The United States Marine Corps

[vor033]

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A U.S. Marine with India Company, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, instructs fellow Marines on fire and maneuver at Range 410 at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, Calif., July 14, 2010, during training exercise Enhanced Mojave Viper. Enhanced Mojave Viper is a combined arms exercise that prepares Marines for deployment to Afghanistan.

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A U.S. Marine with India Company, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, fires his rifle to suppress enemy fire at Range 410 at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, Calif., July 14, 2010, during training exercise Enhanced Mojave Viper. Enhanced Mojave Viper is a combined arms exercise that prepares Marines for deployment to Afghanistan.

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A U.S. Marine with India Company, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, fires his weapon to suppress enemy fire at Range 410 at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, Calif., July 14, 2010, during training exercise Enhanced Mojave Viper. Enhanced Mojave Viper is a combined arms exercise that prepares Marines for deployment to Afghanistan.

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U.S. Marines with India Company, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, fire their weapons to suppress enemy fire at Range 410 at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, Calif., July 14, 2010, during training exercise Enhanced Mojave Viper. Range 410 utilizes different styles of tactical and technical procedures during a platoon-sized attack. Enhanced Mojave Viper is a combined arms exercise that prepares Marines for deployment to Afghanistan.

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U.S. Marines with India Company, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, prepare to conduct a live fire assault at Range 410 at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, Calif., July 14, 2010, during training exercise Enhanced Mojave Viper. Range 410 utilizes different styles of tactical and technical procedures during a platoon-sized attack. Enhanced Mojave Viper is a combined arms exercise that prepares Marines for deployment to Afghanistan.

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A U.S. Marine with India Company, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, fires his rifle to suppress enemy fire at Range 410 at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, Calif., July 14, 2010, during training exercise Enhanced Mojave Viper. Range 410 utilizes different styles of tactical and technical procedures during a platoon-sized attack. Enhanced Mojave Viper is a combined arms exercise that prepares Marines for deployment to Afghanistan.

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A U.S. Marine with India Company, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, prepares to throw a smoke grenade at Range 410 at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, Calif., July 14, 2010, during training exercise Enhanced Mojave Viper. Range 410 utilizes different styles of tactical and technical procedures during a platoon-sized attack. Enhanced Mojave Viper is a combined arms exercise that prepares Marines for deployment to Afghanistan.

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U.S. Marines with India Company, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, create a smoke screen before assaulting their objective at Range 410 at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, Calif., July 14, 2010, during training exercise Enhanced Mojave Viper. Enhanced Mojave Viper is a combined arms exercise that prepares Marines for deployment to Afghanistan.

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U.S. Navy Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Erik Nowak, with India Company, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, prepares to reload his M4 service rifle at Range 410 at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, Calif., July 14, 2010, during training exercise Enhanced Mojave Viper. Enhanced Mojave Viper is a combined arms exercise that prepares Marines for deployment to Afghanistan.

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A U.S. Marine with India Company, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, uses his M249 squad automatic weapon to suppress enemy fire at Range 410 at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, Calif., July 14, 2010, during training exercise Enhanced Mojave Viper. Range 410 utilizes different styles of tactical and technical procedures during a platoon-sized attack. Enhanced Mojave Viper is a combined arms exercise that prepares Marines for deployment to Afghanistan.

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U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. D.B. Castillo, with India Company, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, instructs his Marines to continue fire suppression fire at Range 410 at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, Calif., during training exercise Enhanced Mojave Viper on July 14, 2010. Enhanced Mojave Viper is a combined arms exercise that prepares Marines for deployment to Afghanistan.

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A U.S. Marine with India Company, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, uses his rifle to suppress enemy fire at Range 410 at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, Calif., July 14, 2010, during training exercise Enhanced Mojave Viper. Enhanced Mojave Viper is a combined arms exercise that prepares Marines for deployment to Afghanistan.

[MNRidesHonda]

More please!

[vor033]

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U.S. Marines with Echo Company, 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment climb a hill during Enhanced Mojave Viper (EMV) at Marine Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, Calif., July 17, 2010. The unit participated in EMV as part of its pre-deployment training.

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U.S. Marines with Echo Company 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment run range 400 during Enhanced Mojave Viper aboard Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center 29 Palms Caif, July 17, 2010. Range 400 prepares marines for the rough terrain on deployment.

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U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Brandon D. Mcowen climbs Machinegun Hill while carrying a Ammo-bag for a 240B medium machine gun at range 400 aboard Marine Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms Calif., July 17, 2010. Machinegun hill is used for overhead fire support.

[vor033]

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U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. David Hansen, with India Company, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, carries 60mm mortar rounds during Enhanced Mojave Viper (EMV) at Marine Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, Calif., July 17, 2010. EMV is designed to prepare Marines for urban and desert warfare.

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U.S. Marines with India Company, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment support 3rd Platoon with 60mm mortar rounds during Enhanced Mojave Viper (EMV) at Marine Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, Calif., July 17, 2010. EMV is designed to prepare Marines for urban and desert warfare.

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U.S. Marines Lance Cpl. Eric C. Lavoie, Left, and Lance Cpl. David P. LongmireLance Cpl. Matt R. Battani, Right, Echo Company 2nd battalion 1st Marine Regiment set up their mortar tube during a rehearsal for range 400 during Enhanced Mojave Viper aboard Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms Caif, July 16, 2010. Mortars are used for indirect fire on range 400.

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U.S. Marines Lance Cpl. Matt R. Battani, Left, and Lance Cpl. Eric C. Lavoie, Echo Company 2nd battalion 1st Marine Regimen practice shooting mortars at range 400 during Enhanced Mojave Viper aboard Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms Caif, July 16, 2010. Mortars are used for indirect fire on range 400.

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U.S. Marines Lance Cpl. Matt R. Battani, Left, and Lance Cpl. Eric C. Lavoie, Lance Cpl. David P. Longmire, Right, Echo Company 2nd battalion 1st Marine Regimen hold security by their mortar tube during a rehearsal for range 400 during Enhanced Mojave Viper aboard Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms Caif, July 16, 2010. Mortars are used for indirect fire on range 400.

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U.S. Marines Lance Cpl. Matt R. Battani, Left, and Lance Cpl. Eric C. Lavoie, Echo Company 2nd battalion 1st Marine Regimen hold security by their mortar tube while during a rehearsal for range 400 during Enhanced Mojave Viper aboard Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms Caif, July 16, 2010. Mortars are used for indirect fire on range 400.

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U.S. Marines with Fox Company, 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment fire at a simulated enemy position during Enhanced Mojave Viper (EMV) at Marine Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, Calif., July 16, 2010. EMV is designed to prepare Marines for urban and desert warfare.

[vor033]

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U.S. Marine Pfc. Ernesto Villarreal Echo Company 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment holds the bolt to the rear on his 240B medium machinegun at range 400 while a stoppage is cleared during Enhanced Mojave Viper aboard Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms Caif, July 17, 2010. Medium Machine Guns at range 400 are used for overhead fire.

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U.S. Marines with Fox Company, 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment occupy a simulated enemy trench during Enhanced Mojave Viper (EMV) at Marine Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, Calif., July 16, 2010. EMV is designed to prepare Marines for urban and desert warfare.

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U.S. Marines with Fox Company, 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment provide suppressive fire as their platoon conducts an attack during Enhanced Mojave Viper training at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, Calif., July 16, 2010.

[vor033]

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U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Thomas A. Williams, with Echo Company, 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, holds security inside a house after taking over a village while participating in a clear, hold, build 2 exercise during Enhanced Mojave Viper (EMV) at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Calif., July 21, 2010. EMV prepared Marines for deployment to Afghanistan.

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U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpls. Edgar Macedo, left, and Albert M. Peralta, both with Echo Company, 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, hold security outside a house after taking over a village while participating in a clear, hold, build 2 exercise during Enhanced Mojave Viper (EMV) at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Calif., July 21, 2010. EMV prepared Marines for deployment to Afghanistan.

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U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Matthew A. Robertson, left, Sgt. Daniel T. Adair, center, and Lance Cpl. Ruben J. Ramirez, all with Echo Company, 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, set up a security overwatch position while participating in a clear, hold, build 2 exercise during Enhanced Mojave Viper (EMV) at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Calif., July 21, 2010. EMV prepared Marines for deployment to Afghanistan.

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U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Nathan J. Doering, front, with Echo Company, 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, aims his M-16A2 rifle as he runs between buildings while clearing a town during Enhanced Mojave Viper (EMV) at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Calif., July 20, 2010. EMV prepared Marines for deployment to Afghanistan.

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U.S. Marine Corps Pfc. Salvatore N. Vaccaro, with Echo Company, 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, holds security on a rooftop during Enhanced Mojave Viper (EMV) at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Calif., July 20, 2010. EMV prepared Marines for deployment to Afghanistan.

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U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpls. Timothy J. Alexander, front, and Timothy E. Behm, both with Echo Company, 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, run to a building while clearing a town during Enhanced Mojave Viper (EMV) at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Calif., July 20, 2010. EMV prepared Marines for deployment to Afghanistan.

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U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Timothy J. Alexander, front, with Echo Company, 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, enters a building while clearing a town during Enhanced Mojave Viper (EMV) at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Calif., July 20, 2010. EMV prepared Marines for deployment to Afghanistan.

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U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Timothy J. Alexander, front, with Echo Company, 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, enters a building while clearing a town during Enhanced Mojave Viper (EMV) at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Calif., July 20, 2010. EMV prepared Marines for deployment to Afghanistan.

[vor033]

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U.S. Marines with 1st Platoon, Lima Company, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment contact the commanding officer for further instruction on an objective at range 401 at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Calif., July 19, 2010, during training exercise Enhanced Mojave Viper (ENV). ENV prepares Marines for deployment to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

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U.S. Marines with 1st Platoon, Lima Company, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment lay down suppression fire on enemy targets at range 401 at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Calif., July 19, 2010, during training exercise Enhanced Mojave Viper (ENV). ENV prepares Marines for deployment to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

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U.S. Marines with 1st Platoon, Lima Company, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment lay down suppression fire on enemy targets at range 401 at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Calif., July 19, 2010, during training exercise Enhanced Mojave Viper (ENV). ENV prepares Marines for deployment to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

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A U.S. Marine with 1st Platoon, Lima Company, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment lays down suppression fire on enemy targets with an M249 light machine gun at range 401 at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Calif., July 19, 2010, during training exercise Enhanced Mojave Viper (ENV). ENV prepares Marines for deployment to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

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A U.S. Marine with 2nd Platoon, Lima Company, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment lays down suppression fire on enemy targets with an M249 light machine gun at range 401 at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Calif., July 19, 2010, during training exercise Enhanced Mojave Viper (ENV). ENV prepares Marines for deployment to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

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U.S. Marines with 2nd Platoon, Lima Company, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment lay down suppression fire on enemy targets on range 401 at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Calif., July 19, 2010, during training exercise Enhanced Mojave Viper (ENV). ENV prepares Marines for deployment to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

[vor033]

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U.S. Marines with 1st Platoon, Lima Company, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment fire an M240G medium machine gun at targets on range 410 at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Calif., July 15, 2010, during training exercise Enhanced Mojave Viper (ENV). The Marines laid down suppression fire for squads of Marines below "Machine Gun Hill". ENV prepares Marines for deployment to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

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U.S. Marines with 1st Platoon, Lima Company, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment fire an M240G medium machine gun at targets on range 410 at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Calif., July 15, 2010, during training exercise Enhanced Mojave Viper (ENV). The Marines laid down suppression fire for squads of Marines below "Machine Gun Hill". ENV prepares Marines for deployment to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

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A U.S. Marine Corps lance corporal with 1st Platoon, Lima Company, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment observes enemy positions at range 410 at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Calif., July 15, 2010, during training exercise Enhanced Mojave Viper (ENV). ENV prepares Marines for deployment to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

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U.S. Marine Corporal Griff with 1st Platoon, Lima Company, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment observes enemy positions during range 410 at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Calif., July xx, 2010, during training exercise Enhanced Mojave Viper (ENV). ENV prepares Marines for deployment to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

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U.S. Marines with 1st Platoon, Lima Company, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment fire a M240G medium machine gun at targets on range 410 at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Calif., July xx, 2010, during training exercise Enhanced Mojave Viper (ENV). The Marines laid down suppression fire for squads of Marines below "Machine Gun Hill". ENV prepares Marines for deployment to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

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U.S. Marines with 1st Platoon, Lima Company, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment rush up "Machine Gun hill" on range 410 at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Calif., July xx, 2010, during training exercise Enhanced Mojave Viper (ENV). ENV prepares Marines for deployment to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

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U.S. Marines with 1st Platoon, Lima Company, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment take cover from a sand blast as a CH-53 Sea Stallion helicopter lifts off from the landing zone at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Calif., July 14, 2010, during training exercise Enhanced Mojave Viper (ENV). ENV prepares Marines for deployment to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

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U.S. Marines with 1st Platoon, Lima Company, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment take cover from a sand blast as a CH-53 Sea Stallion helicopter lifts off from the landing zone at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Calif., July 14, 2010, during training exercise Enhanced Mojave Viper (ENV). ENV prepares Marines for deployment to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

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U.S. Marines with 1st Platoon, Lima Company, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment take cover from a sand blast as a CH-53 Sea Stallion helicopter lifts off from the landing zone at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Calif., July 14, 2010, during training exercise Enhanced Mojave Viper (ENV). ENV prepares Marines for deployment to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

[vor033]

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U.S. Marines from 1st Platoon, Echo Company, 3rd Assault Amphibious Battalion, 1st Marine Division pull security around a United Nations' BTR 60 armored vehicle while participating in a convoy operations scenario during exercise Khaan Quest 2009 at Five Hills Training Area, Mongolia, Aug. 19, 2009. This is one of six scenarios conducted during the exercise to train multinational units in United Nations' procedures.

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U.S. Marines from 1st Platoon, Echo Company, 3rd Assault Amphibious Battalion, 1st Marine Division pull security around a United Nations' BTR 60 armored vehicle while participating in a convoy operations scenario during exercise Khaan Quest 2009 at Five Hills Training Area, Mongolia, Aug. 19, 2009. This is one of six scenarios conducted during the exercise to train multinational units in United Nations' procedures.

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U.S. Marines from 1st Platoon, Echo Company, 3rd Assault Amphibious Battalion, 1st Marine Division pull security around a United Nations' Zil 131 truck while participating in a convoy operations scenario during exercise Khaan Quest 2009 at Five Hills Training Area, Mongolia, Aug. 19, 2009. This is one of six scenarios conducted during the exercise to train multinational units in United Nations' procedures.

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U.S. Marines with 1st Platoon, Echo Company, 3rd Assault Amphibious Battalion, 1st Marine Division provide security for supply trucks during a convoy operations scenario at exercise Khaan Quest 2009 at Five Hills Training Area, Mongolia, Aug. 19, 2009. The Marines are trying to prevent role players, pretending to be hungry refugees, from reaching the trucks. This is one of six scenarios conducted during the exercise to train multinational units in United Nations' procedures.

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U.S. Marines with 1st Platoon, Echo Company, 3rd Assault Amphibious Battalion, 1st Marine Division detain a role player pretending to be a hungry refugee during a convoy operations scenario at exercise Khaan Quest 2009 at Five Hills Training Area, Mongolia, Aug. 19, 2009. This is one of six scenarios conducted during the exercise to train multinational units in United Nations' procedures.

[vor033]

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U.S. Marines from 1st Platoon, Echo Company, 3rd Assault Amphibious Battalion, 1st Marine Division fire M-4 carbines as part of Khaan Quest 2009 at Five Hills Training Area in Mongolia Aug. 14, 2009. The Marines are practicing field fire techniques to demonstrate to the Mongolian armed forces.

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U.S. Marines from 1st Platoon, Echo Company, 3rd Assault Amphibious Battalion, 1st Marine Division fire M-4 carbines as part of Khaan Quest 2009 at Five Hills Training Area in Mongolia Aug. 14, 2009. The Marines are practicing field fire techniques to demonstrate to the Mongolian armed forces.

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U.S. Marines from 1st Platoon, Echo Company, 3rd Assault Amphibious Battalion, 1st Marine Division fire M-4 carbines as part of Khaan Quest 2009 at Five Hills Training Area in Mongolia Aug. 14, 2009. The Marines are practicing field fire techniques to demonstrate to the Mongolian armed forces.

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U.S. Marines from 1st Platoon, Echo Company, 3rd Assault Amphibious Battalion, 1st Marine Division fire M-4 carbines as part of Khaan Quest 2009 at Five Hills Training Area in Mongolia Aug. 14, 2009. The Marines are practicing field fire techniques to demonstrate to the Mongolian armed forces.

[vor033]

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U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. ****erson from 1st Platoon, Echo Company, 3rd Assault Amphibious Battalion, 1st Marine Division fires a Dragunov SVD sniper rifle provided by the Mongolian armed forces as part of Khaan Quest 2009 at the Five Hills Training Area in Mongolia Aug. 14, 2009. The Marines and Mongolians are exchanging knowledge about their respective weapon systems.

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U.S. Marines from 1st Platoon, Echo Company, 3rd Assault Amphibious Battalion, 1st Marine Division fire a Dragunov SVD sniper rifle provided by the Mongolian armed forces as part of Khaan Quest 2009 at the Five Hills Training Area in Mongolia Aug. 14, 2009. The Marines and Mongolians are exchanging knowledge about their respective weapon systems.

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U.S. Marines from 1st Platoon, Echo Company, 3rd Assault Amphibious Battalion, 1st Marine Division fire a Dragunov SVD sniper rifle provided by the Mongolian armed forces as part of Khaan Quest 2009 at the Five Hills Training Area in Mongolia Aug. 14, 2009. The Marines and Mongolians are exchanging knowledge about their respective weapon systems.

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U.S. Marines from 1st Platoon, Echo Company, 3rd Assault Amphibious Battalion, 1st Marine Division fire AK-47 assault rifles provided by the Mongolian armed forces as part of Khaan Quest 2009 at the Five Hills Training Area in Mongolia Aug. 14, 2009. The Marines and Mongolians are exchanging knowledge about their respective weapon systems.

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U.S. Marines from 1st Platoon, Echo Company, 3rd Assault Amphibious Battalion, 1st Marine Division fire AK-47 assault rifles provided by the Mongolian armed forces as part of Khaan Quest 2009 at the Five Hills Training Area in Mongolia Aug. 14, 2009. The Marines and Mongolians are exchanging knowledge about their respective weapon systems.

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U.S. Marines from 1st Platoon, Echo Company, 3rd Assault Amphibious Battalion, 1st Marine Division fire AK-47 assault rifles provided by the Mongolian armed forces as part of Khaan Quest 2009 at the Five Hills Training Area in Mongolia Aug. 14, 2009. The Marines and Mongolians are exchanging knowledge about their respective weapon systems.

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U.S. Marines from 1st Platoon, Echo Company, 3rd Assault Amphibious Battalion, 1st Marine Division fire AK-47 assault rifles provided by the Mongolian armed forces as part of Khaan Quest 2009 at the Five Hills Training Area in Mongolia Aug. 14, 2009. The Marines and Mongolians are exchanging knowledge about their respective weapon systems.

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U.S. Marines from 1st Platoon, Echo Company, 3rd Assault Amphibious Battalion, 1st Marine Division fire AK-47 assault rifles provided by the Mongolian armed forces as part of Khaan Quest 2009 at the Five Hills Training Area in Mongolia Aug. 14, 2009. The Marines and Mongolians are exchanging knowledge about their respective weapon systems.

