

The medal's reverse again features the swords, eagle, and crushed serpent, and the disc is encircled with the inscription "War On Terrorism Expeditionary Medal."

For Marines seeking information on their GWOTEM eligibility for their service with the 22nd MEU (SOC), they should review MarAdmins 129/04 and 295/04 or speak with their respective administrative support unit. A future MarAdmin will provide specific dates of eligibility for the award.

During its LF6F 2-02 deployment (February to August 2002), the MEU consisted of its Command Element, Battalion Landing Team 2nd Bn., 6th Marines, Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 261 (Reinforced), and MEU Service Support Group 22. Currently, the MEU's major subordinate elements are BLT 1/6, HMM-266 (Reinforced), and MSSG-22.

For more information on the 22nd MEU (SOC)'s role in Operation ENDURING FREEDOM, visit the unit's web site at http://www.22meu.usmc.mil.

http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/image1.nsf/Lookup/200472023545/$file/GWOTEM_Low.jpg

MarAdmin 295/04 announced the awarding of the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal to the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) for its service in Operation ENDURING FREEDOM during the unit's 2002 deployment. At the time, the MEU consisted of its Command Element, Battalion Landing Team 2nd Bn., 6th Marines, Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 266 (Reinforced), and MEU Service Support Group 22. Photo by: DoD Image

http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/mcn2000.nsf/main5/6ECDB29985FA2D9985256ED70031C35C?opendocument


Ellie

thedrifter
07-20-04, 08:20 AM
July 19, 2004 <br />
<br />
Americans accused of running private jail appear before Afghan judge <br />
<br />
By Stephen Graham <br />
Associated Press <br />
<br />
<br />
KABUL, Afghanistan — Three Americans accused of detaining and abusing...

thedrifter
07-21-04, 07:49 AM
U.S., Afghan forces kill suspected militant, capture relative of Taliban leader; American soldier wounded

By: STEPHEN GRAHAM - Associated Press

KABUL, Afghanistan -- Afghan and U.S. forces killed one militant and captured five others Tuesday, including a brother-in-law of Taliban leader Mullah Omar. An American soldier reportedly was wounded in a separate attack.

On Tuesday night, two rockets were fired into Kabul, blowing a hole in a busy main road and landing near a downtown theater. There were no casualties. Police Chief Gen. Baba Jan blamed "the enemies of Afghanistan and its people" -- shorthand here for Taliban militants and followers of warlords opposed to Karzai's government.

Earlier, President Hamid Karzai tried to quell a threat to upcoming national elections by shifting three militia commanders to different posts. Karzai has said warlords -- not the Taliban -- are the greatest threat to Afghanistan's recovery from more than two decades of fighting.


Mullah Amanullah, brother-in-law of the fugitive Taliban leader, was detained near Deh Rawood, Omar's hometown in Uruzgan province, 250 miles southwest of the capital, Kabul, police chief Rozi Khan told The Associated Press.

Afghan forces, acting on a tip, went to an area called Sangar and stopped Amanullah's car. Amanullah started shooting, killing a police commander.

Authorities searched the car and found three remote-controlled bombs, a satellite telephone and an AK-47 assault rifle, Khan said.

It was not immediately known what role Amanullah held in the Taliban movement or whether he had any recent contact with Mullah Omar, who could have a large network of in-laws through his four wives.

Khan said Afghan authorities might hand Amanullah over to American forces. U.S. military spokesman Maj. Rick Peat had no information on the arrest.

Uruzgan and neighboring Zabul have been the focus of an insurgency by Omar's followers since American and Afghan forces deposed the Taliban regime in late 2001.

Gov. Khial Mohammed said one militant was killed and four were captured in Zabul on Monday when U.S. and Afghan troops searched villages for guns and rebels.

The five tried to hide in a house when soldiers arrived in a village in Nawbahar district, Mohammed said. "One of them was killed. The others tried to run away but they were captured," he said.

The American soldier was shot and wounded in Arghandab, another district of Zabul, deputy police chief Ghulam Jailani said.

"Four Taliban riding two motorcycles attacked two Humvees who were on patrol there," Jailani said.

U.S. forces later seized one suspect, he said.