[Leaper]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qov9knLling

[HollywoodMarine]

General James T. Conway, 34th Commandant of the Marine Corps (2006 - 2010).

http://i1002.photobucket.com/albums/af145/jcsspartan/250px-James_T_Conway_official_milit.jpg

A little late, but here is a photo taken back in June 2010 at the Imperial War Museum in London, England. It is of me, a Marine buddy, and our "Boss". The photo was taken by Mrs. Conway.

http://img26.imageshack.us/img26/140/105e.jpg

[KEEPER0311]

That's pretty badass. What sort of reaction did you have running into the CMC?

[khalifah]

How did you notice him?

[HollywoodMarine]

That's pretty badass. What sort of reaction did you have running into the CMC?
My buddies reaction was "Dude. You're right! That is the Commandant! Sh1t... how do I go up to him and what do I say!?"

While I was Fonzie cool and approached him, "General Conway...?"

How did you notice him?
His demeanor stood out.

The same happened when I ran into a group of embassy Marines in "Crazy Piano Bar" at Scheveningen, Netherlands. I was in the middle of a conversation with my then girlfriend, when I said "Hey, those are Marines on the other side of the bar." She then tells me, "Are we going to do this everywhere we go? I thought you wanted to take a break from being around work?"
p-)

Below you can see one of those embassy Marines having a chat with two Dutch girls.

http://img405.imageshack.us/img405/2663/netherlands2006.jpg

[khalifah]

Nice, ;)

thanks for sharing

[Banderas]

What are those Battalion Recon guys have, M4s with burst or full auto M4A1s?

[Bringer of Greater Things]

What are those Battalion Recon guys have, M4s with burst or full auto M4A1s?

PKMs with supercruise.

[Othree52]

http://img26.imageshack.us/img26/140/105e.jpg

Now that is fu*kin' Badass right there Hollywood you freakin' Big Guns Weekend Killer!

I dont comment on this forum anymore mainly because its full of idiotic morons, most of whom come from across the pond...

But damn!! I gotta say..KUDOS to you brother!!

Those MSG pogues(03's apply in this instance of a F.A.P.) are living a rockstar life there in Den Haage. I knew a few MSG'ers going back to the SOI days coming from there and Frankfurt...damn the tales they told. They could actually rival those of our rock stars on the road on interstate I-70! Bloody lucky bastards..too bad you weren't there for over a year..

[Dodo-NL]

Den Haag is like the centre of the world, so they have to live like a rockstar.. Beautiful city! ;)

[LaoSexMachine]

Cool, I was there in 1997.
I was there in '98

[vor033]

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/2cfaf474.jpg

A U.S. Marine with Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment takes shelter from the sun at the Townsville Training Area in Queensville, Australia, Oct. 16, 2010. The unit deployed to Australia for Exercise Hamel, the Australian Army's largest dismounted combined arms training exercise.

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/71ef4303.jpg

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Major Dwight Jones, Sgt. Major, 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, talks with Marines at High Range in Townsville Training Area, Australia, Oct. 16, 2010. Marines and Sailors attached to Alpha Co., 1st Bn., 3rd Mar. Reg. deployed to Australia for Exercise Hamel, the Australian Infantry Battalion's largest dismounted combined arms training exercise.

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/118c9428.jpg

A U.S. Marine with Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment takes shelter from the sun at the Townsville Training Area in Queensville, Australia, Oct. 16, 2010. The unit deployed to Australia for Exercise Hamel, the Australian Army's largest dismounted combined arms training exercise.

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/7ce0382f.jpg

A U.S. Marine attached to Alpha Co., 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment stands watch while dug in at Puk Puk Airfield on Townsville Training Area, Australia, Oct. 14, 2010. Marines and Sailors attached to Alpha Co., 1st Bn., 3rd Mar. Reg. deployed to Australia for Exercise Hamel, the Australian Infantry Battalion's dismounted combined arms training exercise.

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/ee495a14.jpg

A. U.S. Marine attached to Alpha Co., 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment takes refuge from the sun at High Range in Townsville Training Area, Australia, Oct. 16, 2010. Marines and Sailors attached to Alpha Co., 1st Bn., 3rd Mar. Reg. deployed to Australia for Exercise Hamel, the Australian Infantry Battalion's largest dismounted combined arms training exercise.

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/2c13d0f4.jpg

U.S. Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. Shay Henry, Alpha Co., 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, pauses for a moment at Puk Puk Airfield in Townsville Training Area, Australia, Oct. 14, 2010. U.S. Marines and Sailors attached to Alpha Co., 1st Bn., 3rd Mar. Reg. deployed to Australia for Exercise Hamel, the Australian Infantry Battalion's dismounted combined arms training exercise.

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/7840cd66.jpg

U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Joshua Cavan, commanding officer, Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine regiment, radios his unit?s movements Oct. 23, 2010, during a patrol at High Range, Townsville Training Area Australia. U.S. Marines and Sailors are deployed to Australia for Exercise Hamel, which is an annual exercise designed to enhance the Australian army?s ability to fight and operate in a modern, complex battle space. The exercise involves more than 6000 personnel from the Australian Defense Force.

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/6295367d.jpg

U.S. Marine (L to R) Captain Joshua Cavan, Gunnery Sgt. Shay Henry, Lance Cpl. Aaron Shaw, Lance Cpl. James Fetherston, Lance Cpl. Jody Lee Smith, Lance Cpl. Michael Ellmer, and U.S. Navy HM3 Tyler Proper, attached to Alpha Co., 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, pose for a photo at AA longhorn in Townsville Training Area, Australia, Oct. 12, 2010. One hundred sixty-five male U.S. Marines and Sailors and one female Marine attached to Alpha Co., 1st Bn., 3rd Mar. Reg. deployed to Australia for Exercise Hamel, the Australian Infantry Battalion's dismounted combined arms training exercise.

[Ghelp]

General James T. Conway, 34th Commandant of the Marine Corps (2006 - 2010).

http://i1002.photobucket.com/albums/af145/jcsspartan/250px-James_T_Conway_official_milit.jpg

A little late, but here is a photo taken back in June 2010 at the Imperial War Museum in London, England. It is of me, a Marine buddy, and our "Boss". The photo was taken by Mrs. Conway.

http://img26.imageshack.us/img26/140/105e.jpg

Small world That is my ****ing boy in the middle! He is a straight up motivator!

[vor033]

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/7f800350.jpg

Lance Cpl. Greg Wilhite, rifleman and Cpl. David LaraNunez, team leader, both with 3rd platoon, Alpha Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, oversee and provide security as their platoon bounds right through mountainous terrain, during a mechanized assault as part of a live fire range in Djibouti, Africa, March 29.2010

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/56186f0c.jpg

Lance Cpl. Spencer Cohen, rifleman with 1st platoon, Alpha Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, traverses a path for his team through rocky terrain during a mechanized assault as part of a live fire range in Djibouti, Africa, March 29.2010

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/106cb81e.jpg

Cpl. Kyle Smith, team leader with 1st platoon, Alpha Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, advances his team through the rocky terrain during a mechanized assault as part of a live fire range in Djibouti, Africa, March 29. 2010

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/dc8f23cd.jpg

Lance Cpl. Christopher Weber, rifleman with 1st platoon, Alpha Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, provides suppression fire using his M249 squad automatic weapon, allowing his teammate to advance forward, during a mechanized assault as part of a live fire range in Djibouti, Africa March 29.

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/5621e719.jpg

Lance Cpl. Tim Eastep, rifleman with 1st platoon, Alpha Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, provides suppression fire using his M249 squad automatic weapon, allowing his team to advance forward, during a mechanized assault as part of a live fire range in Djibouti, Africa, March 29.

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/ad5ca805.jpg

Cpl. Daniel Mallory, squad leader with 1st platoon, Alpha Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, secures the rear of an amphibious assault vehicle as Lance Cpl. Daniel Pursley, team leader, leads his team towards their objective point during a mechanized assault as part of a live fire range in Djibouti, Africa, March 29. 2010

[vor033]

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/331931c4.jpg

Lance Cpl. Jordan C. Saini, an assaultman from Weapons platoon, Alpha Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, fires numerous spotting rounds to hone his MK153 Shoulder-fired, Multi-purpose, Assault Weapon battle sight before launching high explosive rockets at a live fire range in Djibouti, Africa, March 28. 24th MEU Marines performed a series of sustainment and joint exercises alongside the French military servicemembers while in Djibouti. The 24th MEU is currently serves as the theatre reserve force for Central Command during its seven month deployment aboard Nassau Amphibious Ready Group vessels.

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/e98aa498.jpg

Lance Cpl. Craig W. Mehlenbeck, an assaultman from Weapons platoon, Alpha Company, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, launches a high explosive rocket from his MK153 Shoulder-fired, Multi-purpose, Assault Weapon in the mountains of Djibouti, Africa, during a live fire range, March 28. The 24th MEU Marines performed a series of sustainment and joint exercises alongside the French military service members while in Djibouti. The 24th MEU currently serves as the theatre reserve force for Central Command during its seven month deployment aboard Nassau Amphibious Ready Group vessels.

[vor033]

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/b3e7d9af.jpg

A round flies through air as Sgt. Arthur Abate, 31, the licensing non-commissioned officer for Truck Company Alpha, Headquarters Battalion, from Cleveland, battle-site zeroes his rifle before taking part in a live-fire exercise at Range 103, Twentynine Palms, Calif., May 6.

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/9d694186.jpg

Sgt. Haley Sebastian, a motor transport operator with Truck Company Alpha, Headquarters Battalion, watches as fellow Marines fire down range and simulate defending a fixed position during a live-fire exercise at Range 103, Twentynine Palms, Calif., May 6.

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/257d91fd.jpg

Cpl. Victor Valentin, 22, a motor transport operator with Truck Company Alpha, Headquarters Battalion from Tucson, Ariz., fires rounds at stationary and moving targets while defending his fixed position during a live-fire exercise at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, Calif., on Range 103, May 6.

[vinny_121_ND]

Do they wear ear protection?

[vor033]

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/de42a23a.jpg

Marines with 8th Communications Battalion, II Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group (Forward), practice shooting the M9 pistol aboard Al Asad Air Base, Iraq, June 2. Members of the battalion shot rifles and pistols to practice safe weapons handling procedures and shooting techniques and to ensure the settings on their rifles and attached scopes are properly set

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/7697c2a4.jpg

Marines and Sailors with 8th Communications Battalion, II Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group (Forward), fire M16-series service rifles aboard Al Asad Air Base, Iraq, June 2. Members of the battalion shot rifles and pistols to practice safe weapons handling procedures and shooting techniques and to ensure the settings on their rifles and attached scopes are properly set.

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/061a377a.jpg

Marines and Sailors with 8th Communications Battalion, II Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group (Forward), fire their M4 carbine rifles aboard Al Asad Air Base, Iraq, June 2. Members of the battalion shot rifles and pistols to practice safe weapons handling procedures and shooting techniques and to ensure the settings on their rifles and attached scopes are properly set.

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/7e1b3757.jpg

Marines with 8th Communications Battalion, II Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group (Forward), adjust the sights on their rifles aboard Al Asad Air Base, Iraq, June 2. Members of the battalion shot rifles and pistols to practice safe weapons handling procedures and shooting techniques and to ensure the settings on their rifles and attached scopes are properly set.

[HollywoodMarine]

Do they wear ear protection?
It is mandatory. We always carry these...

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss271/NiteOwlMedia/NITES_updates/updates_earplugs1.jpghttp://i344.photobucket.com/albums/p326/izanuff/photo4.jpg

[vor033]

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/dc9543fa.jpg

U.S. Marines with 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 3, patrol through Afghanistan's southern Helmand province July 4 during Operation Khanjar.

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/82da3a25.jpg

Lance Cpl. Charles Melvin Hurd II, food service specialist with 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 3, patrols through Afghanistan's southern Helmand province July 2 during Operation Khanjar.

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/d42fa934.jpg

U.S. Marines with 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 3, patrol through Afghanistan's southern Helmand province July 4 during Operation Khanjar.

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/40badffc.jpg

U.S. Marines with 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 3, patrol through Afghanistan's southern Helmand province during Operation Khanjar July 3.

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/6e9b9a01.jpg

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Adam King, a squad leader with Golf Company, 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, maintains security in a field during an operation in the Helmand province of Afghanistan, July 3. The Marines presence prevents freedom of movement for the enemies of Afghanistan, returning peace and prosperity to the local populace. The Marines are part of the ground combat element of Regimental Combat Team 3, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade.

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/0d07aa49.jpg

U.S. Marines with the 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment and Afghan soldiers maintain security during an operation in the Helmand province of Afghanistan, July 5. The 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment's presence restricts enemy groups' freedom of movement and helps to restore peace and prosperity to the local populace. The 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment is part of the ground combat element of Regiment Combat Team 3, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade.

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/a9e73344.jpg

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Ryan Pettit, left, and Cpl. Matthew Miller, both with 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment (Reinforced), fire their service rifles during an operation in the Helmand province of Afghanistan, July 3. The Marines, who are part of a ground combat element of Regiment Combat Team 3, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, are deployed to the area to prevent insurgent activities.

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/d290ac2f.jpg

U.S. Marines with 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment (Reinforced), conduct a security halt during an operation in the Helmand province of Afghanistan, July 5. The Marines, who are part of a ground combat element of Regiment Combat Team 3, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, are deployed to the area to prevent insurgent activities.

[vor033]

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/1d204ac8.jpg

Cpl. Zach Switzer and an Afghan interpreter speak to an Afghan village elder during a security patrol Feb. 12, 2009, in Farah province, Afghanistan. Switzer is an assault section leader with Company I, 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment (Reinforced), the ground combat element of Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force-Afghanistan. SPMAGTF-A's mission is to conduct counterinsurgency operations, with a focus on training and mentoring the Afghan national police. SPMAGTF-A is here to reinforce success and sustain the momentum of the ongoing progress by the alliance.

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/e490e352.jpg

Cpl. Brian Aldrich remains vigilant during a security patrol in support of Operation Pathfinder Feb. 9, 2009, in Farah province, Afghanistan. Aldrich is a fire team leader with Company I, 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment (Reinforced), the ground combat element of Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force-Afghanistan. SPMAGTF-A's mission is to conduct counterinsurgency operations, with a focus on training and mentoring the Afghan national police.

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/240b36d5.jpg

An Afghan national policeman prepares to enter a house while Lance Cpl. Frank Kane, an engineer assigned to Company I, 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment (Reinforced), stands by during a cordon and search mission in a village in Farah province, Afghanistan, Feb. 9, 2009. The ANP and Co. I searched for enemy activity in order to reinforce success and sustain momentum of the ongoing progress in their area of operations. 3/8 is the ground combat element of Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force-Afghanistan. SPMAGTF-A's mission is to conduct counterinsurgency operations, with a focus on training and mentoring the ANP.

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/e426309a.jpg

Seaman Blease Simons III remains vigilant during a security patrol Feb. 9, 2009, in Farah province, Afghanistan. Simons is a corpsman with Company I, 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment (Reinforced), the ground combat element of Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force-Afghanistan. SPMAGTF-A's mission is to conduct counterinsurgency operations, with a focus on training and mentoring the Afghan national police. SPMAGTF-A is here to reinforce success and sustain the momentum of the ongoing progress by the alliance.

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/c8a7f565.jpg

Lance Cpl. Lance Atkins speaks to his fire team during a cordon and search mission Feb. 9, 2009, at a village in Farah province, Afghanistan. Atkins is a fire team leader with Company I, 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment (Reinforced), the ground combat element of Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force-Afghanistan. SPMAGTF-A's mission is to conduct counterinsurgency operations, with a focus on training and mentoring the Afghan national police. SPMAGTF-A forces support the government of Afghanistan in its efforts to provide security and services to the Afghan people.

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/b0f90686.jpg

Cpl. Brian Aldrich provides security during a cordon and search mission at a village Feb. 9, 2009, in Farah province, Afghanistan. Aldrich is a fire team leader with Company I, 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment (Reinforced), the ground combat element of Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force-Afghanistan. SPMAGTF-A's mission is to conduct counterinsurgency operations, with a focus on training and mentoring the Afghan national police. SPMAGTF-A is here to reinforce success and sustain the momentum of the ongoing progress by the alliance.

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/62333c10.jpg

Cpl. Zach Switzer, an assault section leader with Company I, 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment (Reinforced), maintains security during a cordon and search mission with Afghan national police in a village in Farah province, Afghanistan, Feb. 9, 2009. ANP and Co. I searched for enemy activity in order to reinforce success and sustain momentum of the ongoing progress in their area of operations. 3/8 is the ground combat element of Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force-Afghanistan. SPMAGTF-A's mission is to conduct counterinsurgency operations, with a focus on training and mentoring the ANP.

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/c574ed6a.jpg

Lance Cpl. Dave Hess sights in during a security patrol in support of Operation Pathfinder Feb. 17, 2009, in Farah province, Afghanistan. Hess is a fire team leader with Company I, 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment (Reinforced), the ground combat element of Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force-Afghanistan. SPMAGTF-A's mission is to conduct counterinsurgency operations, with a focus on training and mentoring the Afghan national police.

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/0368d37d.jpg

U.S. Marine Cpl. Zach Switzer (right) and an interpreter stand with a village elder as U.S. Marines with Company I, 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment (Reinforced), conduct a cordon and search mission with Afghan national police in a village in Farah province, Afghanistan, Feb. 9, 2009. ANP and Co. I searched for enemy activity in order to reinforce success and sustain momentum of the ongoing progress in their area of operations. 3/8 is the ground combat element of Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force-Afghanistan. SPMAGTF-A's mission is to conduct counterinsurgency operations, with a focus on training and mentoring the ANP. Switzer is an assault section leader with Co. I.

[DnA]

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/82da3a25.jpg

Lance Cpl. Charles Melvin Hurd II, food service specialist with 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 3, patrols through Afghanistan's southern Helmand province July 2 during Operation Khanjar.


A cook out on patrol/operation? This happen often in the USMC or a rare thing?

Really living up to the every Marine a Rifleman.

[HollywoodMarine]

Pouges usually augment Line units on local foot/vehicle patrols to give Grunts a breather and rest, as they primarily focus on other missions.

[KEEPER0311]

A cook out on patrol/operation? This happen often in the USMC or a rare thing?

Really living up to the every Marine a Rifleman.


Pouges usually augment Line units on local foot/vehicle patrols to give Grunts a breather and rest, as they primarily focus on other missions.

Add to the fact that most of the pouges want to go outside the wire just as bad as the grunts.

[HollywoodMarine]

http://img811.imageshack.us/img811/6832/ssgtjohnjones.jpg

[Mein Teil]

http://img811.imageshack.us/img811/6832/ssgtjohnjones.jpg

I have to remind myself of guys like him when ever I feel sorry for myself or I start bitching about the VA.

[Fintin]

http://img811.imageshack.us/img811/6832/ssgtjohnjones.jpg

He has my vote if he ran for president. Two huge reasons to stop serving his country, yet he continues to do so...you cannot explain that with words.

[khalifah]

Question for you Marines,

how integrated are Tattoos with the culture?
As Ratamascue pointed out to me (in another thread) its 'officially' frowned upon if its somewhere expose. But does that meen most Marines get them at one time or another?

I just now got this mental picture of General Conway with an EGA tagged on his chest,

[Jarhead]

Small world That is my ****ing boy in the middle! He is a straight up motivator!
You know M. as well?
Small world indeed.:-D

[HollywoodMarine]

Enlisted Marines appreciate the art and don't really care how many tatts you get. However, some officers (O-3 and above) are the opposite and frown upon it by enforcing tattoo regulations. Just as long as they are unseen and covered beyond PT gear. However, they are still photographed and kept on file.

*USMC Tattoo Regulations (http://www.usmc.mil/news/messages/Pages/MARADMIN029-10.aspx)

[KEEPER0311]

Question for you Marines,

how integrated are Tattoos with the culture?
As Ratamascue pointed out to me (in another thread) its 'officially' frowned upon if its somewhere expose. But does that meen most Marines get them at one time or another?

I just now got this mental picture of General Conway with an EGA tagged on his chest,

As HM pointed out for the official stance by the Marine Corps. On top most part tattoos are looked sorta ignored by enlisted men as long as they're not inappropriate or overly motivated.

[vor033]

The Marines and sailors of the 22nd MEU recently began an aggressive series of progressively, more complex pre-deployment exercises designed to train and test the MEU's ability to operate as a cohesive and effective fighting force. The 22nd MEU is a multi-mission capable force of 2,200 Marines and sailors and comprised of Aviation Combat Element, Marine Tilt Rotor Squadron 263 (Reinforced); Logistics Combat Element, Combat Logistics Battalion 22; Ground Combat Element, Battalion Landing Team, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment; and its command element.

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/614e6bd3.jpg

Marines with Golf Company, Battalion Landing Team, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, maneuvers around a M1 Abrams tank during an assault on a military operations in urban terrain training site aboard Fort Pickett, Va., Dec. 13, 2010. The BLT participated in a two-week training exercise at Ft. Pickett, Va., in preparation for their upcoming deployment with the 22nd MEU in 2011.

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/779cd5ea.jpg

Lance Cpl. Jason M. Flanagan, a rifleman and Indianapolis native, with Golf Company, Battalion Landing Team, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, observes a building during an assault on a military operations in urban terrain training site aboard Fort Pickett, Va., Dec. 13, 2010. The BLT participated in a two-week training exercise at Fort Pickett, Va., in preparation for their upcoming deployment with the 22nd MEU in 2011.

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/6d15bf25.jpg

A M1 Abrams tank with Battalion Landing Team, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, provides security down a road during an assault on a military operations in urban terrain training site aboard Fort Pickett, Va., Dec. 13. The BLT participated in a two-week training exercise at Ft. Pickett, Va., in preparation for their upcoming deployment with the 22nd MEU in 2011.

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/f7c91454.jpg

Marines with Golf Company, Battalion Landing Team, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, help a notional casualty during an assault on a military operations in urban terrain training site aboard Fort Pickett, Va., Dec. 13, 2010. The BLT participated in a two-week training exercise at Ft. Pickett, Va., in preparation for their upcoming deployment with the 22nd MEU in 2011.

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/e00a24ba.jpg

A humvee from Golf Company, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, provides security at the military operations in urban terrain training site aboard Fort Pickett, Va., Dec. 13. For two weeks, elements of the 22nd MEU conducted a series of training events designed to prepare them for upcoming subsequent deployment in 2011.

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/3008e295.jpg

An M1 Abrams tank attached with Golf Company, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, provides security at the military operations in urban terrain training site aboard Fort Pickett, Va., Dec. 13. For two weeks, elements of the 22nd MEU conducted a series of training events designed to prepare them for upcoming subsequent deployment in 2011.

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/4cd901d3.jpg

A Marine Golf Company, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, patrols the military operations in urban terrain training site aboard Fort Pickett, Va., Dec. 13. For two weeks, elements of the 22nd MEU conducted a series of training events designed to prepare them for upcoming subsequent deployment in 2011.

[vor033]

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/86804758.jpg

Students with the Infantry Officer Course, based out of Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va., fire off a 60 mm mortar Dec. 10, during one of their platoon-sized mechanized attacks aboard the Combat Center. The IOC culminates its training by operating at the Combat Center before graduating back in Quantico.

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U.S. Marine Corps 2nd Lt. Paul Harper, a student with Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va., based Infantry Officer Course, shouts commands to other lieutenants while they train aboard Combat Center Range 205 Dec. 10. The IOC ileft the Combat Center Dec. 14, and graduated back at Quantico, Dec. 17, 2010.

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Students in the Infantry Officer's Course surge up a hill Dec. 10, during their training aboard Combat Center Range 205. The course is based out of Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va.

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An Infantry Officer Course instructor monitors his students laying down suppressive fire ata a machine gun nest during a night attack at the Combat Center Dec. 10. The night attack is part of the students' culminating event before graduating at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va

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An student with the Infantry Officer's Course, feeds ammunition into a 240B machine gun Dec. 10, at Combat Center Range 205. The class is based out of Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va., and trains Marines aboard the Combat Center four times a year.

[vor033]

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An M1 Abrams tank with Battalion Landing Team, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, fires its main gun while running the infantry platoon battle course aboard Fort Pickett, Va., Dec. 14, 2010. The BLT participated in a two-week training exercise at Ft. Pickett, Va., in preparation for their upcoming deployment with the 22nd MEU in 2011.

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An M1 Abrams tank with Battalion Landing Team, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, rolls down the infantry platoon battle course aboard Fort Pickett, Va., Dec. 14, 2010. The BLT participated in a two-week training exercise at Ft. Pickett, Va., in preparation for their upcoming deployment with the 22nd MEU in 2011.

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A tank crewman with Battalion Landing Team, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, watches from atop his M1 Abrams tank while running the infantry platoon battle course aboard Fort Pickett, Va., Dec. 14, 2010. The BLT participated in a two-week training exercise at Ft. Pickett, Va., in preparation for their upcoming deployment with the 22nd MEU in 2011.

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A Marine with Fox Company, Battalion Landing Team, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, directs his Marines while running the infantry platoon battle course aboard Fort Pickett, Va., Dec. 14, 2010. The BLT participated in a two-week training exercise at Ft. Pickett, Va., in preparation for their upcoming deployment with the 22nd MEU in 2011.

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An M1 Abrams tank with Battalion Landing Team, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, prepares to fire its main gun while running the infantry platoon battle course aboard Fort Pickett, Va., Dec. 14. The BLT participated in a two-week training exercise at Ft. Pickett, Va., in preparation for their upcoming deployment with the 22nd MEU in 2011.

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An M1 Abrams tank attached with Fox Company, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, assaults through the infantry platoon battalion course aboard Fort Pickett, Va., Dec. 14. The Marines and sailors of the 22nd MEU recently began an aggressive series of progressively, more complex pre-deployment exercises designed to train and test the MEU's ability to operate as a cohesive and effective fighting force.

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An M1 Abrams tank attached to Fox Company, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, assaults through the infantry platoon battalion course aboard Fort Pickett, Va., Dec. 14. The Marines and sailors of the 22nd MEU recently began an aggressive series of progressively, more complex pre-deployment exercises designed to train and test the MEU's ability to operate as a cohesive and effective fighting force.

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An M1 Abrams tank attached to Fox Company, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, assaults through the infantry platoon battalion course aboard Fort Pickett, Va., Dec. 14. The Marines and sailors of the 22nd MEU recently began an aggressive series of progressively, more complex pre-deployment exercises designed to train and test the MEU's ability to operate as a cohesive and effective fighting force.

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An M1 Abrams tank attached to Fox Company, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit begins an assault through the infantry platoon battalion course aboard Fort Pickett, Va., Dec. 14. The Marines and sailors of the 22nd MEU recently began an aggressive series of progressively, more complex pre-deployment exercises designed to train and test the MEU's ability to operate as a cohesive and effective fighting force.

[Mormaeglin]

I have one question guys, from what I see USMC still uses PASGT "Fritz" helmet which in Army was replaced by ACH. Am I right or my eyes are just failing me?

[outfielder]

I have one question guys, from what I see USMC still uses PASGT "Fritz" helmet which in Army was replaced by ACH. Am I right or my eyes are just failing me?

That's LWH (Light Weight Helmet) .

[HollywoodMarine]

Majority of PASGT's have been replaced by the "Light Weight Helmet ". The Army and Marine Corps have seperate budgets and uniform/equipment needs.

[vor033]

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Marines with Fox Company, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, fire rifles and mortars during the infantry platoon battle course aboard Fort Pickett, Va., Dec. 13, 2010. For two weeks, elements of the 22nd MEU conducted a series of training events designed to prepare them for upcoming subsequent deployment in 2011.

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Marines with Fox Company, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, fire their weapons at targets during the infantry platoon battle course aboard Fort Pickett, Va., Dec. 13, 2010. For two weeks, elements of the 22nd MEU conducted a series of training events designed to prepare them for upcoming subsequent deployment in 2011.

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Marines with Fox Company, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, maneuver down range during the infantry platoon battle course aboard Fort Pickett, Va., Dec. 13, 2010. For two weeks, elements of the 22nd MEU conducted a series of training events designed to prepare them for upcoming subsequent deployment in 2011.

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Marines with Fox Company, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, fire and maneuver through obstacles during the infantry platoon battle course aboard Fort Pickett, Va., Dec. 13, 2010. For two weeks, elements of the 22nd MEU conducted a series of training events designed to prepare them for upcoming subsequent deployment in 2011.

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Marines with Fox Company, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, fire and maneuver through obstacles during the infantry platoon battle course aboard Fort Pickett, Va., Dec. 13, 2010. For two weeks, elements of the 22nd MEU conducted a series of training events designed to prepare them for upcoming subsequent deployment in 2011.

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Marines with Fox Company, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, maneuver down range during the infantry platoon battle course aboard Fort Pickett, Va., Dec. 13, 2010. For two weeks, elements of the 22nd MEU conducted a series of training events designed to prepare them for upcoming subsequent deployment in 2011.

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Marines with Fox Company, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, maneuver down range during the infantry platoon battle course aboard Fort Pickett, Va., Dec. 13, 2010. For two weeks, elements of the 22nd MEU conducted a series of training events designed to prepare them for upcoming subsequent deployment in 2011

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Marines from Fox Company, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, load their weapons before entering the infantry platoon battle course aboard Fort Pickett, Va., Dec. 13, 2010. For two weeks, elements of the 22nd MEU conducted a series of training events designed to prepare them for upcoming subsequent deployment in 2011.

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Marines with Fox Company, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, monitor an assault during the infantry platoon battle course aboard Fort Pickett, Va., Dec. 13, 2010. For two weeks, elements of the 22nd MEU conducted a series of training events designed to prepare them for upcoming subsequent deployment in 2011

[vor033]

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Lance Cpl. Justin B. Lindemann, a rifleman and Gulf Breeze, Fla., native, with light armored reconnaissance platoon, Battalion Landing Team, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, exits a trench, after clearing it, while running the infantry platoon battle course aboard Fort Pickett, Va., Dec. 13, 2010.

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Marines with light armored reconnaissance platoon, Battalion Landing Team, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, jump into a trench while negotiating the infantry platoon battle course aboard Fort Pickett, Va., Dec. 13, 2010.

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Lance Cpl. Justin B. Lindemann, a rifleman and Gulf Breeze, Fla., native, with light armored reconnaissance platoon, Battalion Landing Team, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, sprints toward a bunker while running the infantry platoon battle course aboard Fort Pickett, Va., Dec. 13, 2010.

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A Marine from the Special Application Scoped Rifle team fires an M82 SASR at the infantry platoon battle course aboard Fort Pickett, Va., Dec. 13. For two weeks elements of the 22nd MEU conducted a series of training events designed to prepare them for upcoming subsequent deployment in 2011

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A light armored vehicle from the light armored reconnaissance platoon attached to Fox Company, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, prepares to enter the infantry platoon battle course aboard Fort Pickett, Va., Dec. 13. For two weeks elements of the 22nd MEU conducted a series of training events designed to prepare them for upcoming subsequent deployment in 2011.

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A light armored vehicle from the light armored reconnaissance platoon attached to Fox Company, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, fires the coaxial machine gun during the infantry platoon battle course aboard Fort Pickett, Va., Dec. 13. For two weeks elements of the 22nd MEU conducted a series of training events designed to prepare them for upcoming subsequent deployment in 2011.

[Mormaeglin]

Majority of PASGT's have been replaced by the "Light Weight Helmet ". The Army and Marine Corps have seperate budgets and uniform/equipment needs.

Thanks for quick reply for both of You, I wonder about one detail still, is LWH visually more alike PASGT than ACH?

[vor033]

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/1f816e88.jpg

Cpl. Ammon R. Lang, a police mentor team trainer, and Seaman Ryan H. Basgby, a corpsman withBravo Company, 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, return small arms fire from a role player at the Las Pulgas Military Operations in Urban Terrain town, Dec. 11. The Marines of Bravo Company were tasked with conducting a cordon-and-search and setting up security for a planned key leader engagement in the village. Lang was injured in a notional improvised explosive device blast and the two simulated returning fire once their position was attacked by insurgents. Lang is from Las Vegas, and Bagsby is from Nashville, Tenn.

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Cpl. Nicholas D. Pelusio, a team leader with Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, provides security from the top of a building at the Las Pulgas Military Operations in Urban Terrain town, Dec. 11. The Marines of 2nd Squad were tasked with conducting a cordon-and-search and setting up security for a planned key leader engagement in the village. Pelusio is from Las Vegas.

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Marines of Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, simulate taking cover and returning fire at the Las Pulgas Military Operations in Urban Terrain town, Dec. 11. The Marines of 2nd Squad were tasked with conducting a cordon-and-search and setting up security for a planned key leader engagement in the village. After receiving contact from multiple insurgents, Sgt. Michael P. Hodge, the squad leader for 2nd squad, radios the other elements of the squad to successfully eliminate the threat.

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Cpl. Nicholas D. Pelusio, a team leader, and Lance Cpl. Michael T. Minor, a rifleman, with Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, clear the balconies of a building at the Las Pulgas Military Operations in Urban Terrain town, Dec. 11. The Marines of 2nd Squad were tasked with conducting a cordon-and-search and setting up security for a planned key leader engagement in the village. Pelusio’s team was sent to clear the building and provide over watch for the other teams maneuvering within the village once the squad received heavy contact. Pelusio is from Las Vegas, and Minor is from Sea Groove, N.C.

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Lance Cpl. Joshua K. Cawthorn, a rifleman with Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, provides security in the bazaar at the Las Pulgas Military Operations in Urban Terrain town, Dec. 11. The Marines of 2nd Squad were tasked with conducting a cordon-and-search and setting up security for a planned key leader engagement in the village. Cawthorn is a 19-year-old from Hendersonville, N.C.

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Sgt. Michael P. Hodge, the squad leader for Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, meets with the local police and village elder during a key leader engagement at the Las Pulgas Military Operations in Urban Terrain town, Dec. 11. The Marines of 2nd Squad were tasked with conducting a cordon-and-search and setting up security for a planned key leader engagement in the village. The squad was delayed by the small-arms fire so they missed the original time set up for the meeting so Hodge conducted the KLE with the village elder. Hodge is a 23-year-old from Lemoore, Calif.

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Marines of Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, and role players portraying Afghan National Army soldiers take cover-and-return fire at the Las Pulgas Military Operations in Urban Terrain town, Dec. 11. The Marines of 2nd Squad were tasked with conducting a cordon and search and setting up security for a planned key leader engagement in the village. The Marines trained to work with Afghan counterparts in preparation of their upcoming deployment.

[vor033]

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Pfc. Timothy C. Bergenstock and Joseph A. Callas, mortarmen with 81 mm Mortar Platoon, Weapons Company, 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, brace the mortar tube and take cover during a mortar shoot at Range MP-2, Dec. 10. Weapons Company used the exercise to cross train the 60 mm mortar sections on the 81 mm mortar weapons system before the sections replace the 81 mm Platoon on deployment to Afghanistan. The shoot was part of the battalion’s field exercise and pre-deployment training for the mortarmen attached to 1/5. Bergenstock is from Auburn, Calif., and Callas is from Albuquerque, N.M.

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Pfc. Timothy C. Bergenstock, a mortarman with the 81 mm Mortar Platoon, Weapons Company, 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, hangs a round on the rim of a mortar tube during a mortar shoot at range MP-2, Dec. 10. Weapons Company used the exercise to cross train the 60 mm mortar sections on the 81 mm mortar weapons system before the sections replace the 81 mm Platoon on deployment to Afghanistan. The shoot was part of the battalion’s field exercise and pre-deployment training for the mortarmen recently attached to 1/5. Bergenstock is from Auburn, Calif., and will soon be leaving for his first deployment.

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Pfc. Joseph A. Callas, a mortarman with the 81 mm Mortar Platoon, Weapons Company, 1st Battalion, 5th Marines Regiment, punches a 81 mm mortar tube, preparing it prior to a mortar shoot at Range MP-2, Dec. 10. Weapons Company used the exercise to cross train the 60 mm mortar sections on the 81 mm mortar weapons system before the sections replace the 81 mm Platoon on deployment to Afghanistan. The shoot was part of the battalion’s field exercise and pre-deployment training for the mortarmen recently attached to 1/5. Callas, from Albuquerque, N.M., is one of the battalion’s new additions learning his trade.

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A Marine with the 81 mm Mortar Platoon, Weapons Company, 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, removes an 81 mm round during a mortar shoot at Range MP-2, Dec. 10. Weapons Company used the exercise to cross train the 60 mm mortar sections on the 81 mm mortar weapons system before the sections replace the 81mm Platoon on deployment to Afghanistan. The shoot was part of the battalion’s field exercise and pre-deployment training.

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Mortarmen with 81 mm Mortar Platoon, Weapons Company, 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, watch as a round leaves the tube during a mortar shoot at Range MP-2, Dec. 10. Weapons Company used the exercise to cross-train the 60 mm mortar sections on the 81 mm mortar weapons system before the sections replace the 81 mm Platoon on deployment to Afghanistan. The shoot was part of the battalion’s field exercise and pre-deployment training for the mortarmen recently attached to 1/5.

[vor033]

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A Marine from Fox Company, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit finishes a patrol aboard Fort Pickett, Va., Dec. 10, 2010. The BLT is participating in a two-week training exercise at Ft. Pickett, Va., in preparation for their upcoming deployment with the 22nd MEU in 2011.

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Marines from Fox Company, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit remove their gear before consolidating to leave the training site aboard Fort Pickett, Va., Dec. 10, 2010. The BLT is participating in a two-week training exercise at Ft. Pickett, Va., in preparation for their upcoming deployment with the 22nd MEU in 2011.

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Marines from Fox Company, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit gather around fire pits before leaving a training site aboard Fort Pickett, Va., Dec. 10, 2010. The BLT is participating in a two-week training exercise at Ft. Pickett, Va., in preparation for their upcoming deployment with the 22nd MEU in 2011.

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A platoon of Marines with Fox Company, Battalion Landing Team, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, gather around a fire to fight against the cold as a reward for being the first to complete their objectives during a defensive training exercise aboard Fort Pickett, Va., Dec. 10, 2010.

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Lance Cpl. Lance Cpl. Brandon J. Morin, a rifleman and Cyprus, Calif., native with Fox Company, Battalion Landing Team, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, sits in his fighting hole watching a nearby tree line during a defensive training exercise aboard Fort Pickett, Va., Dec. 10, 2010.