The American military had no immediate comment on that incident.

Further south, dozens of suspected Taliban armed with assault rifles attacked a district mayor's office in Kandahar province, a local official said. One attacker was detained.

The American military last week announced a new operation intended to prevent militants from derailing the Oct. 9 presidential election and April parliamentary vote. The United Nations warns that armed factions could use their guns to sway the vote.

The U.S. force, which recently peaked at 20,000, has been unable to halt a string of attacks on election workers, aid workers, officials and troops.

The elections initially were planned for June but were delayed partly because of the reluctance to disarm warlords who helped rout the Taliban.

Karzai's spokesman said shifting three top militia commanders would help.

"The government is trying to provide opportunities for the people to have free and fair elections," spokesman Jawed Ludin said. "We are very happy that everyone is interested in cooperating."

In an agreement reached this week, northern Gen. Atta Mohammed will become governor of Balkh province, Ludin said. That province includes Mazar-e-Sharif, the city where Mohammed's mainly Tajik militia has feuded relentlessly with that of Uzbek rival Abdul Rashid Dostum.

In eastern Nangarhar, commander Hazrat Ali becomes provincial police chief. The corps commander of southern Kandahar, Khan Mohammed, makes the same switch.

Associated Press writer Noor Khan in Kandahar contributed to this report.

http://www.nctimes.com/articles/2004/07/21/military/16_46_417_20_04.txt


Ellie

thedrifter
07-22-04, 08:29 AM
Fleet Support Division's Tech Assist Team 'gets the job done' in Afghanistan
Submitted by: MCLB Barstow
Story Identification #: 2004715111924
Story by Cpl. Andy Hurt



MARINE CORPS LOGISTICS BASE BARSTOW, Calif. (July 15, 2004) -- Eight Marines from MCLB Barstow’s Fleet Support Division Technical Assistance team returned recently from their deployment to Afghanistan.

The Marines, a group of technical experts in their respective specialties, deployed to the middle-eastern country in late May.

Their mission: fasten heavy armor plates to tactical vehicles currently used for battling terrorists in Operation Enduring Freedom.

From corporal to master sergeant, each Marine carried his own weight through country, and each Marine returned safely to MCLB Barstow in June.

The deployment tasked the Marines at a moment’s notice, and quick preparation played a vital role in the overall success of the mission. Once the unit found itself on the opposite side of the planet, a massive workload laid itself upon the Marines who were ready and willing to serve.

The armor plating, a technological concept so new the Marine Corps doesn’t even have an acronym for it yet, awaited the team in Kandahar, Afghanistan unassembled and featured no installation instructions.

Nevertheless, the wizards of expedient engineering “snapped-to” and fastened the first set of armor to a HMMWV in about two-and-a-half hours, said Staff Sgt. Willy Hightower, an engineer equipment inspector chief with the Tech Assist team.

The armor plates weigh approximately 475 pounds each. Two of the plates were fastened to the HMMWVs, in the front and rear beneath the engine packs and rear cargo area, said Hightower.

“They were extremely heavy and had to be jacked up and bolted in,” he said.

The bolts used were provided with the armor kits, and like the plates, were foreign to the vehicle. Obstacles were conquered each time the Marines twisted a 9/16-inch drill bit into the frame of the vehicles in order to secure the plates, said Hightower.

It is sometimes said that practice makes perfect, and the Tech Assist team may be living proof.

Hightower said that once the assembly/fastening process was smoothed out on the HMMWVs and MTVRs, the team could install the system in around 45 minutes per vehicle.

With the process streamlined for the team while seated “in the rear,” operation tempo picked up and “hot” Taliban activity was reported in North Afghanistan at Orazgon, an offensive position manned by Reconissance and Air/Naval Gunfire Liaison Company Marines, and from there to where the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (SOC) had set up Forward Operating Base Ripley.

“FOB Ripley was good to go,” said Hightower, “the threat was to the East of us. It wasn’t hot when we got there, but as soon as we left it got hot again.”

The vehicle hardening operation picked up steam, and near the end of the deployment, the team had fastened armor plates on 121 vehicles, said Hightower.