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Lance Cpl. Andrew S. Puckett, a rifleman and Aitkin, Minn., native with Fox Company, Battalion Landing Team, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, sits in his fighting hole watching a nearby tree line during a defensive training exercise aboard Fort Pickett, Va., Dec. 10, 2010.

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Pfc. Andrew C. Derron, a rifleman and Jasper, Ind., native with Fox Company, Battalion Landing Team, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, cuts open a sandbag to refill his fighting hole shortly after finishing a defensive training exercise aboard Fort Pickett, Va., Dec. 10, 2010.

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Lance Cpl. Andrew S. Puckett, a rifleman and Aitkin, Minn., native with Fox Company, Battalion Landing Team, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, sits in his fighting hole watching a nearby tree line during a defensive training exercise aboard Fort Pickett, Va., Dec. 10, 2010.

[HollywoodMarine]

Thanks for quick reply for both of You, I wonder about one detail still, is LWH visually more alike PASGT than ACH?

To untrained eyes in shape to the PASGT, the LWH is nearly identical. However, the Army's MICH (a.k.a., ACH) is much smaller then the LWH, providing 8% less coverage.

[vor033]

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A Marine deployed with 8th Engineer Support Battalion, 1st Marine Logistics Group (Forward), provides security outside Patrol Base Almas during a bridge emplacement mission in the Sangin District, Helmand province, Afghanistan, Dec. 9. The 8th ESB Marines conduct engineering operations for coalition forces and local nationals in support of the International Security Assistance Force.

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Cpl. Eric Dominguez, radio operator, bridge platoon, 8th Engineer Support Battalion, 1st Marine Logistics Group (Forward), walks along the flooded banks of the Helmand River during a bridge retrieval mission in the Sangin District, Helmand province, Afghanistan, Dec. 7. The 8th ESB Marines conduct engineering operations for coalition forces and local nationals in support of the International Security Assistance Force.

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First Lt. Robert Jorgensen, bridge platoon commander, 8th Engineer Support Battalion, 1st Marine Logistics Group (Forward), observes the progress of his Marines during a bridge retrieval mission in the Sangin District, Helmand province, Afghanistan, Dec. 7. The 8th ESB Marines conduct engineering operations for coalition forces and local nationals in support of the International Security Assistance Force.

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Cpl. John Finley with Security Company, Combat Logistic Regiment 15, 1st Marine Logistics Group (Forward), operates a mine sweeper at their security outpost in Helmand province, Afghanistan on Nov. 24. Security Company, CLR-15, 1st MLG(FWD) provided security for the convoy as it delivers supplies to Forward Operating Base Nolay, in support of the International Security Assistance Force.

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Cpl. Eric Dominguez, radio operator, bridge platoon, 8th Engineer Support Battalion, 1st Marine Logistics Group (Forward), monitors radio traffic during a bridge retrieval mission in the Sangin District, Helmand province, Afghanistan, Dec. 7. The 8th ESB Marines conduct engineering operations for coalition forces and local nationals in support of the International Security Assistance Force.

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First Lt. Robert Jorgensen, bridge platoon commander, 8th Engineer Support Battalion, 1st Marine Logistics Group (Forward), observes the progress of his Marines during a bridge retrieval mission in the Sangin District, Helmand province, Afghanistan, Dec. 7. The 8th ESB Marines conduct engineering operations for coalition forces and local nationals in support of the International Security Assistance Force.

[vor033]

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A Marine assesses a casualty after a vehicle borne improvised explosive device detonates during an Infantry Immersion Trainer scenario at Camp Pendleton, Calif., Dec. 7. The members of CLB-7 are the first logistics unit to go through IIT training, which is specifically designed for infantry Marines.

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Marines and sailors from Combat Logistics Battalion 7, Combat Logistics Regiment 1, 1st Marine Logistics Group provide security after a vehicle borne improvised explosive device detonates during an Infantry Immersion Trainer scenario at Camp Pendleton, Calif., Dec. 7. The members of CLB-7 are the first logistics unit to go through IIT training, which is specifically designed for infantry Marines.

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A vehicle borne improvised explosive device detonates after Marines and sailors from Combat Logistics Battalion 7, Combat Logistics Regiment 1, 1st Marine Logistics Group enter a simulated town of Afghanistan during an Infantry Immersion Trainer scenario at Camp Pendleton, Calif., Dec. 7. The members of CLB-7 are the first logistics unit to go through IIT training, which is specifically designed for infantry Marines.

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Marines and sailors from Combat Logistics Battalion 7, Combat Logistics Regiment 1, 1st Marine Logistics Group enter a simulated town of Afghanistan during an Infantry Immersion Trainer scenario at Camp Pendleton, Calif., Dec. 7. The members of CLB-7 are the first logistics unit to go through IIT training, which is specifically designed for infantry Marines.

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Marines and sailors from Combat Logistics Battalion 7, Combat Logistics Regiment 1, 1st Marine Logistics Group leave a simulated town after a successful supply drop during an Infantry Immersion Trainer scenario at Camp Pendleton, Calif., Dec. 6. The members of CLB-7 are the first logistics unit to go through IIT training, which is specifically designed for infantry Marines.

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Role players for the Infantry Immersion Trainer, offers an apple to a Marine from Combat Logistics Battalion 7, Combat Logistics Regiment 1, 1st Marine Logistics Group at Camp Pendleton, Calif., Dec. 6. The members of CLB-7 are the first logistics unit to go through IIT training, which is specifically designed for infantry Marines.

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Marines from Combat Logistics Battalion 7, Combat Logistics Regiment 1, 1st Marine Logistics Group provide security during an Infantry Immersion Trainer scenario at Camp Pendleton, Calif., Dec. 6. The members of CLB-7 are the first logistics unit to go through IIT training, which is specifically designed for infantry Marines.

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Marines from Combat Logistics Battalion 7, Combat Logistics Regiment 1, 1st Marine Logistics Group provides security during a supply drop scenario at the Infantry Immersion Trainer at Camp Pendleton, Calif., Dec. 6. The members of CLB-7 are the first logistics unit to go through IIT training, which is specifically designed for infantry Marines.

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Marines and sailors from Combat Logistics Battalion 7, Combat Logistics Regiment 1, 1st Marine Logistics Group perform a security patrol during an Infantry Immersion Trainer scenario at Camp Pendleton, Calif., Dec. 6. The members of CLB-7 are the first logistics unit to go through IIT training, which is specifically designed for infantry Marines.

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A Marine and corpsmen work together to calm down a local national role player after she simulates losing her leg due to vehicle borne explosive device that detonated within her vicinity. The members of Combat Logistics Battalion 7, Combat Logistics Regiment 1, 1st Marine Logistics Group are the first logistics unit to go through IIT training, which is specifically designed for infantry Marines.

[vor033]

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Marines from Easy Company, Battalion Landing Team, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, assault an enemy position during a training exercise at the infantry platoon battle course aboard Fort Pickett, Va., Dec. 7. Easy Company conducted a mechanized assault, which employed multiple assets to include amphibious assault vehicles, artillery and mortars. The BLT is conducting pre-deployment training exercises for the next two weeks in preparation for an upcoming deployment in 2011.

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Cpl. Tom M. Miller, a squad leader with Easy Company, Battalion Landing Team, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, and Shamokin, Pa., native, shouts orders while running during a training exercise on the infantry platoon battle course aboard Fort Pickett, Va., Dec. 7. Easy Company conducted a mechanized assault, which employed multiple assets to include amphibious assault vehicles, artillery and mortars. The BLT is conducting pre-deployment training exercises for the next two weeks in preparation for an upcoming deployment in 2011.

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Lance Cpl. Douglas D. Pruden, a squad automatic weapon gunner and Dublin, Calif., native, with Easy Company, Battalion Landing Team, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, fires his M249 squad automatic weapon during a training exercise at the infantry platoon battle course aboard Fort Pickett, Va., Dec. 7. Easy Company conducted a mechanized assault, which employed multiple assets to include amphibious assault vehicles, artillery and mortars. The BLT is conducting pre-deployment training exercises for the next two weeks in preparation for an upcoming deployment 2011.

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Marines from Easy Company, Battalion Landing Team, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, clear a trench during a training exercise at the infantry platoon battle course aboard Fort Pickett, Va., Dec. 7. Easy Company conducted a mechanized assault, which employed multiple assets to include amphibious assault vehicles, artillery and mortars. The BLT is conducting pre-deployment training exercises for the next two weeks in preparation for an upcoming deployment in 2011.

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/23279ee9.jpg

A Marine with Easy Company, Battalion Landing Team, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, fires his M249 squad automatic weapon during a training exercise at the infantry platoon battle course aboard Fort Pickett, Va., Dec. 7. Easy Company conducted a mechanized assault, which employed multiple assets to include amphibious assault vehicles, artillery and mortars. The BLT is conducting pre-deployment training exercises for the next two weeks in preparation for an upcoming deployment in 2011.

[vor033]

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An AH-1W Super Cobra with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 169, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward) departs from Forward Operating Base Dwyer, Afghanistan to provide close air support on a joint Tactical Airstrike Request. The Cobra is one of several stationed at FOB Dwyer as part of a HMLA-169 detachment, which provides quick-response close air support for coalition and Afghan forces within the area.

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An AH-1W Super Cobra with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 169, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward) departs from Forward Operating Base Dwyer, Afghanistan to provide close air support on a joint Tactical Airstrike Request. The Cobra is one of several stationed at FOB Dwyer as part of a HMLA-169 detachment, which provides quick-response close air support for coalition and Afghan forces within the area.

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An AH-1W Super Cobra with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 169, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward) rests staged next to a UH-60A Black Hawk at Forward Operating Base Dwyer, Afghanistan. The Cobra is one of several stationed at FOB Dwyer as part of a HMLA-169 detachment, which provides quick-response close air support for coalition and Afghan forces within the area. Marines of the squadron frequently lend maintenance support as well as armed escorts for the Black Hawk crew and pilots of the Charlie Company 214th Aviation Regiment "Dustoff."

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/1a9cbcbe.jpg

An AH-1W Super Cobra with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 169, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward) rests staged next to a UH-60A Black Hawk at Forward Operating Base Dwyer, Afghanistan. The Cobra is one of several stationed at FOB Dwyer as part of a HMLA-169 detachment, which provides quick-response close air support for coalition and Afghan forces within the area. Marines of the squadron frequently lend maintenance support as well as armed escorts for the Black Hawk crew and pilots of the Charlie Company 214th Aviation Regiment "Dustoff."

[vor033]

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Lance Cpl. Zackery Haglund, a gunner with Combined Anti-Armored Team, Weapons Company, 2nd Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, grabs a metal detector from Sgt. Nicholas A. Collins, a squad leader for CAAT, so he can search for contraband on a local’s rooftop, Dec. 7, in Marjah, Helmand province, Afghanistan. Collins said that although his deployment is almost over his Marines continue to run daily patrols and fight insurgents. With their homecoming quickly approaching, he said daily operations continue strong with no signs of complacency, laying the ground work for a smooth turnover.

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Lance Cpl. Zackery Haglund, a gunner with Combined Anti-Armored Team, Weapons Company, 2nd Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, scales a wall to examine a possible hiding spot for contraband on the rooftop of a local’s compound, Dec. 7, in Marjah, Helmand province, Afghanistan. According to Haglund, even though his deployment is almost over, it is important to fight complacency and keep his head in the game, by focusing on his main mission here

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Marines with Combined Anti-Armored Team, Weapons Company, 2nd Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, patrol through a field in Marjah, Helmand province, Afghanistan, Dec. 5, as part of their daily security efforts. As their homecoming quickly approaches, daily operations continue strong with no signs of complacency laying the groundwork for a smooth turnover.

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Lance Cpl. David J. Paul, an infantryman with Combined Anti-Armored Team, Weapons Company, 2nd Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, posts security in a cotton field during a security patrol in Marjah, Helmand province, Afghanistan, Dec. 5. As their homecoming quickly approaches, daily operations continue strong with no signs of complacency, laying the groundwork for a smooth turnover.

[vor033]

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Afghan children run alongside a vehicle belonging to 1st Combat Engineer Battalion, 1st Marine Division (Forward), during a route-clearing mission, Operation Outlaw Wrath, in Sangin District, Dec. 4, 2010. After eight days of deliberate breaching along Route 611, Coalition forces had discovered and destroyed more than 50 improvised explosive devices.

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Afghan National Army soldiers and Marines with 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, patrol down Route 611 during Operation Outlaw Wrath in Sangin District, Dec. 4, 2010. Marines with 1st Combat Engineer Battalion, 1st Marine Division (Forward), partnered with companies India and Kilo of 3/5 to clear the route of improvised explosive devices. Coalition forces provided security for Marines on the road by conducting foot patrols in the surrounding area.

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/200310b8.jpg


Smoke fills the air after a mine clearing line charge detonates on Route 611 during Operation Outlaw Wrath in Sangin District, Dec. 4, 2010. Marines with 1st Combat Engineer Battalion, 1st Marine Division (Forward), found and destroyed more than 50 improvised explosive devices along Route 611 during the 8-day operation.

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Smoke fills the air after a mine clearing line charge detonates on Route 611 during Operation Outlaw Wrath in Sangin District, Dec. 4, 2010. Marines with 1st Combat Engineer Battalion, 1st Marine Division (Forward), found and destroyed more than 50 improvised explosive devices along Route 611 during the 8-day operation.

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/e08365b4.jpg

A mine clearing line charge detonates on Route 611 during a clearing operation, known as Outlaw Wrath, in Sangin District, Dec. 4, 2010. Marines with 1st Combat Engineer Battalion, 1st Marine Division (Forward), used the charges to set off any improvised explosive devices emplaced along the route. During the 8-day operation, coalition forces found and destroyed more than 50 IEDs.

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/fe3b53d1.jpg

A mine clearing line charge is launched into the air during a clearing operation, known as Outlaw Wrath, in Sangin District, Dec. 4, 2010. Marines with 1st Combat Engineer Battalion, 1st Marine Division (Forward), used the charges to set off any improvised explosive devices emplaced along the route. During the 8-day operation, coalition forces found and destroyed more than 50 IEDs.

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/d0226de4.jpg

Vehicles belonging to Marines with 1st Combat Engineer Battalion, 1st Marine Division (Forward), travel along route 611 during Operation Outlaw Wrath in Sangin District, Dec. 4, 2010. During the IED clearing operation, the Marines pushed for eight days to clear the ‘611’ to allow freedom of mobility for 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment and local nationals.

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/156dcb4d.jpg

A mine clearing line charge detonates on Route 611 during Operation Outlaw Wrath in Sangin District, Dec. 4, 2010. Marines with 1st Combat Engineer Battalion, 1st Marine Division (Forward), conducted the clearing operation to ensure safe travel for locals and coalition forces

[vor033]

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Recruit Dennis O. Ngirchongor, Platoon 3227, Company K, adjusts his gear as he finishes refilling his canteens at the water station at the Crucible. There are water stations scattered throughout the Crucible so that the recruits have a steady supply of water during the three-day event.

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Recruit Dennis O. Ngirchongor, Platoon 3227, Company K, helps another recruit put on his gear in preparation for the body sparring event at the Crucible Dec. 1. The recruits wear protective gear during sparring exercises to help prevent injuries.

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Recruit Dennis O. Ngirchongor, Platoon 3227, Company K, takes a drink of water before getting ready for the next Crucible event Dec. 1, at Edson Range, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif. The recruits are encouraged to drink water between events so that they can remain hydrated throughout the Crucible.

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Recruit Ben J. Stocker, Platoon 3226, Company K, holds out his empty magazine to show his drill instructors he has no live rounds left after completing a defense firing course at the Crucible. The recruits are searched after every live fire exercise to ensure that no rounds are unaccounted.

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Recruit Christopher A. Wooley, Platoon 3226, Company K, fires at targets from a simulated bunker position. The recruits are instructed on the proper way to fire behind cover as to not leave themselves open to return fire.

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Recruit Lucas J. Tosh, Platoon 3226, Company K, fires from a simulated window position during the Crucible. The recruits are taught how to fire from a window while making sure that they do not leave themselves open to return fire

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Company K recruits wait for their turn on the defense firing course during the Crucible. The course teaches recruits to use different types of cover while firing at enemy targets.

[vor033]

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/f7a202cc.jpg

Lance Cpl. Adam Zaugg, an assaultman with India Company, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, crosses a canal during a mission, Nov. 24. Zaugg, a 20-year-old native of Eagle Mountain, Utah, and fellow Marines often had to cross knee to waist-deep canals during multiple patrols while on a mission to hunt Taliban fighters.

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Sgt. Gregory Wenzel, 1st platoon sergeant with India Company, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, counts ammunition after a firefight, Nov. 23. Wenzel, a 26-year-old native of Altoona, Pa., and fellow Marines received an ammunition resupply after the firefight, which lasted two hours and involved support from helicopters and artillery.

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Lance Cpl. Michael Brown, an infantryman with 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, uses a metal detector to sweep for improvised explosive devices during an operation, Nov. 23, 2010. Brown, a 20-year-old native of Kansas City, Mo., and his fellow Marines maintain constant awareness for IEDs and sweep every area.

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Lance Cpl. Zachary Allen, an infantryman with India Company, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, walks through a corn field during an operation, Nov. 23. Allen, a 21-year-old native of Fruita, Colo., and his fellow Marines stayed in the Southern Green Zone for more than a day to observe and hunt the Taliban.

[Ghelp]

Great pics Vor.

[khalifah]

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/6d15bf25.jpg
.

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/3008e295.jpg

.

fantastic photos Vor, thanks for keeping them up. do you have hi-res of these?

[vor033]

fantastic photos Vor, thanks for keeping them up. do you have hi-res of these?

Hi Mate, Links below for the Hi-Res Photos

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/d9e13b54.jpg

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/cd4a7193.jpg

[santana]

Amazing pics Vor, today it was your turn!!!

[vor033]

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/ae96cd55.jpg

Pvt. Chris Farhat, Platoon 2143, Company G, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, takes a moment to observe the obstacle his group has to overcome during the Twelve-Stalls exercise, Nov. 23, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif. During the exercise the recruits are allowed to make their own plan and decisions without the drill instructors help

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Pvt. Chris Farhat, Platoon 2143, Company G, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, provides security for his group during the Twelve-Stalls event, Nov. 23, at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif. It is important that security is provided during this exercise so that the recruits understand that there should always be someone on the lookout.

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Recruit Zachary Janke, Platoon 2143, Company G. 2nd Recruit Training Battalion shimmies his way to the top of two poles during the 12-Stall exercise of the Crucible at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Nov. 23. The poles were placed there by the recruits to span across simulated water to a wooden wall in the middle. Once they made it to the middle the recruits had to use the poles to get to the other side.

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Company G recruits work their way across a rope bridge, avoiding pieces that were marked red, to get their simulated casualty to safety during the 12-Stall exercise during the Crucible. The recruit who was the simulated casualty was not allowed to hold on in any way. The group had to get all of their gear, an empty 50-gallon drum, and themselves across safely.

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Company G recruits emerge from tunnels to a wall of red, signifying something that they shouldn’t touch, during the 12-Stall exercise of the Crucible. The 12-Stall is an event that tests the recruit’s leadership and organizational capabilities.

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Company G recruits ponder over which way to lay planks down to get across a simulated river during the 12-Stall exercise of the Crucible. The gravel on the ground beneath them represents water, and the posts coming out of the ground represent stepping stones. The recruits have only two planks to use to get their gear and men across the water.