Other Marines lending their knowledge and expertise to the mission from MCLB Barstow include Gunnery Sgt. Richard Celaya, Master Sgt. James Seifert, Gunnery Sgt. James Kurek, Gunnery Sgt. Mark Stoddard, Staff Sgt. Rodney Smith, Sgt. Nathaniel Brown and Cpl. Thomas Maxwell.

Local wildlife and ecology played a memorable role for the Marines as well. Hightower said he spent two days in a hospital after being unwittingly attacked by a Camel Spider, a spiny, yellow, creepy-crawler native to the Middle East, in his sleep.

He was bitten on the elbow and a web was constructed across his face while asleep. “I woke up and my elbow was swollen and it was like my face was in a cocoon,” said Hightower.

Kurek fell victim to the powdery desert dust and found himself nearly sedated on the amount of anti-histamines he was prescribed to consume.

“The desert, the mountains, the color, everything looked exactly like Barstow (Calif.),” exclaimed Hightower as he laughed.

Spiders, dust and the task at hand, however, paled in comparison to the overall importance and outcome of the mission: life saving.

Unofficial reports have made their way to Hightower, who tells of two rocket-propelled grenades impacting the armor plating with little or no damage to the warriors within.

Hightower said he could not confirm his source.

“When we got there, the Marines had the vehicles filled with sandbags and had flak jackets draped over the sides,” said Hightower, “We started to take them out so we could put the plates in, and they were like, ‘We need those.’ We told them ‘No, not anymore.’”


http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/image1.nsf/Lookup/2004715112119/$file/jack_lores.jpg

Cpl. Thomas Maxwell and Master Sgt. James Seifert of Fleet Support Division's Tech Assist team install armor plating on the underside of an HMMWV while recently deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Photo by: Photo courtesy of Gunnery Sgt. Richard Celeya

http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/image1.nsf/Lookup/2004715112327/$file/group_lores.jpg

MCLB Barstow's Tech Assist Team staged at Forward Operating Base Ripley, near Tirin Cot, Afghanistan. Pictured from top row left to bottom right are: Chief Warrant Officer-3 Eric Gilmer, maintenance chief, MCLB Albany, Gunnery Sgt. Mark Stoddard, Staff Sgt. Rodney Smith, Gunnery Sgt. James Kurek, Gunnery Sgt. Richard Celeya, Lt. Col. Ben Braden, commanding officer, MSSG-22, (bottom row, left to right) Master Sgt. James Seifert, Staff Sgt. Willy Hightower, Sgt. Nathaniel Brown, and Cpl. Thomas Maxwell. Photo by: Photo courtesy of Gunnery Sgt. Richard Celeya

http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/mcn2000.nsf/main5/14B1BC0E6DD0233985256ED200542C8D?opendocument


Ellie

thedrifter
07-22-04, 11:30 AM
U.S. Marine force pulls out of Taliban stronghold
KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) — U.S. Marines have pulled out of a Taliban stronghold in southern Afghanistan after killing more than 100 enemy fighters, their commander said Thursday.
The 2,000-strong force, which lost just one Marine, has withdrawn to an American air base in the southern city of Kandahar and is preparing to leave the country, Col. Frank McKenzie said. That withdrawal had already been announced.

The contingent, part of the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, deployed in late March in an attempt to divert militants from attacking preparations for historic elections.

But violence has continued and parliamentary elections have been shelved until April. A vote for president is set for Oct. 9, more than three months later than originally scheduled.

McKenzie said he "would not challenge" reports that more than 100 enemy fighters were killed during the Marines' four-month tour in Uruzgan, home of fugitive Taliban leader Mullah Omar, and neighboring areas. He declined to give an exact figure.

One Marine was killed and 11 injured in combat operations, often conducted jointly with Afghan troops. None of the Afghans were killed, but about 15 were wounded, he said.

The fighting was the bloodiest in Afghanistan since last fall and brought to more than 600 the number of people killed in violence here this year.

McKenzie said his forces' "decisive combat success" had helped pave the way for Afghans in the Uruzgan area to register to vote in the upcoming elections.

But the level of fighting also illustrates the enduring resistance to foreign troops and the government of U.S.-backed President Hamid Karzai more than two years after the fall of the Taliban.