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/7ac4677b.jpg

Recruit Carlos Diaz, Platoon 2143, Company G, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, sits on a simulated transportation device, a tire tied to a rope, to get across a simulated river during the 12-Stall exercise of the Crucible. Diaz’ group was given a tire and a piece of rope to get all of their gear and men across the river using a pole spanning the area.

[vor033]

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Sgt. Chris Hoover, Platoon 1005, Company A, commands his unit through the final stretch of their final drill inspection, Nov. 8. Hoover and Platoon 1005 have been tirelessly working to perfect their execution for almost three months.

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Recruit Carvis R. Simmons, foreground, guide, and Sgt. Adam Davenport, senior drill instructor, both of Platoon 1006, Company A, lead their unit past the reviewing booth during final drill inspection Monday, Nov. 8. Final drill inspection measures the discipline and obedience to orders the recruits have learned in the previous 11 weeks of recruit training.

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Gunnery Sgt. Mitchell Arnold looks for deviations in execution from the recruits of Company A during final drill inspection, Nov. 8. As the regimental drill master, Arnold has been thoroughly trained in the smallest details of close order drill, and the teaching thereof.

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Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego drill masters evaluate a platoon of Company A recruits during final drill, Nov. 8. Final drill is the final graded event that allows recruits and their drill instructors to show how well they’ve mastered the art of close order drill.

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Recruits from Company A execute the command, “Stack arms,” as a part of their final drill inspection, Nov. 8. The inspection is their last graded event of recruit training.

[timothygfowler]

they've gotta be proud. great pics!

-tim

[vor033]

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/26437bb7.jpg

Marines with Company I, Battalion Landing Team 3/8, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, stack outside a doorway during Military Operations in Urban Terrain training at Arta Beach, Djibouti, Africa, Nov. 1, 2010. Elements of 26th MEU conducted sustainment training during their current deployment at Camp Lemonnier and surrounding areas.

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A Marine with Company I, Battalion Landing Team 3/8, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, taps the shoulder of the Marine in front of him to signal readiness outside a doorway during Military Operations in Urban Terrain training at Arta Beach, Djibouti, Africa, Nov. 1. Elements of 26th MEU conducted sustainment training during their current deployment at Camp Lemonnier and surrounding areas.

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Staff Sgt. John Leuba, a platoon sergeant with Company I, Battalion Landing Team 3/8, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, instructs Marines during Military Operations in Urban Terrain training at Arta Beach, Djibouti, Africa, Nov. 1, 2010. Elements of 26th MEU conducted sustainment training during their current deployment at Camp Lemonnier and surrounding areas.

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/6e6c92a8.jpg

Marines with Company I, Battalion Landing Team 3/8, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, stack outside a doorway during Military Operations in Urban Terrain training at Arta Beach, Djibouti, Africa, Nov. 1, 2010. Elements of 26th MEU conducted sustainment training during their current deployment at Camp Lemonnier and surrounding areas.

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/c8c61083.jpg

Marines with Company I, Battalion Landing Team 3/8, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, clear a room during Military Operations in Urban Terrain training at Arta Beach, Djibouti, Africa, Nov. 1, 2010. Elements of 26th MEU conducted sustainment training during their current deployment at Camp Lemonnier and surrounding areas.

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Lance Cpl. Christopher Fisher, a team leader with Company I, Battalion Landing Team 3/8, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, operates as pointman in a stack outside a doorway during Military Operations in Urban Terrain training at Arta Beach, Djibouti, Africa, Nov. 1, 2010. Elements of 26th MEU conducted sustainment training during their current deployment at Camp Lemonnier and surrounding areas.

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/2ffc4019.jpg

Marines with Company I, Battalion Landing Team 3/8, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, stack outside a doorway during Military Operations in Urban Terrain training at Arta Beach, Djibouti, Africa, Nov. 1, 2010. Elements of 26th MEU conducted sustainment training during their current deployment at Camp Lemonnier and surrounding areas.

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/92a0cf67.jpg

Pfc. Joseph Brinkman, a rifleman with Company I, Battalion Landing Team 3/8, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, enters a room for clearing during Military Operations in Urban Terrain training at Arta Beach, Djibouti, Africa, Nov. 1, 2010. Elements of 26th MEU conducted sustainment training during their current deployment at Camp Lemonnier and surrounding areas.

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A Marine with Company I, Battalion Landing Team 3/8, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, watches another Marine provide security during Military Operations in Urban Terrain training at Arta Beach, Djibouti, Africa, Nov. 1. Elements of 26th MEU conducted sustainment training during their current deployment at Camp Lemonnier and surrounding areas.

[KEEPER0311]

Great pics. Cool seeing the boot camp pictures.

[Scythian]

The United States Marine Corps is the only military force to ever be feared and respected by Afghans.

As they say in Latin.Semper Fidelis.

[Dc5-driver]

The United States Marine Corps is the only military force to ever be feared and respected by Afghans.

As they say in Latin.Semper Fidelis.

Respected yes but there are a huge amount of very profecional units of many country`s.
And saying ho`s best is nonsens and eazy ROE`s mean a bigger capability on the battlefield.

It looks like the US Army gets a bit more fancy personal equipment..
But I love the US kits in overall.

I have those oakley gloves whit the carbon..
Don`t try to use hot water to clean them..there destroyed!

[HollywoodMarine]

http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz270/Plainbrain/various%20camo%20patterns/20100624adf8262658_173.jpghttp://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f21/feerls/MARSOCDMR.jpghttp://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f186/johnpz/BDU/marpat2.jpghttp://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f21/feerls/MARSOCGRENADIER.jpghttp://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u293/ardhityo/marsocjtac1nr1.jpghttp://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q152/marinenjgkb/twoguns.jpghttp://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f76/bigcity6/USMC-127_2727.jpg

[KEEPER0311]

I just noticed on the Recruit pictures, they've all got A4's...I guess we'll no longer see hand guards flying off during final drill.

[HollywoodMarine]

Yup! Noticed them too the other day. I wonder if the others went to DRMO. :)

[timothygfowler]

http://armaduraxx1.blogspot.com/2010/12/navistar-defense.html

i am curious as to the relevance of the maxxpro to this thread, sir.

tim

[HollywoodMarine]

I asked him the same thing hours ago without a reply.

Anyway, I stumbled across this photos of someone I served with when we were both Pfc's reporting to Wpns Co. 2/23, back in 1992 (I was Dragons Plt., he with 81's), then as Sgt's to 1st FAST Company.

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/522f3e7f.jpg
Gunnery Sgt. José D. Marquez, civil affairs chief with 3rd Civil Affairs Group, 2nd Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, posts security in a crowded bazaar in Marjah, Afghanistan, Sept. 27, 2010. Marines and sailors with 2/9, along with British forces, raided the bazaar in hopes of disrupting a suspected bomb material trafficking ring and registering people in Biometrics Automated Toolset System.

[Mormaeglin]

To untrained eyes in shape to the PASGT, the LWH is nearly identical. However, the Army's MICH (a.k.a., ACH) is much smaller then the LWH, providing 8% less coverage.

Thanks for answering all my questions in detail :)

[gaijinsamurai]

Great to see pics of Alpha Company, 1st RTB, MCRD San Diego.
That was my first company in Boot Camp, before I got pushed down Mt. Motherfvcker at RFTD, spent 2 months in MRP, and finished with Bravo Company.

[KEEPER0311]

Great to see pics of Alpha Company, 1st RTB, MCRD San Diego.
That was my first company in Boot Camp, before I got pushed down Mt. Motherfvcker at RFTD, spent 2 months in MRP, and finished with Bravo Company.

Golf Co, 2nd RTB. YUT!

[Bringer of Greater Things]

Respected yes but there are a huge amount of very profecional units of many country`s.
And saying ho`s best is nonsens and eazy ROE`s mean a bigger capability on the battlefield.

It looks like the US Army gets a bit more fancy personal equipment..
But I love the US kits in overall.

I have those oakley gloves whit the carbon..
Don`t try to use hot water to clean them..there destroyed!


Er... What?



Otherwise, great pics everybody.

[vor033]

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/6ac8f047.jpg

U.S. Marine Corps 1st Lt. Josef Patterson, 3rd Platoon, platoon commander, with India Company, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, patrols down Route 611 in Sangin District, Dec. 30. “We are here to let the local people know that they are not forgotten and that we are there with the ANA to support them in security and assist them with getting rid of improvised explosive devices and the Taliban,” said the 31-year-old native of Owasso, Okla.

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/6f0c4394.jpg

U.S. Marine Corps 1st Lt. Josef Patterson, 3rd Platoon, platoon commander, with India Company, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, meets with elders of the Allikozai village in Sangin District, Dec. 30. “We are here to let the local people know that they are not forgotten and that we are there with the ANA to support them in security and assist them with getting rid of IEDs and the Taliban,” said the 31-year-old native of Owasso, Okla.

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/aa37d5ec.jpg

U.S. Marine Corps 1st Lt. Josef Patterson, 3rd Platoon, platoon commander, and Sgt. David “Bibi” Castillo, 2nd Squad, squad leader, both with India Company, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, discuss plans to advance their squad through a danger area during a patrol in Sangin District, Dec. 30. Danger areas are open spaces where no cover or concealment is available and the Marines are vulnerable to enemy fire.

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Lance Cpl. Jonathon Jacobson, a machine gunner with 3rd platoon, India Company, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, provides security during a patrol in Sangin District, Dec. 30. In the background, are two white Taliban flags where the insurgency has marked their “line in the sand.” The 21-year-old native of Pismo Beach, Calif., has been deployed to Helmand province, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom since October of 2010.

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Cpl. Jason Albright, a team leader with 3rd Platoon, India Company, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, leads Coalition forces down route 611, back to Patrol Base Fulod, in Sangin District, Dec. 30. The 21-year-old native of Chicago Ridge, Ill., has been deployed to Helmand province, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom since October.

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Lance Cpl. Nathan Peyton, a combat engineer with 3rd Platoon, India Company, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, breaks a smile, moments after discovering an improvised explosive device during a patrol in Sangin District, Dec. 30. “This IED was a directional ‘frag,’ so instead of blasting upward, it was set up to blast the length of the alleyway,” said Sgt. David “Bibi” Castillo, who led the patrol. “Peyton’s alertness probably saved four to five lives -- an entire fire team.” Peyton, 19, is a native of Post Falls, Idaho.

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Lance Cpl. Ron Long, Jr., a radio operator with 3rd Plt., India Company, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, searches for any suspicious activity during a patrol in the Sangin District, Dec. 30. The 21-year-old native of Galt, Calif., has been deployed to Helmand province, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom since October.

[vor033]

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/7284d8ed.jpg

A US Marine Cadillac Gage Light Armored Reconnaissance Vehicle with two US Marine on the vehicle. The Marine on the front of the vehicle look through a pair of binoculars while the other Marine mans the M60 machine gun mounted on the vehicle's turret. At the left of the frame is a High-Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV) with two Marines. One stands next to the right front fender and the other mans the M60 machine gun mounted on top of the vehicle. The Marine stand perimeter watch at the recently seized weapons cantonment of Somali Warlord General Aideed. This mission is in direct support of Operation Restore Hope.

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Right side profile six US Marines as they close to a wall. The first two Marines look around the corner of the wall. One is in the ****e position and is pointing a M60 machine gun down range. An UH-1N Huey helicopter is seen in the distance. The Marines are preparing to storm the weapons cantonment area of Somali Warlord General Aideed. This mission is in direct support of Operation Restore Hope.

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Ten US Marines walk along the side of a red clay colored building with their M16 rifles in the ready position. Some Marines are walking; others are kneeling or sitting in a doorway. The roof of the building appears to be missing. The Marines, from Task Force Mogadishu, have surrounded the weapons cantonment of Somali Warlord General Aideed in the northern part of the Captial City of Mogadishu. Their mission is in direct support of Operation Restore Hope.

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/1a58163d.jpg

A US Marine, standing back to camera, guards seven Somali nationals that sit on the ground next to a Somali, Soviet made BTR-60, Wheeled Armored Personnel Carrier. The Marine holds his M16A2 rifle pointed into the air. The Somalis were detained from an early morning raid on Somali Warlord General Aideed's weapons cantonment. This mission is in direct support of Operation Restore Hope.

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Low angle view of three US Marines in the back of a M54 Series 5-ton Cargo Truck. The Marine closest to the camera holds in his arms a M60 Machine gun. The Marines in the middle points a M16 machine gun toward the ground and the Marine at far left mans a .50 caliber machine bun mounted on the front stack rack of the truck. They are on alert as the unit has surrounded the weapons cantonment area of Somali Warlord General Aideed. Their mission is in direct support of Operation Restore Hope.

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Left side front view of a four US Marine Armored Amphibious Vehicles (AAV) with the closest one to the camera backing into a space next to the others. The Marine Corps Flag waves atop one of the AAVs. They are from the 15th Marine Expeditionary force unit BLT 2/9, Camp Pendleton, California. The AAVs were deployed from the Austin Class; Amphibious Transport Dock Ship; USS JUNEAU (LPD 10) (not shown) as part of Operation Restore Hope.

[vor033]

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/b172605d.jpg

A US Marine standing behind and manning a Mark-19 Grenade Launcher mounted on a M998 High-Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV). Only the very top of the HMMWV is seen. Somali civilians are seen in the background. He stays alert for snipers in the Bakara Market as the unit sweeps the crowded Bakara, Mogadishu market for arms and ammunition. This mission is in direct support of Operation Restore Hope.

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Two US Marines face the camera with weapons drawn. The Marine at left holds his 9mm pistol in his right hand and points into the air. The Marine at the right points his M16A1 rifle into the air. They stay alert for snipers in the Bakara Market as they sweep the crowded Mogadishu market for arms and ammunition. This mission is in direct support of Operation Restore Hope.

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As Somali civilians watch, US Marines walk single file toward the camera, down a small ally in Somalia's Bakara Market. The Marines sweep the market looking for arms and munitions as part of Operation Nutcracker. This mission is in direct support of Operation Restore Hope.

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The US Marine at the left lowers a confiscated rifle into a seabag for transport to a central collection point during Operation Nutcracker, a raid by US Army and Marine personnel on Bakara Market in Mogadishu, Somalia. The market (not shown) is a hub for Somali arms trading. A Marine at the right points his M16A1 rifle up in the air. This mission is in direct support of Operation Restore Hope.

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/09cbd90d.jpg

Straight on shot at the back of a 5-ton cargo truck as US Marines load ammunition and weapons seized in a raid on Mogadishu, Somalia's, Bakara Market. In the foreground and at the left, stands a Marine holding a M60 machine gun; pointing it at a crowd of Somali civilians standing at the right. This mission is in direct support of Operation Restore Hope.

[HollywoodMarine]

On the first set of pictures, the 1st photo is a M240E1, 2nd and 5th photos are M249's and not M60's. Same goes on the last picture of the 2nd set of photos. Plus, they are using M16A2's, not M16A1's. ;)

Civilian reporters know as much about the military, as I know much about the Stock Market.

[vor033]

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/2093fc69.jpg

Shot down a Somali street as US Marines from Battalion Landing Team 29, 1st Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, California, patrolling the streets of Mogadishu in their arms for food mission. A US Marine UH-1N "Huey" helicopter flies overhead providing cover and dropping leaflets. The Marines prefer to have the Somalis give up their weapons for food, but have orders to take the arms by force if they see them. This mission is in direct support of Operation Restore Hope.

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/4bae8544.jpg

Right Rear View of a US Marine from Battalion Landing Team 29, 1st Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, California, kneeling down and inspecting a small box of grenades just handed over to him by a Somali boy. The boy will be given a "chit" and a bag of grain at a temporary distribution area that will be set up nearby. The boy and three other Somali civilians stand near the Marine looking down at what he's doing. This mission is in direct support of Operation Restore Hope.

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/f7ae91dd.jpg

A US Marine from Battalion Landing Team 29, 1st Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, California, and a Somali nervously greet each other as the man comes out of his house to see what the Marines are doing. This mission is in direct support of Operation Restore Hope.

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/24ec1729.jpg

Shot of a US Marine from Battalion Landing Team 29, 1st Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, California, walking cautiously and carrying a M16 rifle through a civilian sector of Mogadishu, as there are reports that snipers are still in the area. Local residents gather as curious on-lookers. This mission is in direct support of Operation Restore Hope.

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/c4b2b565.jpg

A Marine from Battalion Landing Team 29, 1st Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, California, stands back to camera, smoking a cigarette next to a row of buildings. He has a M136 (AT4) Light Anti-Armor Weapon slung over his left shoulder. He watches a Somali man deliver water from a horse-drawn water tank to a local residence. This mission is in direct support of Operation Restore Hope.

[cbreedon]

it's amazing to see the advancement in gear that has occurred since Somalia....

[HollywoodMarine]

Yeah, but the weight hasn't changed much. The current gear issued may be lighter and stronger, its just the extra knick-nacks and gizmos they carry that adds on.

[cbreedon]

Do you think it would be better to have less of the gizmos and have a lighter load? I guess what I am saying do the extras justify the weight?

[HollywoodMarine]

http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n73/kawaiku/US%20Military/SoldiertossingagrenadeinBaghdad.jpg
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g226/bigjack_2006/UH1_huey_afghanistan.jpg
http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z192/artieles/afghanistan/DSC00236.jpg
http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z192/artieles/afghanistan/P7100268.jpg
http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z192/artieles/afghanistan/IMG_0776.jpg
http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p31/chvyhs/Afghanistan/DSC05965.jpg

[vor033]

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/c7d64960.jpg

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Ryan Martinez, with India Company, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 2, along with explosive ordnance disposal technicians patrols to obtain two old British claymore mines from outside a security post at Forward Operating Base Jackson in Sangin Valley, Afghanistan, Oct. 13, 2010. The 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment?s mission was to conduct counterinsurgency operations in partnership with the International Security Assistance Force.

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U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Stephen Bowers, assigned to India Company, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines, Regimental Combat Team 2, conducts a patrol with explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) technicians to remove two British claymore mines placed outside a security post at Forward Operating Base (FOB) Jackson in the Sangin valley of Afghanistan Oct. 13, 2010. FOB Jackson was turned over to U.S. Marines by the British in September 2010, and EOD technicians were removing the old mines to eliminate possible hazards outside the base.

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/3885be33.jpg

U.S. Marines with India Company, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines, Regimental Combat Team 2, and explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) technicians conduct a patrol to remove two British claymore mines placed outside a security post at Forward Operating Base (FOB) Jackson in the Sangin valley of Afghanistan Oct. 13, 2010. FOB Jackson was turned over to U.S. Marines by the British in September 2010, and EOD technicians were removing the old mines to eliminate possible hazards outside the base.

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/f170e1cf.jpg

U.S. Marines with India Company, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 2 and explosive ordnance disposal technicians patrol to obtain two old British claymore mines from outside a security post at Forward Operating Base Jackson in Sangin Valley, Afghanistan, Oct. 13, 2010. The 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment?s mission was to conduct counterinsurgency operations in partnership with the International Security Assistance Force.

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/df411382.jpg

U.S. Marines with India Company, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 2 and explosive ordnance disposal technicians step over concertina wire during a patrol to obtain two old British claymore mines from outside a security post at Forward Operating Base Jackson in Sangin Valley, Afghanistan, Oct. 13, 2010. The 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment?s mission was to conduct counterinsurgency operations in partnership with the International Security Assistance Force.

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/d7121eaa.jpg

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Corporal Daniel Hazzard with India Company, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines, Regimental Combat Team 2, provides security during a patrol to remove two British claymore mines placed outside a security post at Forward Operating Base (FOB) Jackson in the Sangin valley of Afghanistan Oct. 13, 2010. FOB Jackson was turned over to U.S. Marines by the British in September 2010, and EOD technicians were removing the old mines to eliminate possible hazards outside the base.

[IMTT]

Nothing but respect and big love for "Dark Horse" too many WIA and way too many KIA... 5th Marines, always Faithful! Glad to see the colors come home with all.

Semper Fi!

[vor033]

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Lance Cpl. David Ortega, the 3rd team leader for 1st Squad, 2nd Platoon, India Company, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment looks around at the location of the new patrol base in southern Sangin, Dec. 21, 2010. Ortega, 21, from Reseda, Calif., and his team cleared the rear of the new patrol base as members of the other teams cleared the other portions.

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Lance Cpl. David Ortega and Lance Cpl. Miguel Travino, both members of 2nd Platoon, India Company, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, kneel in a group of trees in southern Sangin, Dec. 22, 2010. The Platoon was on an operation to secure a new patrol base in the area. Although on the first three days of the operation, the Marines encountered several firefights and found several improvised explosive devises, they also secured the compound and established a new patrol base.

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Lance Cpl. James Proshek, 22, from Rosemont, Minn., with 2nd Platoon, India Company, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment sights in next to a water way, looking for enemy activity in southern Sangin, Dec., 22, 2010. The platoon was tasked with the operation of moving into the area to establish a new patrol base. After receiving enemy fire, they reached their objective point and secured the area.

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Cpl. Willy Escobedo, the 1st team leader for 1st Squad, 2nd Platoon, India Company, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment sights in, looking for enemy activity in southern Sangin, Dec., 22, 2010. Escobedo is 26 years old and from Napa, Calif. The platoon was tasked with the operation of moving into the area to establish a new patrol base.

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Just after the Marines of 2nd Platoon, India Company, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment set up a check point near a bridge often traveled by enemy forces in Sangin, Dec., 22, 2010, they began searching individuals traveling in the area. The Marines of 2nd Platoon departed from Forward Operating Base Jackson, Dec. 21, 2010, on an operation to secure a new patrol base in southern Sangin.

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/800d3d0a.jpg

While searching a compound in Sangin, Dec. 23, 2010, Petty Officer 3rd Class Jason Marcusen, 27, from Clinton, Utah, looks over a wall into the next compound before Marines with 2nd Platoon, India Company, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment enter and clear the area. The Marines of 2nd Platoon were on an operation to establish a new patrol base in southern Sangin

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/fddb25af.jpg

Lance Cpl. David Ortega, 3rd team leader for 1st Squad, 2nd Platoon, India Company, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment questions a local Afghan while in a compound in southern Sangin, Dec. 23, 2010. Ortega, 21, from Reseda, Calif., is also a designated marksman for his team. The platoon departed Forward Operating base Jackson, Dec. 21, 2010 on an operation to establish a new patrol base.

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/c86132f1.jpg

While searching a compound in Sangin, Dec. 23, 2010, Petty Officer 3rd Class Jason Marcusen, 27, from Clinton, Utah, and Cpl. Jon Andujo, 24, from Albuquerque, N.M., looks over a wall into the next compound before Marines with 2nd Platoon, India Company, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment enter and clear the area. The Marines of 2nd Platoon were on an operation to establish a new patrol base in southern Sangin.

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/da6d33fd.jpg

Petty Officer 3rd Class Jason Marcusen, 27, from Clinton, Utah, hugs a wall in an attempt to look down an ally way in southern Sangin, Dec. 23, 2010. Marcusen is attached to the Marines of 2nd Platoon, India Company, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment. While on an operation to establish a new patrol base in the southern area, Marcusen treated the injured, searched local Afghans and was engaged in a firefight.

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/d55a7658.jpg

After Marines took control of a bridge near their new patrol base in Sangin, Dec. 23, 2010, Marines constantly scanned the area for enemy activity. The platoon was tasked with the operation of moving into the area to establish a new patrol base. After receiving enemy contact and enemy fire, they reached their objective point and secured the area.

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/4e58cf25.jpg

While in Sangin’s southern area of operations, Marines scan the area before moving to an objective point, Dec. 23, 2010. The Marines of 2nd Platoon, India Company, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment departed Forward Operating Base Jackson on an operation to secure a new patrol base in the area. Although the Marines were met with enemy fire, they quickly maneuvered, killed the enemy and seized their objective area.

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/27788112.jpg

Petty Officer 3rd Class Jason Marcusen, 27, from Clinton, Utah, sights in, looking for enemy activity in southern Sangin, Dec. 23, 2010. Marcusen is attached to the Marines of 2nd Platoon, India Company, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment while they were on this operation.

[KEEPER0311]

Once again great pictures Vor. Thanks for posting.

[Lord Helmet]

My best wishes for 3/5. These guys are doing the toughest fighting right now. Seems like the taliban is moving from city to city. Gamsir, Marjah and now Sangin.

Heres my personal deployment video from my time in Marjah with 2/6.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i83k67nshJ4&feature=youtube_gdata

[KEEPER0311]

Thanks for posting man.

[HollywoodMarine]

Do you think it would be better to have less of the gizmos and have a lighter load? I guess what I am saying do the extras justify the weight?
With exception of the large radios, the extra gizmos are light to begin with and are needed (GPS, compass, ICom's). The ammo and armor is where the weight really makes it a burden, but still necessary to have.

[Lord Helmet]

Thanks for posting man.

No problem dude, took me a while to make it anyways so might as well share it!

[Ratamacue]

With exception of the large radios, the extra gizmos are light to begin with and are needed (GPS, compass, ICom's). The ammo and armor is where the weight really makes it a burden, but still necessary to have.I would argue that side SAPIs should be able to be dropped at commander's discretion. To me, they're absolutely excessive. After spending an entire deployment wearing them, my mind was blown by how much lighter and more agile I felt just by dropping the side SAPIs, even with the rest of my combat load still on there.

[vor033]

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/4e85eb82.jpg

Marines with Delta Company, 1st Tank Battalion, 1st Marine Division (Forward) fire the main cannon of an M1A1 Abrams tank during a firing range exercise at Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan, Jan. 13, 2011. The Marines fired multiple rounds to align their sights and prepare their tanks for upcoming missions.

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Marines with Delta Company, 1st Tank Battalion, 1st Marine Division (Forward) fire the main cannon of an M1A1 Abrams tank during a range at Camp Leatherneck, Jan. 13, 2011. The Marines are part of the first tank unit to deploy to Afghanistan.

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Marines with Delta Company, 1st Tank Battalion 1st Marine Division (Forward) work with a bore laser to find the center of the M1A1 Abrams tank gun's barrel during a battlefield-zero range at Camp Leatherneck, Jan. 13, 2011. The Marines aligned their sights and fired the main gun during a firing range exercise to prepare the tanks for upcoming missions.

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/9bdd7306.jpg

Marines with Delta Company, 1st Tank Battalion, 1st Marine Division (Forward) drive an M1A1 Abrams tank towards a firing range at Camp Leatherneck, Jan. 13, 2011. The Marines, who are part of the first tank unit in Afghanistan, fired multiple rounds to properly sight in the main gun on the vehicle.

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Marines with Delta Company, 1st Tank Battalion, 1st Marine Division (Forward), attach a .50 caliber machine gun to the top of an M1A1 Abrams tank before a firing range exercise at Camp Leatherneck, Jan. 13, 2011. The Marines performed their pre-combat inspections before firing the weapons to prepare for upcoming missions.

[vor033]

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/8fe50472.jpg

Greek Warrant Officer George Stavridis, an instructor from the NATO Maritime Interception Operations Training Center, demonstrates quick magazine changes while moving to Marines of 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit’s Maritime Interception Operations assault force at the NMIOTC in Souda Bay, Crete, Greece, Nov. 9. The MIO assault force went through a one-week course at the NATO NMIOTC in tactics to board a suspect vessel.

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Sgt. Jude Calin, with 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit’s Maritime Interception Operations assault force, practices quick magazine change drills on a M1911A1 .45 Pistol during training at the NATO Maritime Interception Operations Training Center in Souda Bay, Crete, Greece, Nov. 9. The MIO assault force went through a one-week course at the NATO NMIOTC in tactics to board a suspect vessel.

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Cpl. Hunter Carmichael, with 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit’s Maritime Interception Operations assault force, practices quick magazine change drills on an M4 Service Rifle during training at the NATO Maritime Interception Operations Training Center in Souda Bay, Crete, Greece, Nov. 9. The MIO assault force went through a one-week course at the NATO NMIOTC in tactics to board a suspect vessel.

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/47af0b2b.jpg

Pfc. Joshua Curtis, left, and Sgt. Justin Jones, both with 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit’s Maritime Interception Operations assault force, practice quick magazine change drills on an M4 Service Rifle during training at the NATO Maritime Interception Operations Training Center in Souda Bay, Crete, Greece, Nov. 9. The MIO assault force went through a one-week course at the NATO NMIOTC in tactics to board a suspect vessel.

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/95bb0489.jpg

Sgt. Richard Klein, with 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit’s Maritime Interception Operations assault force, shows weapon is clear during training at the NATO Maritime Interception Operations Training Center in Souda Bay, Crete, Greece, Nov. 9. The MIO assault force went through a one-week course at the NATO NMIOTC in tactics to board a suspect vessel.

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/3386aaff.jpg

Greek Warrant Officer George Stavridis, an instructor from the NATO Maritime Interception Operations Training Center, gives a class on quick magazine changes to Marines of 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit’s Maritime Interception Operations assault force at the NMIOTC in Souda Bay, Crete, Greece, Nov. 9. The MIO assault force went through a one-week course at the NATO NMIOTC in tactics to board a suspect vessel.

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/3fb26c4d.jpg

Greek Warrant Officer George Stavridis, an instructor from the NATO Maritime Interception Operations Training Center, gives a class on quick magazine changes to Marines of 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit’s Maritime Interception Operations assault force at the NMIOTC in Souda Bay, Crete, Greece, Nov. 9. The MIO assault force went through a one-week course at the NATO NMIOTC in tactics to board a suspect vessel.

[vor033]

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/7b3a7174.jpg

Cpl. Andrew Simich, center, and Gunnery Sgt. Mathew Grant, both with 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit’s Maritime Interception Operations assault force, prepare to fire simulation rounds during a close quarters firing drill aboard HNS Aris at Souda Bay, Crete, Greece, Nov. 9. The MIO assault force went through a one-week course at the NATO Maritime Interception Operations Training Center in tactics to board a suspect vessel

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/116b8e36.jpg

Marines with 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit’s Maritime Interception Operations assault force fire simulation rounds during a close quarters firing drill aboard HNS Aris at Souda Bay, Crete, Greece, Nov. 9. The MIO assault force went through a one-week course at the NATO Maritime Interception Operations Training Center in tactics to board a suspect vessel.

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/c3fa4238.jpg

Sergeants Evan Gibson, left, and Sean Sundey with 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit’s Maritime Interception Operations assault force fire simulation rounds during a close quarters firing drill aboard HNS Aris at Souda Bay, Crete, Greece, Nov. 9. The MIO assault force went through a one-week course at the NATO Maritime Interception Operations Training Center in tactics to board a suspect vessel.

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/34789a9e.jpg

Marines with 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit’s Maritime Interception Operations assault force fire simulation rounds during a close quarters firing drill aboard HNS Aris at Souda Bay, Crete, Greece, Nov. 9. The MIO assault force went through a one-week course at the NATO Maritime Interception Operations Training Center in tactics to board a suspect vessel.

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/acb16ecd.jpg


A Marine with 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit’s Maritime Interception Operations assault force fires simulation rounds during a close quarters firing drill aboard HNS Aris at Souda Bay, Crete, Greece, Nov. 9. The MIO assault force went through a one-week course at the NATO Maritime Interception Operations Training Center in tactics to board a suspect vessel.



http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/d8720787.jpg

Gunnery Sgt. Charles Snyder with 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit’s Maritime Interception Operations assault force fires simulation rounds during a close quarters firing drill aboard HNS Aris at Souda Bay, Crete, Greece, Nov. 9. The MIO assault force went through a one-week course at the NATO Maritime Interception Operations Training Center in tactics to board a suspect vessel.

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/36580a3c.jpg

Sgt. Evan Gibson with 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit’s Maritime Interception Operations assault force fires simulation rounds during a close quarters firing drill aboard HNS Aris at Souda Bay, Crete, Greece, Nov. 9. The MIO assault force went through a one-week course at the NATO Maritime Interception Operations Training Center in tactics to board a suspect vessel.

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/e384a08c.jpg

A Marine with 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit’s Maritime Interception Operations assault force fires simulation rounds during a close quarters firing drill aboard HNS Aris at Souda Bay, Crete, Greece, Nov. 9. The MIO assault force went through a one-week course at the NATO Maritime Interception Operations Training Center in tactics to board a suspect vessel.

[vor033]

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/03cacc0d.jpg

Staff Sgt. Seth Wright, a member of 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit’s Maritime Interception Operations assault force, sights in while practicing tactical sweep techniques aboard HNS Aris at Souda Bay, Crete, Greece, Nov. 9. The 26th MEU is currently embarked aboard the ships of Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group and conducting training in the 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/3ae66308.jpg

An instructor from the NATO Maritime Interception Operations Training Center demonstrates tactical sweep techniques to Marines of 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit’s Maritime Interception Operations assault force aboard HNS Aris at Souda Bay, Crete, Greece, Nov. 9. The 26th MEU is currently embarked aboard the ships of Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group and conducting training in the 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/fd3abdfd.jpg

Gunnery Sgt. Matthew Grant, a member of 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit’s Maritime Interception Operations assault force, sights in while practicing tactical sweep techniques aboard HNS Aris at Souda Bay, Crete, Greece, Nov. 9. The 26th MEU is currently embarked aboard the ships of Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group and conducting training in the 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/cb48a59f.jpg

Petty Officer 2nd Class John Cleek, a hospital corpsman, left, and Sgt. Christopher Cordy, both with 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit’s Maritime Interception Operations assault force, sight in while practicing tactical sweep techniques aboard HNS Aris at Souda Bay, Crete, Greece, Nov. 9. The 26th MEU is currently embarked aboard the ships of Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group and conducting training in the 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

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Cpl. Britt Wade, left, and Sergeant Christopher Flynn, both members of 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit’s Maritime Interception Operations assault force, practice rounding corners while conducting tactical sweep techniques aboard HNS Aris at Souda Bay, Crete, Greece, Nov. 9. The 26th MEU is currently embarked aboard the ships of Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group and conducting training in the 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

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Sgt. Ruben Rodriguez, left, and Sergeant Brian Clark, both members of 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit’s Maritime Interception Operations assault force, practice rounding corners while conducting tactical sweep techniques aboard HNS Aris at Souda Bay, Crete, Greece, Nov. 9. The 26th MEU is currently embarked aboard the ships of Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group and conducting training in the 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

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Sgt. Jeremy Schuch, a member of 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit’s Maritime Interception Operations assault force, provides security while his team treats a simulated casualty while practicing tactical sweep techniques aboard HNS Aris at Souda Bay, Crete, Greece, Nov. 9. The 26th MEU is currently embarked aboard the ships of Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group and conducting training in the 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

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Greek Warrant Officer Alexander Tsaltas, an instructor at the NATO Maritime Interception Operations Training Center, demonstrates tactical sweep techniques to Marines of 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit’s Maritime Interception Operations assault force aboard HNS Aris at Souda Bay, Crete, Greece, Nov. 9. The 26th MEU is currently embarked aboard the ships of Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group and conducting training in the 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

[vor033]

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Members of 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit’s Maritime Interception Operations assault force board a suspect vessel during small boat boarding training at Souda Bay, Crete, Greece, Nov. 10. The MIO assault force went through a one-week course at the NATO Maritime Interception Operations Training Center in tactics to board a suspect vessel.

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Sergeants Brian Clark, left, and Christopher Cordy, both with 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit’s Maritime Interception Operations assault force, watch over two role players aboard a suspect vessel during small boat boarding training at Souda Bay, Crete, Greece, Nov. 10. The MIO assault force went through a one-week course at the NATO Maritime Interception Operations Training Center in tactics to board a suspect vessel.

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Members of 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit’s Maritime Interception Operations assault force remove weapons found aboard a suspect vessel during small boat boarding training at Souda Bay, Crete, Greece, Nov. 10. The MIO assault force went through a one-week course at the NATO Maritime Interception Operations Training Center in tactics to board a suspect vessel.

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Sgt. Christopher Cordy of 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit’s Maritime Interception Operations assault team instructs two detained role players to place their hands on top of their heads during small boat boarding training at Souda Bay, Crete, Greece, Nov. 10. The MIO assault force went through a one-week course at the NATO Maritime Interception Operations Training Center in tactics to board a suspect vessel.

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Members of 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit’s Maritime Interception Operations assault force shout commands as they approach a suspect vessel during small boat boarding training at Souda Bay, Crete, Greece, Nov. 10. The MIO assault force went through a one-week course at the NATO Maritime Interception Operations Training Center in tactics to board a suspect vessel

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Members of 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit’s Maritime Interception Operations assault force approach a suspect vessel during small boat boarding training at Souda Bay, Crete, Greece, Nov. 10. The MIO assault force went through a one-week course at the NATO Maritime Interception Operations Training Center in tactics to board a suspect vessel.

[vor033]

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Sgt. Evan Gibson, left, and Corporal Andrew Simich, both with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit’s Maritime Interception Operations assault force, raise a cave ladder on a telescopic pole as they approach HNS Aris during bottom up training at Souda Bay, Crete, Greece, Nov. 11. The MIO assault force went through a one-week course at the NATO Maritime Interception Operations Training Center in tactics to board a suspect vessel.

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Cpl. Britt Wade with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit’s Maritime Interception Operations assault force climbs a cave ladder to board HNS Aris during bottom up training at Souda Bay, Crete, Greece, Nov. 11. The MIO assault force went through a one-week course at the NATO Maritime Interception Operations Training Center in tactics to board a suspect vessel.

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Staff Sgt. Seth Wright, left, Cpl. Daniel Fashbaugh, and Corporal Britt Wade with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit’s Maritime Interception Operations assault force attach a cave ladder to HNS Aris using a telescopic pole during bottom up training at Souda Bay, Crete, Greece, Nov. 11. The MIO assault force went through a one-week course at the NATO Maritime Interception Operations Training Center in tactics to board a suspect vessel.

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Sgt. Evan Gibson with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit’s Maritime Interception Operations assault foce holds the bottom of a cave ladder as another Marine climbs aboard HNS Aris during bottom up training at Souda Bay, Crete, Greece, Nov. 11. The MIO assault force went through a one-week course at the NATO Maritime Interception Operations Training Center in tactics to board a suspect vessel.

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Marines with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit’s Maritime Interception Operations assault force attach a cave ladder to HNS Aris using a telescopic pole during bottom up training at Souda Bay, Crete, Greece, Nov. 11. The MIO assault force went through a one-week course at the NATO Maritime Interception Operations Training Center in tactics to board a suspect vessel.

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Cpl. Britt Wade with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit’s Maritime Interception Operations assault force climbs a cave ladder to board HNS Aris during bottom up training at Souda Bay, Crete, Greece, Nov. 11. The MIO assault force went through a one-week course at the NATO Maritime Interception Operations Training Center in tactics to board a suspect vessel.