Some 17,000 U.S.-led troops remain in Afghanistan, including a battalion from the 25th Infantry Division which has replaced the Marines in Uruzgan.


http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/2004-07-22-marines-withdraw_x.htm


Ellie

thedrifter
07-23-04, 06:56 AM
Tools of war a link to Afghanistan's war-ravaged past
Submitted by: 22nd MEU
Story Identification #: 200472333758
Story by Gunnery Sgt. Keith A. Milks



KANDAHAR AIR FIELD, Afghanistan (July 23, 2004) -- Everywhere in Afghanistan are reminders of the country's war-ravaged past.

Aboard Kandahar Air Field, which the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) used as a jumping-off point for operations deeper in the country, one of the first sights that greeted the unit's Marines and Sailors was a bullet-scarred mosque.

Also on KAF are the rusting hulks of Soviet-made MiG fighters and Hind attack helicopters, both throwbacks to the Russian invasion of the 1980s. But it is out in the Afghan hinterlands that the prolificacy of the tools of war has been seen and experienced by the MEU's Marines and Sailors.

During its hunt for Taliban and anti-coalition over the past few months, the MEU has devoted much of its time and resources to looking for, finding, and destroying these tools of war.

"Each household is allowed to have one shotgun or rifle, even if it's an AK-47 [fully-automatic Russian assault rifle]," explained Cpl. Dan Dimosa, a machine gunner from Hopewell Junction, New York assigned to the Combined Anti-Armor Team of Battalion Landing Team 1st Bn., 6th Marines. "We spend a lot of time looking to see if they have more than that or lie about it."

During its time in Afghanistan, the MEU's Marines and Sailors have uncovered a substantial amount of arms and ammunition ranging from brand new assault rifles to vintage bolt-action and breech-loaded rifles dating from the late 19th century. The vast majority of these arms, if fact all of them, are of foreign manufacture, with the most recent being from China and Soviet-bloc countries, and older models from Britain and the United States.

Not all of these weapons are firearms, though. During a recent operation, Petty Officer 2nd Class Jason Shevokas, a corpsman assigned to Battalion Landing Team 1st Bn., 6th Marines, the MEU's ground combat element, found a sword wrapped in blankets and buried in a pile of manure. Discussions with village elders revealed the sword was a family heirloom hidden to keep it out of the hands of Taliban marauders who routinely prey on the villagers for food and supplies.

Over the years, villagers supporting the Taliban and other anti-coalition factions have grown particularly adept at hiding weapons. False walls, trap doors, hidden rooms, stacks of hay, and farmer's fields have all been used to stash weapons. Recently, a group of Marines found a 78.7 pound Dshk-38 anti-aircraft machine gun buried intact, tripod and all, deep in the ground outside a farmer's house.

The heavy machine gun, like nearly all the other arms and ammunition found by the MEU was subsequently destroyed by Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) technicians.

"The villagers are real good at hiding stuff," said Sgt. Johnathan Gonzales, a combat engineer with BLT 1/6, "and every day we're getting better at finding it."

Gonzales said that in mid-May during Operation RIO BRAVO, and given the amount of weapons found since then and before, he was right on the money.

In addition to BLT 1/6, the MEU consists of its Command Element, Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 266 (Reinforced), and MEU Service Support Group 22.

For more information on the 22nd MEU (SOC)'s role in Operation ENDURING FREEDOM, visit the unit's web site at htpp://www.22meu.usmc.mil.

http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/image1.nsf/Lookup/200472333952/$file/Weapons_DHSK_Low.jpg

Staff Sgt. Jeremy Coppola and Cpl. Christopher Hurst from the Combined Anti-Armor Team (CAAT) of Battalion Landing Team 1st Bn., 6th Marines examine a Soviet-made 12.7mm DHSK heavy machine gun discovered buried in a Afghan farmer's field. BLT 1/6 is the ground combat element of the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) and recently concluded three months of conducting combat and civil military operations in Afghanistan. Photo by: Gunnery Sgt. Keith A. Milks

http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/mcn2000.nsf/main5/EBE964FA2B4D4D7285256EDA0029ED9A?opendocument

Ellie

thedrifter
07-24-04, 06:46 AM
U.S. Marines set to depart Afghanistan
Force killed 100 fighters during 4-month mission

Associated Press
Originally published July 23, 2004

KABUL, Afghanistan - U.S. Marines have pulled out of a Taliban stronghold in southern Afghanistan after killing more than 100 enemy fighters, their commander said yesterday.