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Sgt. Ruben Rodriguez with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit’s Maritime Interception Operations assault force checks to ensure that the cave ladder is securely attached to HNS Aris during bottom up training at Souda Bay, Crete, Greece, Nov. 11. The MIO assault force went through a one-week course at the NATO Maritime Interception Operations Training Center in tactics to board a suspect vessel.

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Marines with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit’s Maritime Interception Operations assault force raise a telescopic pole to attach a cave ladder to HNS Aris during bottom up training at Souda Bay, Crete, Greece, Nov. 11. The MIO assault force went through a one-week course at the NATO Maritime Interception Operations Training Center in tactics to board a suspect vessel

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Sergeants Evan Gibson, left, and Sean Sundey, both with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit’s Maritime Interception Operations assault force, prepare a cave ladder and telescopic pole as they approach HNS Aris during bottom up training at Souda Bay, Crete, Greece, Nov. 11. The MIO assault force went through a one-week course at the NATO Maritime Interception Operations Training Center in tactics to board a suspect vessel.

[curlyboy]

Fantastic pictures as always, thank you for sharing.

curlyboy

[vor033]

Fantastic pictures as always, thank you for sharing.

curlyboy

No problem glad you like them :-)

[vor033]

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Marines with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit’s Maritime Interception Operations assault force attach a cave ladder with a telescopic pole to HNS Aris during their final exercise at Souda Bay, Crete, Greece, Nov. 12. The MIO assault force went through a one-week course at the NATO Maritime Interception Operations Training Center in tactics to board a suspect vessel.

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Marines with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit’s Maritime Interception Operations assault force attach a cave ladder with a telescopic pole to HNS Aris during their final exercise at Souda Bay, Crete, Greece, Nov. 12. The MIO assault force went through a one-week course at the NATO Maritime Interception Operations Training Center in tactics to board a suspect vessel.

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Sgt. Christopher Flynn with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit’s Maritime Interception Operations assault force attaches a second cave ladder to HNS Aris during their final exercise at Souda Bay, Crete, Greece, Nov. 12. The MIO assault force went through a one-week course at the NATO Maritime Interception Operations Training Center in tactics to board a suspect vessel

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A Marine with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit’s Maritime Interception Operations assault force climbs a cave ladder to board HNS Aris during their final exercise at Souda Bay, Crete, Greece, Nov. 12. The MIO assault force went through a one-week course at the NATO Maritime Interception Operations Training Center in tactics to board a suspect vessel.

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Petty Officer 2nd Class John Cleek, a hospital corpsman with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit’s Maritime Interception Operations assault force, climbs a cave ladder to board HNS Aris during their final exercise at Souda Bay, Crete, Greece, Nov. 12. The MIO assault force went through a one-week course at the NATO Maritime Interception Operations Training Center in tactics to board a suspect vessel.

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Marines with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit’s Maritime Interception Operations assault force prepare to enter a compartment aboard HNS Aris during their final exercise at Souda Bay, Crete, Greece, Nov. 12. The MIO assault force went through a one-week course at the NATO Maritime Interception Operations Training Center in tactics to board a suspect vessel.

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Marines with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit’s Maritime Interception Operations assault force clear all the decks to ensure there are no suspected pirate role players still aboard HNS Aris during their final exercise at Souda Bay, Crete, Greece, Nov. 12. The MIO assault force went through a one-week course at the NATO Maritime Interception Operations Training Center in tactics to board a suspect vessel.

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Sgt. Jude Calin with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit’s Maritime Interception Operations assault force searches through the aft engineering compartment aboard HNS Aris during their final exercise at Souda Bay, Crete, Greece, Nov. 12. The MIO assault force went through a one-week course at the NATO Maritime Interception Operations Training Center in tactics to board a suspect vessel.

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Corporals Joseph Sester, left, and Andrew Simich, both with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit’s Maritime Interception Operations assault force, provide security aboard HNS Aris during their final exercise at Souda Bay, Crete, Greece, Nov. 12. The MIO assault force went through a one-week course at the NATO Maritime Interception Operations Training Center in tactics to board a suspect vessel.

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Marines with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit’s Maritime Interception Operations assault force clear all the decks to ensure there are no suspected pirate role players still aboard HNS Aris during their final exercise at Souda Bay, Crete, Greece, Nov. 12. The MIO assault force went through a one-week course at the NATO Maritime Interception Operations Training Center in tactics to board a suspect vessel.

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Marines with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit’s Maritime Interception Operations assault force clear the galley compartment aboard HNS Aris during their final exercise at Souda Bay, Crete, Greece, Nov. 12. The MIO assault force went through a one-week course at the NATO Maritime Interception Operations Training Center in tactics to board a suspect vessel.

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Lance Cpl. Pavarsdeep Singh with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit’s Maritime Interception Operations assault force provides security over a suspected pirate role-player during their final exercise aboard HNS Aris at Souda Bay, Crete, Greece, Nov. 12. The MIO assault force went through a one-week course at the NATO Maritime Interception Operations Training Center in tactics to board a suspect vessel.

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Marines with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit’s Maritime Interception Operations pose for a group photo after completing their final exercise aboard HNS Aris at Souda Bay, Crete, Greece, Nov. 12. The MIO assault force went through a one-week course at the NATO Maritime Interception Operations Training Center in tactics to board a suspect vessel.

[vor033]

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The Desert Survival Pin is pinned onto the blouse 2nd Lt. Quinn Wicker, a platoon commander for Company I, Battalion Landing Team 3/8, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit during the Desert Survival Course graduation ceremony in Djibouti, Nov. 14. Elements of 26th MEU conducted sustainment training for their current deployment at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, and surrounding areas.

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A French Desert Survival Course instructor pins the Desert Survival Pin onto the blouse of Lance Cpl. Ian Funk, an infantryman with Company I, Battalion Landing Team 3/8, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, during the Desert Survival Course graduation ceremony in Djibouti, Nov. 14. Elements of 26th MEU conducted sustainment training for their current deployment at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, and surrounding areas.

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A French Desert Survival Course instructor pins the Desert Survival Pin onto the blouse of Lance Cpl. Matt Dyke, a machine gunner for Company I, Battalion Landing Team 3/8, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, during the Desert Survival Course graduation ceremony in Djibouti, Nov. 14. Elements of 26th MEU conducted sustainment training for their current deployment at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, and surrounding areas.

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Lt. Col. Farrell Sullivan, commanding officer of Battalion Landing Team 3/8, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, pins the Desert Survival Pin onto the blouse of Cpl. Rolando Cabezas, a team leader for Company I, BLT 3/8, 26th MEU during the Desert Survival Course graduation ceremony in Djibouti, Nov. 14. Elements of 26th MEU conducted sustainment training for their current deployment at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, and surrounding areas.

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Lt. Col. Farrell Sullivan, commanding officer of Battalion Landing Team 3/8, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, pins the Desert Survival Pin onto the blouse of Cpl. Rolando Cabezas, a team leader for Company I, BLT 3/8, 26th MEU during the Desert Survival Course graduation ceremony in Djibouti, Nov. 14. Elements of 26th MEU conducted sustainment training for their current deployment at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, and surrounding areas.

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Instructors of the Desert Survival Course stand in formation during a graduation ceremony in Djibouti, Nov. 14. Elements of 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit conducted sustainment training for their current deployment at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, and surrounding areas.

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Lt. Col. Farrell Sullivan, commanding officer of Battalion Landing Team 3/8, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, congratulates Marines with Company I, BLT 3/8, 26th MEU after the Desert Survival Course graduation ceremony in Djibouti, Nov. 14. Elements of 26th MEU conducted sustainment training for their current deployment at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, and surrounding areas.

[Arnie100]

Very cool as usual! :)

[VAMAN]

Afghanistan

http://www.cubeupload.com/files/74048silhouette.jpg

A US Marine from 1st Battalion 8th, Bravo company walks during a patrol in Ahmad Ghazi village of Musa Qala district in Helmand province on December 16, 2010. President Barack Obama's Afghan troop surge has made progress in curbing the Taliban and severely weakening Al-Qaeda, but US gains are not yet durable and sustainable, a new policy review said December 16.

[HollywoodMarine]

That second photo is not USMC. It is US Army due to the ACU camouflage pattern. You're gonna have to edit that one out.

http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff168/****ear1623/usmc.jpg

[Stormz_STA]

That second photo is not USMC. It is US Army due to the ACU camouflage pattern.

But you gotta admit ACU is far superior to MARPAT.
That's why every Marine (always capitalized!) dreams of wearing ACU.

[HollywoodMarine]

Um... whatever floats your boat.

http://i707.photobucket.com/albums/ww80/amnesia310/usmc-tattoo.jpg

[Stormz_STA]

Um... whatever floats your boat.

I see you agree with me, Marine (always capitalized!).
That's good.

[VAMAN]

That second photo is not USMC. It is US Army due to the ACU camouflage pattern. You're gonna have to edit that one out.
Thanks for pointing this out. I have edited the post.

[HollywoodMarine]

http://i434.photobucket.com/albums/qq63/mustangtom70/Picture052.jpg

[Stormz_STA]

^
These are your personal pics, HM?
And why did you edit out that pic with that naked dude? ;)

[HollywoodMarine]

Nah... they belong to someone else. You mean this pic? p-)

http://i523.photobucket.com/albums/w354/ctree82/DSC00612.jpg

[Stormz_STA]

Yeah.
A Marine (always capitalized!) sitting on a field toilet. Awesome. I bet there are airsofters who would like to get that kind of sh!tter. ;)

[vor033]

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/262d34b4.jpg

Lance Cpl. Glenn A. Cocagne, a team leader with Weapons Company, 2nd Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, leads a group of Marines and Afghanistan National Army soldiers outside a compound during Operation Integrity, in Marjah, Helmand province, Afghanistan, Jan. 15. The main purpose of the operation was to successfully cordon off a suspected hotspot for Taliban activity, search for weapon and IED caches, disrupt enemy logistical operations and gather census data on locals in the region of Sistani.

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Staff Sgt. Samuel E. Heitzman, a member of the Embedded Training Team with 2nd Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, shakes the hand of an Afghan child after giving him a pencil and notebook during Operation Integrity, in Marjah, Helmand province, Afghanistan, Jan. 15. The main purpose of the operation was to successfully cordon off a suspected hotspot for Taliban activity, search for weapon and IED caches, disrupt enemy logistical operations and gather census data on locals in the region of Sistani.

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Staff Sgt. Samuel E. Heitzman, a member of the Embedded Training Team with 2nd Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, and 1st Lt. Azam Kahn, an Afghanistan National Army platoon commander for 2nd Kandak, 2nd Brigade, 215 Corps, collect census data from a local national during Operation Integrity in Marjah, Helmand province, Afghanistan, Jan. 15. The main purpose of the operation was to successfully cordon off a suspected hotspot for Taliban activity, search for weapon and IED caches, disrupt enemy logistical operations and gather census data on locals in the region of Sistani.

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Marines with 2nd Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment and Afghanistan National Army soldiers debark CH-53E helicopter during Operation Integrity, in Marjah, Helmand province, Afghanistan, Jan. 15. The main purpose of the operation was to successfully cordon off a suspected hotspot for Taliban activity, search for weapon and IED caches, disrupt enemy logistical operations and gather census data on locals in the region of Sistani.

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Marines with 2nd Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment and Afghanistan National Army soldiers look out the back of a CH-53E helicopter as it takes them to their insert positions during Operation Integrity in Marjah, Helmand province, Afghanistan, Jan. 15. The main purpose of the operation was to successfully cordon off a suspected hotspot for Taliban activity, search for weapon and IED caches, disrupt enemy logistical operations and gather census data on locals in the region of Sistani.

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/6209d338.jpg

Lance Cpl. Glenn A. Cocagne, a team leader with Weapons Company, 2nd Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, carefully steps across an open causeway to cross a canal during Operation Integrity, in Marjah, Helmand province, Afghanistan, Jan. 15. The main purpose of the operation was to successfully cordon off a suspected hotspot for Taliban activity, search for weapon and IED caches, disrupt enemy logistical operations and gather census data on locals in the region of Sistani.

[vor033]

Brig. Gen. Christopher Owens, left, II Marine Expeditionary Force deputy commanding general, promotes Cpl. Sean A. Warren, native of Jacksonville, Fla., and squad leader with Weapons Company, Battalion Landing Team, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, during an awards ceremony aboard Camp Lejeune, N.C., Jan. 14, 2011. Warren received a Bronze Star Medal with combat distinguishing device and a meritorious promotion to corporal for acts against the Taliban while deployed in Afghanistan in 2010.


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[KEEPER0311]

Congratulations to the new Corporal.

[vor033]

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A round flies through air as Sgt. Arthur Abate, 31, the licensing non-commissioned officer for Truck Company Alpha, Headquarters Battalion, from Cleveland, battle-site zeroes his rifle before taking part in a live-fire exercise at Range 103, Twentynine Palms, Calif., May 6.

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Sgt. Haley Sebastian, a motor transport operator with Truck Company Alpha, Headquarters Battalion, watches as fellow Marines fire down range and simulate defending a fixed position during a live-fire exercise at Range 103, Twentynine Palms, Calif., May 6.

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/f7321943.jpg

Cpl. Victor Valentin, 22, a motor transport operator with Truck Company Alpha, Headquarters Battalion from Tucson, Ariz., fires rounds at stationary and moving targets while defending his fixed position during a live-fire exercise at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twentynine Palms, Calif., on Range 103, May 6.

[vor033]

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/72122dec.jpg

A Marine from Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment patrols the streets of Ar Rutbah, Iraq, March 31. First Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment is deployed with II Marine Expeditionary Force in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in the Al Anbar province of Iraq, Multi-National Forces-West to develop the Iraqi security forces, facilitate the development of official rule of law through democratic government reforms and continue the development of a market based economy centered on Iraqi reconstruction.

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/75a05ad5.jpg

Marines from Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment patrol the streets of Ar Rutbah, Iraq, March 31. First Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment is deployed with II Marine Expeditionary Force in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in the Al Anbar province of Iraq, Multi-National Forces-West to develop the Iraqi security forces, facilitate the development of official rule of law through democratic government reforms and continue the development of a market based economy centered on Iraqi reconstruction.

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/71b0b929.jpg

A Marine from Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment clears an abandoned building in Ar Rutbah, Iraq, March 31. First Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment is deployed with II Marine Expeditionary Force in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in the Al Anbar province of Iraq, Multi-National Forces-West to develop the Iraqi security forces, facilitate the development of official rule of law through democratic government reforms and continue the development of a market based economy centered on Iraqi reconstruction.

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/af539f0f.jpg

Marines from Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment clear an abandoned building in Ar Rutbah, Iraq, March 31. First Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment is deployed with II Marine Expeditionary Force in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in the Al Anbar province of Iraq, Multi-National Forces-West to develop the Iraqi security forces, facilitate the development of official rule of law through democratic government reforms and continue the development of a market based economy centered on Iraqi reconstruction.

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/72aae54b.jpg

Marines from Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment clear an abandoned building in Ar Rutbah, Iraq, March 31. First Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment is deployed with II Marine Expeditionary Force in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in the Al Anbar province of Iraq, Multi-National Forces-West to develop the Iraqi security forces, facilitate the development of official rule of law through democratic government reforms and continue the development of a market based economy centered on Iraqi reconstruction.

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/20afff0c.jpg

Marines from Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment search the automotive district of Ar Rutbah, Iraq, March 31. First Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment is deployed with II Marine Expeditionary Force in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in the Al Anbar province of Iraq, Multi-National Forces-West to develop the Iraqi security forces, facilitate the development of official rule of law through democratic government reforms and continue the development of a market based economy centered on Iraqi reconstruction.

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/b532a98c.jpg

A Marine from Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment searches the automotive district of Ar Rutbah, Iraq, March 31. First Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment is deployed with II Marine Expeditionary Force in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in the Al Anbar province of Iraq, Multi-National Forces-West to develop the Iraqi security forces, facilitate the development of official rule of law through democratic government reforms and continue the development of a market based economy centered on Iraqi reconstruction.

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/0f6e657c.jpg

A Marine from, Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment patrols the streets of Ar Rutbah, Iraq, March 31. First Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment is deployed with II Marine Expeditionary Force in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in the Al Anbar province of Iraq, Multi-National Forces-West to develop the Iraqi security forces, facilitate the development of official rule of law through democratic government reforms and continue the development of a market based economy centered on Iraqi reconstruction.

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/ddd2eb20.jpg

Marines from Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment patrol the streets of Ar Rutbah, Iraq, March 31. First Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment is deployed with II Marine Expeditionary Force in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in the Al Anbar province of Iraq, Multi-National Forces-West to develop the Iraqi security forces, facilitate the development of official rule of law through democratic government reforms and continue the development of a market based economy centered on Iraqi reconstruction.

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/7df6164d.jpg

Marines from Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment patrol the streets of Ar Rutbah, Iraq, March 31. First Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment is deployed with II Marine Expeditionary Force in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in the Al Anbar province of Iraq, Multi-National Forces-West to develop the Iraqi security forces, facilitate the development of official rule of law through democratic government reforms and continue the development of a market based economy centered on Iraqi reconstruction

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/0709fae7.jpg

Marines from Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment search a home in Ar Rutbah, Iraq, March 31. First Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment is deployed with II Marine Expeditionary Force in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in the Al Anbar province of Iraq, Multi-National Forces-West to develop the Iraqi security forces, facilitate the development of official rule of law through democratic government reforms and continue the development of a market based economy centered on Iraqi reconstruction.

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/400ccdd2.jpg

A Marine from Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment search a home in Ar Rutbah, Iraq, March 31. First Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment is deployed with II Marine Expeditionary Force in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in the Al Anbar province of Iraq, Multi-National Forces-West to develop the Iraqi security forces, facilitate the development of official rule of law through democratic government reforms and continue the development of a market based economy centered on Iraqi reconstruction.

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/e430e87f.jpg

Marines from Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment search a home in Ar Rutbah, Iraq, March 31. First Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment is deployed with II Marine Expeditionary Force in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in the Al Anbar province of Iraq, Multi-National Forces-West to develop the Iraqi security forces, facilitate the development of official rule of law through democratic government reforms and continue the development of a market based economy centered on Iraqi reconstruction.

[m.i.t]

what is the standart rifle ammo load of a marine in combat operation ? l mean m16 or m4 armed soldier.

l can see 2 mags on rifle plus 6 on west.

Can privates corporals and sergants carry a pistol or only officiers ?

[Ratamacue]

Hah, I think I see one or two of my seniors' seniors faces in those photos of Alpha 1/2. Must be from back in '06 or '07.

[HollywoodMarine]

what is the standard rifle ammo load of a Marine in combat operation ? l mean M16 or M4.
l can see 2 mags on rifle plus 6 on vest.
Fixed it for you. They are issued either an M16A4 or M4. Ammo loadouts vary from person to person, mag pouchs, and what they are carrying on their vests. Carrying an extra mag on either the buttstock or taped next to another mag is not advisible for several reasons.

Can privates corporals and sergants carry a pistol or only officiers?
Both enlisted and officer can carry pistols, but that depends on their billet, rank, availability of weapon, etc.