The 2,400-strong force, which lost one Marine, has withdrawn to an American air base in the southern city of Kandahar and is preparing to leave the country, Col. Frank McKenzie said. The withdrawal already had been announced.

The Marines were returning to American warships "to await further orders," military spokesman Maj. Rick Peat said. He said there were no indications that the Marines would be deployed in Iraq but said he didn't know where the ships were.

The contingent, part of the special-operations-capable 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, deployed in late March in an attempt to divert militants from attacking preparations for historic elections.

Speaking to reporters in Kabul, McKenzie said he "would not challenge" reports that more than 100 enemy fighters were killed during the Marines' four-month tour in and around Uruzgan, home of fugitive Taliban leader Mullah Omar. He declined to give an exact figure.

The arrival of the Marines, who are based at Camp Lejeune, N.C., brought U.S.-led forces in Afghanistan to about 20,000 - the most ever. The overall American commander here, Lt. Gen. David Barno, has said the force will settle at about 17,000 once they leave.

A battalion from the 25th Infantry Division, which provides the backbone of the American force here, has moved into Uruzgan to replace them.




Copyright © 2004, The Baltimore Sun | Get home delivery

http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/custom/attack/bal-te.for23jul23,1,4891284.story?coll=bal-nationworld-headlines


Ellie

thedrifter
07-25-04, 07:10 AM
Afghanistan's senior war fighter visits the 22nd MEU
Submitted by: 22nd MEU
Story Identification #: 200472443331
Story by Gunnery Sgt. Keith A. Milks



KANDAHAR AIR FIELD, Afghanistan (July 24, 2004) -- A lesser man might have been intimidated, but Army Maj. Gen. Eric T. Olson held his own when he faced down the 2,300 Marines and Sailors of the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable).

Arrayed before Olson in tight formation behind its billeting area aboard Kandahar Air Field, Afghanistan, the MEU listened intently as Olson praised their efforts in the war on terror since their arrival in Afghanistan nearly four months ago.

"This has been the most successful military operation since I've been here and no unit could've done any better," said Olson, who took the reins as the commanding general of Combined Joint Task Force 76 (CJTF-76) in mid-April. "Never has a force been so flexible and so successful."

Olson continued. "From the mechanics turning wrenches to the pilots, from the infantrymen to the signalers, you couldn't have accomplished a thing without the individual contribution each Marine, Sailor and Solider makes."

The 22nd MEU (SOC) was designated Task Force Linebacker during its time in Afghanistan and consists of its Command Element, Battalion Landing Team 1st Bn., 6th Marines, Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 266 (Reinforced), and MEU Service Support Group 22. Additionally, the unit was reinforced at times with Afghan National Army forces, various Navy and Army support units, and an entire Army infantry battalion (2nd Bn., 5th Infantry Regt., 3rd Brigade, 25th Infantry Division).

Beginning in late March, the MEU undertook a series of offensive combat and civil military operations in central Afghanistan's rugged Oruzgan and Zabol provinces, which have long been strongholds for Taliban and anti-coalition forces. During this time, the MEU killed more than a hundred enemy fighters, captured scores of enemy fighters or sympathizers, confiscated thousands of weapons and types of ordnance, started or completed over a hundred civil affairs projects, and helped register nearly 60 thousand Afghans to vote in the country's upcoming elections.

After the formation, Olson, a combat veteran of both Kuwait and Somalia, ate breakfast with Marines from throughout the MEU, some of who have already been recommended for awards for their battlefield valor.

"This is a time you'll remember the rest of your life," Olson told the group, "and you'll always be able to look back on your service in Afghanistan with pride."

Olson also took the opportunity to present the MEU's commanding officer, Col. Kenneth F. McKenzie Jr., the Bronze Star medal for his leadership of Task Force Linebacker.

"This award is not only recognition of his leadership, but also of your superb service."

Following breakfast, Olson left the MEU to visit Army units who are continuing the fight against Taliban and anti-coalition forces as the 22nd MEU (SOC) prepares to leave Afghanistan and reembark aboard the amphibious assault ships of Expeditionary Strike Group 2.

"This was a hard deployment for you, and there are few that will be harder," said Olson in his closing remarks. "You made history here. When the Taliban began, it was a few miles north of here in the Oruzgan Bowl [home of the MEU's forward operating base] where you fought and won."

"You killed or captured a bunch of people here and showed others there are alternatives to the Taliban. Because of you, a group like that will never again find a home in Afghanistan."

For more information on the 22nd MEU (SOC)'s role in Operation ENDURING FREEDOM, visit the unit's web site at http://www.22meu.usmc.mil.


http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/image1.nsf/Lookup/200472445134/$file/Olson_Speaking_Low.jpg

Army Maj. Gen. Eric Olson,commanding general of Combined Joint Task Force 76, addresses the Marines and Sailors of the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) aboard Kandahar Air Field, Afghanistan. Olson used the opportunity to thank the MEU for its four-month service in Afghanistan. Photo by: Cpl. Jemssy Alvarez

http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/mcn2000.nsf/main5/68841969017793F285256EDB002F03E7?opendocument


Ellie

thedrifter
07-26-04, 05:50 AM
Headquarters commandant section keeps 22nd MEU running smoothly
Submitted by: 22nd MEU
Story Identification #: 20047201357
Story by Sgt. Matt C. Preston



KANDAHAR AIR FIELD, Afghanistan (July 20, 2004) -- Every Marine in the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) is expected to carry his own weight. However, there are myriad tasks that have to be performed in order to keep the MEU running smoothly. There is no specialized training, but the work must be done.

Those jobs fall on the shoulders of the Headquarters Commandant.

“We make sure the base runs properly,” said Staff Sgt. Jonathon Clark, of Greenville, S.C. “When something occurs, we’re usually on it right away.”

The Headquarters Commandant must be flexible, doing jobs you may not expect and certainly may not want.

“I’m a jack of all trades,” said Lance Corporal Blaise Cowen, a Hammonton, N.J., native and member of the Camp Commandant team.

Maintaining the Combat Operations Center and the rest of the Command Element’s supporting infrastructure keeps the team on their feet. They coordinate VIP transportation, set up concertina wire and perimeter barriers, drive passengers and cargo to and from the flight line, burning feces out of the port-o-let cans, and the list is endless.

“There has been a lot to do,” said Cpl. James Mayes, a Headquarters Commandant Marine from Seattle, Wash. “There are a lot of time-consuming jobs that have to get done. Every time there’s a kink in the COC, we have to go smooth it out and make sure there’s no residual kinks as a result.”

Sometimes the Headquarters Commandant is called upon to assist with working parties to build essential portions of the FOB. For example, Cowen helped build the helicopter-landing pad for the MEU’s medical evacuation helicopters. Each job brings it’s own set of challenges, such as the weather and terrain.

“It’s very hot,” said Cowen, “and there’s a two-foot metal rod that goes in the ground. The ground is pure rock.”

Even when not helping construct the base, taking care of the Command Element is a big job alone. With over 280 Marines in the Command Element, ensuring they have the necessities, such as water and a place to sleep can be hard to juggle, particularly when their work backgrounds are so diverse. The Marines who work in the Headquarters Commandant section come from a variety of military occupational specialties (MOS). There is no formal school for these Marines, so the fact that the team works so well is a testament to their adaptability.

“When you consider you’re take a whole lot of MOS’s, they have been all coming together,” said Master Sgt. Edward F. Agans, of Oneida, N.Y., the Command Element Headquarters Commandant. “The Marines are the ones doing all the hard work.”

In addition to its Command Element, the MEU consists of Battalion Landing Team 1st Bn., 6th Marines, Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 266 (Reinforced), and MEU Service Support Group 22.

For more information on the 22nd MEU (SOC)'s role in Operation ENDURING FREEDOM, visit the unit's web site at http://www.22meu.usmc.mil.

http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/mcn2000.nsf/main5/07E1C5C288DF11E185256ED7001EAE8B?opendocument


Ellie