[Tykimies]

Nah... they belong to someone else. You mean this pic? p-)

http://i523.photobucket.com/albums/w354/ctree82/DSC00612.jpg

LOLrofl!!! How good is that thingy as a field ****ter? Is it one time use only? I mean, all that 'aiming'canvas below is going to be smeared allover!!!
Who wants to clean and transport it to next base and again? Why not just to dig a hole in the ground!!!

[Ratamacue]

LOLrofl!!! How good is that thingy as a field ****ter? Is it one time use only? I mean, all that 'aiming'canvas below is going to be smeared allover!!!
Who wants to clean and transport it to next base and again? Why not just to dig a hole in the ground!!!There's a green plastic liner stretched over the top and into the opening. When you're done, you tie it off and take it to the burn barrels or burn pit.

[Tykimies]

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/d03332b4.jpg

Corporals Joseph Sester, left, and Andrew Simich, both with the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit’s Maritime Interception Operations assault force, provide security aboard HNS Aris during their final exercise at Souda Bay, Crete, Greece, Nov. 12. The MIO assault force went through a one-week course at the NATO Maritime Interception Operations Training Center in tactics to board a suspect vessel.

Have Marines started using brugger & thomet submachineguns, 'cause their blue replicas are of brugger & thomet?

[Tykimies]

There's a green plastic liner stretched over the top and into the opening. When you're done, you tie it off and take it to the burn barrels or burn pit.

Aha! Ok it's just one time use only! In finnish navy we just dug a hole in ground, and then covered it! You learn everyday something new!;-)

[graveworm]

Have Marines started using brugger & thomet submachineguns, 'cause their blue replicas are of brugger & thomet?

I think they use the MP9 only for training purposes.

[HollywoodMarine]

Aha! Ok it's just one time use only! In finnish navy we just dug a hole in ground, and then covered it! You learn something new everyday!;-)
We still do that in the field. I've used a wooden ammo crate, or piled a punch of rocks high enough to keep my ass off the ground. You do what you gotta do. ;)


I think they use the MP9 only for training purposes.
BINGO! Those were just for training purposes and loaned by the Greek forces.

[HollywoodMarine]

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r9/Kill77/167896_1607389222835_1179305228_31384492_4096626_n.jpg

[khalifah]

POV ACC?, TAC VEH?

I got DUI and NJP, Its like the Marine Corps Inquisition is keeping score :/

[11BREACH]

POV ACC?, TAC VEH?

I got DUI and NJP, Its like the Marine Corps Inquisition is keeping score :/

personally owned and tactical vehicle accidents?

[HollywoodMarine]

Personally Owned Vehicle ACCident and TACtical VEHicle accident.
Yup! Oh and I tweeked it for you. ;)

[KEEPER0311]

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r9/Kill77/167896_1607389222835_1179305228_31384492_4096626_n.jpg

Haha, imagine what this would look like for 7th Marines.

[bikewrench]

Ouch, that looks like a unit having a tough time.
They should stay off the grass.

[KEEPER0311]

Ouch, that looks like a unit having a tough time.
They should stay off the grass.

Actually seems about the norm for an infantry battalion.

[khalifah]

"Marine Corps Blood"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EoQzaqatUzY&feature=related

70's commerical for the USMCR
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M4bf_BeYsb8

short 1981 commerical
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UDcNnpmWCCg&feature=related

80's commerical "A few good Men"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Iam-XfYpBg&feature=related

clip from a 1952 program called "Marines at Ease", most of the Marines in this clip are Korean Vets, including one Silver Star recipiant.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ippsiBe9Oaw&feature=related

[USMC29]

That reserve commercial was awesome.

[HollywoodMarine]

Haha, imagine what this would look like for 7th Marines.
Keep Off Sand? p-)

[HollywoodMarine]

http://i690.photobucket.com/albums/vv261/utrebo/military/woundedsoldier.jpg
http://i1002.photobucket.com/albums/af145/jcsspartan/563px-Kasal-usmc-navycross.jpg
http://i494.photobucket.com/albums/rr304/Stormcrow71/AT%202010/photo9.jpg

[Partial_Panel]

Is the second one SgtMaj Kasal? One badass Marine, there.

[khalifah]

^
correct...

[HollywoodMarine]

That photo is SgtMaj. Bradley Kasal.


Photo below: Sgt. Joseph A. Bovia, 3rd Combat Assault Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force, KIA Afghanistan, 31 AUG 2010.
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i25/Conormacnessa/Killed%20in%20Action/Bovia.jpg

[Lord Helmet]

http://i690.photobucket.com/albums/vv261/utrebo/military/woundedsoldier.jpg



I've looked around and this pic came with some other pics of the company I was with back in Marjah. I wonder if its from one of the MEDEVACs that went down over there. One of the pics that came in the same batch was one of a big dude laying down in a medevac bird giving the hell yeah hand sign. I know who the guy is, but i can't recognize the dudes in this pic.

Either way, who knows... all of Helmand looks the same... one big sh1thole! and we all are issued the same stuff (some with more some with les IE M4s with 203s while others with M16 with 203s)

[Lord Helmet]

I took tons of pics, heres a few random.

Foot patrol across the canal while our CAAT section screened their movement.http://img213.imageshack.us/img213/3917/img2032p.jpg

One of our guys looking down this sights as we cross a cotton field... big ass pot field waiting just a few meters away!

http://img193.imageshack.us/img193/4019/beemerd.jpg

V Sweeping down one of the roads as usual
http://img535.imageshack.us/img535/4896/img2058tt.jpg

[Lord Helmet]

My best pic probably
http://img838.imageshack.us/img838/5530/img1215fixed.jpg

Another good one
http://img714.imageshack.us/img714/8831/img1213copy.jpg

The second one was before a firefight. Seriously less than a minute after I took it we started getting lit up from across the field to the right of what you see. The top pic is the guys from the foot patrol RTBing as we do overwatch. Nobody got hurt in the patrol or in my squad although another squad that was sent to interdict the taliban as they were egressing had a Marine shot in the hand. Nothing serious, he came back a week later or so.

[Lord Helmet]

what is the standart rifle ammo load of a marine in combat operation ? l mean m16 or m4 armed soldier.

l can see 2 mags on rifle plus 6 on west.

Can privates corporals and sergants carry a pistol or only officiers ?


Combat loadout was 7 mags. When i first showed up in my AO during the last deployment I was issued something like 40 5.56 tracers, and 140 or so ball. Plus another 20 ball from a security mag I was given after the BZO range. As you go through ammo you ask for more. Plus is always good to keep extra mags around.

I was a 240 gunner in a caat section so during most of the deployment when mounted I personally had 2 mags in my flak and 1 in my rifle. When dismounted i carried 4 in the flak plus 1 in rifle. At the end I was carrying 6 in my flak and the rifle one. I didnt have to use my 5.56 much since I had my 240 (I rocked that b1tch pretty good!). We kept a bunch of extra M16 mags in the truck for the 11s on the ground. They came in handy several times. The last fight i was in we ended up going through 450 or more 5.56 (vast majority given to the 11s and STA) and 600 7.62 just in our truck. Round count for all the dudes involved in this fight was probably ove 5000 rounds haha. We probably had less than 20 Marines total in there.



Can privates corporals and sergants carry a pistol or only officiers?


From my experience in my battalion through the past deployment:

Saff sergeants and above carried M9s.
Officers all carried M9s
Machinegunners in line companies carried M9s and no rifles.
Snipers carried M9s
Corpsmen carried M9s
Some gunners in caat carried M9s (my platoon didnt but the other caat plt did)
Other "special" personnel such as the Marine chicks from the FED teams carried M9s too, they were corporals and sergeants.


Im still pretty fresh from the last pump so feel free to ask whatever. I'm on leave so I got time to waste here too.

[HollywoodMarine]

That's good insightful info LH, and thanks for sharing your personal photos.

I'm on leave so I got time to waste here too.
Go on a road trip or head overseas (Europe, Australia, Europe, South America, Europe) and have fun with our Mp.net members. ;)

[Lord Helmet]

No problem! and I'd love to go somewhere else to party it up but I'm spending my PD leave with mom, I'd be the biggest asshole ever if I didn't LOL

Heres a pic of what we carried for the first halt of deployment. The AT4 went away soon after and I think it got F up when the truck that had it got blown up. The M16 with 203 went away when the asshole that had it got sent somewhere else. A CLU and a Javelin was added soon after to our loadout, oh yeah and another M4 from the new vehicle commander I got (dude was awesome). The M4 and the 240 were mine.
http://img703.imageshack.us/img703/4364/img1332u.jpg

[Gunge]

thanks for the pics Lord Helmet
AND welcome home and 1000 thanks from me and mine to you
Semper Fidelis

[vor033]

Great pics Lord Helmet thanks for posting them :-)

[khalifah]

Welcome back Lord Helmet, glad you made it safely.

BTW, as a civi, i was wondering what are the things you guys appreciate most when the mail comes in?
Hand warmers, candy, babywipes, idk....?

[Lord Helmet]

Yup no problem guys. I'm just doing my job :)



BTW, as a civi, i was wondering what are the things you guys appreciate most when the mail comes in?
Hand warmers, candy, babywipes, idk....?

Man... baby wipes, socks, magazines about babes (Maxims and such), movies, ****, snacks... and the good kind like pringles and oreos. Not those cheap nasty peanut butter crackers that people keep sending for some reason. Stuff like that.

[KEEPER0311]

Yup no problem guys. I'm just doing my job :)



Man... baby wipes, socks, magazines about babes (Maxims and such), movies, ****, snacks... and the good kind like pringles and oreos. Not those cheap nasty peanut butter crackers that people keep sending for some reason. Stuff like that.

Slim Jims, ****, beef jerky, dip, jolly ranchers, ****, movies, ****.

[vor033]

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/62775e08.jpg

U.S. Marines with 1st Platoon, Kilo Company, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment cross a canal during a security patrol in Sangin, Afghanistan, on Jan. 8, 2011. Marines conducted counterinsurgency operations with the International Security Assistance Force to suppress insurgent activity and gain the trust of Afghan citizens.

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/66a0cb63.jpg

U.S. Marines with 1st Platoon, Kilo Company, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment stand guard during a patrol in Sangin, Helmand province, Afghanistan, Jan. 8, 2010. Marines conducted counterinsurgency operations with the International Security Assistance Force to suppress insurgent activity and gain the trust of Afghan citizens.

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/c64a4a46.jpg

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. LLyndun Cooper with Lima Company, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines, searches for Improvised Explosive Devices during a census patrol in Sangin, Afghanistan on Jan. 9, 2011. U.S. Marines conduct security patrols in partnership with the International Security Assistance Force to decrease insurgent activity and gain the trust of the local people.The battalion is assigned to Regimental Combat Team 2.

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/ef2a242f.jpg

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Eric Rose, rifleman with 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines, conducts a security patrol in Sangin, Afghanistan, Jan. 10, 2011. Marines conducted security patrols to decrease insurgency and gain the trust of the people. The battalion, assigned to Regimental Combat Team 2, conducted counterinsurgency operations in partnership with the International Security Assistance Force.

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/9920833c.jpg

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Robert Murphy, left, a rifleman with 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, hands out candy to Afghan children as he conducts a security patrol in Sangin, Afghanistan, Jan. 11, 2011. Marines conducted security patrols to decrease insurgency and gain the trust of the people. The battalion, assigned to Regimental Combat Team 2, conducted counterinsurgency operations in partnership with the International Security Assistance Force.

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/2f62d41d.jpg

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Michael Williamson, rifleman with 3rd Platoon, Kilo Company, 3rd Battalion 5th Marines, provides security as he conducts a patrol with Afghan National Army soldiers in Sangin, Afghanistan, Jan. 5, 2011. Marines conducted security patrols to decrease insurgency and gain the trust of the people. The battalion, assigned to Regimental Combat Team 2, conducted counterinsurgency operations in partnership with the International Security Assistance Force

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/6bcde0f3.jpg

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Raymond Riis, a rifleman with 2nd Platoon, Lima Company, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, speaks with Afghan children during a census patrol in Sangin, Helmand province, Afghanistan, Jan. 6, 2011. Marines conducted counterinsurgency operations with the International Security Assistance Force to suppress insurgent activity and gain the trust of Afghan citizens.

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/ea21542d.jpg

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Rick Menard, an automatic rifleman with Lima Company, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, provides protection for his unit during a census patrol in Sangin, Afghanistan, Jan. 9, 2011. U.S. Marines conducted security patrols with the International Security Assistance Force to decrease insurgent activity and gain the trust of Afghan citizens.

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/363baf51.jpg

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Kameron Delany, fire team leader with 3rd Platoon, Kilo Company, 3rd Battalion 5th Marines, fires a Shoulder-Launched Multi Purpose Assault Weapon (SMAW) at a compound during an engagement with enemy forces in Sangin, Afghanistan, Jan. 5, 2011. Marines conducted security patrols to decrease insurgency and gain the trust of the people. The battalion, assigned to Regimental Combat Team 2, conducted counterinsurgency operations in partnership with the International Security Assistance Force

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/bd6e7143.jpg

U.S. Marines with 1st Platoon, Kilo Company, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment stand guard during a patrol in Sangin, Helmand province, Afghanistan, Jan. 8, 2010. Marines conducted counterinsurgency operations with the International Security Assistance Force to suppress insurgent activity and gain the trust of Afghan citizens.

[Lord Helmet]

Seems like the main effort in Helmand is totally shifting towards Sangin. Guys I know that pushed into Marjah early last year are now doing another pump heading down to Sanging during the summer time. Plus there is a MEU that should be there right now.

My hat off to 3/5. Getting rocked since october after the Brits left a mess. Keep up the good job guys.

RIP to the many that fell and are still falling.

[vor033]

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/b00bb876.jpg

Lance Cpl. Chris Christensen, a force reconnaissance Marine with 4th Force Reconnaissance Company, works to find the beach’s gradient during a hydrographic reconnaissance training at Marine Corps Training Area Bellows in Waimanalo, Hawaii, Jan. 13, 2011. “We are the tool our generals use to determine the geographical makeup of the land,” said Petty Officer 2nd Class Mike Weissman, a hospital corpsman with 2nd Platoon, 4th Force. “Before he makes the decision to execute a mission, the beach’s gradient has to be surveyed. We come in clandestinely at night and make an underwater map of the beach for him.” Following a real-life mission, the data they collect — such as the size and frequency of wave crests, sediment type and slope of the beach — allows unit commanders to determine what type of landing and vehicles the beach’s composite supports, said Weissman, from Las Vegas.

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/92abef1c.jpg

Force reconnaissance Marines with 4th Force Reconnaissance Company carry their F470 Combat Rubber Raiding Crafts to the beachfront in preparation for hydrographic reconnaissance training at Marine Corps Training Area Bellows in Waimanalo, Hawaii, Jan. 13, 2011.

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/426da7a3.jpg

Force reconnaissance Marines with 4th Force Reconnaissance Company sprint toward their F470 Combat Rubber Raiding Crafts in preparation for hydrographic reconnaissance training at Marine Corps Training Area Bellows in Waimanalo, Hawaii, Jan. 13, 2011. The training was part of a weeklong jump and dive training package that brought the unit, headquartered in Alameda, Calif., together with their Hawaii-based counterparts — 4th Force’s 4th Platoon. Following a real-life mission, the data they collect — such as the size and frequency of wave crests, sediment type and slope of the beach — allows unit commanders to determine what type of landing and vehicles the beach’s composite supports, said Petty Officer 2nd Class Mike Weissman, a hospital corpsman with 2nd Platoon, 4th Force.

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/52d8a22c.jpg

Force reconnaissance Marines with 4th Force Reconnaissance Company sprint into the water with their F470 Combat Rubber Raiding Crafts in preparation for hydrographic reconnaissance training at Marine Corps Training Area Bellows in Waimanalo, Hawaii, Jan. 13, 2011.

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/bc7bf74b.jpg

Force reconnaissance Marines with 4th Force Reconnaissance Company paddle toward the beach in F470 Combat Rubber Raiding Crafts during hydrographic reconnaissance training at Marine Corps Training Area Bellows in Waimanalo, Hawaii, Jan. 13, 2011.

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/1c6bc28f.jpg

Cpl. Jonathon Schannep and Sgt. Daniel Kahn, force reconnaissance Marines with 4th Force Reconnaissance Company, scout a beachfront during hydrographic reconnaissance training at Marine Corps Training Area Bellows in Waimanalo, Hawaii, Jan. 13, 2011.

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/71734f28.jpg

Cpl. Jonathon Schannep and Sgt. Daniel Kahn, force reconnaissance Marines with 4th Force Reconnaissance Company, blend in with their surroundings during hydrographic reconnaissance training at Marine Corps Training Area Bellows in Waimanalo, Hawaii, Jan. 13, 2011.

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/bc66c627.jpg

Sgt. Daniel Kahn, a force reconnaissance Marine with 1st Platoon, 4th Force Reconnaissance Company, scouts out the beachfront during hydrographic reconnaissance training at Marine Corps Training Area Bellows in Waimanalo, Hawaii, Jan. 13, 2011.

[vor033]

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/4ad2908f.jpg

U.S. Marines with Lima Company, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment conduct a census patrol in Sangin, Afghanistan, Jan. 10, 2011. The Marines conduct patrols to suppress enemy activity and gain the trust of the people. The battalion, assigned to Regimental Combat Team 2, conducted counterinsurgency operations in partnership with the International Security Assistance Force.

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/0f72d39a.jpg

U.S. Marines with Lima Company, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment conduct a census patrol in Sangin, Afghanistan, Jan. 10, 2011. The Marines conduct patrols to suppress enemy activity and gain the trust of the people. The battalion, assigned to Regimental Combat Team 2, conducted counterinsurgency operations in partnership with the International Security Assistance Force.

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/7c7818e7.jpg

U.S. Marines with Lima Company, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment conduct a census patrol in Sangin, Afghanistan, Jan. 10, 2011. The Marines conduct patrols to suppress enemy activity and gain the trust of the people. The battalion, assigned to Regimental Combat Team 2, conducted counterinsurgency operations in partnership with the International Security Assistance Force

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/985aa281.jpg

U.S. Marines with Lima Company, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment conduct a census patrol in Sangin, Afghanistan, Jan. 10, 2011. The Marines conduct patrols to suppress enemy activity and gain the trust of the people. The battalion, assigned to Regimental Combat Team 2, conducted counterinsurgency operations in partnership with the International Security Assistance Force.

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/314af396.jpg

U.S. Marines with Lima Company, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment conduct a census patrol in Sangin, Afghanistan, Jan. 10, 2011. The Marines conduct patrols to suppress enemy activity and gain the trust of the people. The battalion, assigned to Regimental Combat Team 2, conducted counterinsurgency operations in partnership with the International Security Assistance Force.

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/e7fc814f.jpg

U.S. Marines assigned to 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines, Regimental Combat Team 2 conduct a security patrol in Sangin valley, Helmand province, Afghanistan, Jan. 3, 2011. The Marines conducted counterinsurgency operations in support of the International Security Assistance Force in order to decrease insurgent activity and gain the support of the Afghan residents.

[santana]

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/4ad2908f.jpg

U.S. Marines with Lima Company, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment conduct a census patrol in Sangin, Afghanistan, Jan. 10, 2011. The Marines conduct patrols to suppress enemy activity and gain the trust of the people. The battalion, assigned to Regimental Combat Team 2, conducted counterinsurgency operations in partnership with the International Security Assistance Force.


Amazing picture!!!! thanks for sharing!!!!

[Lord Helmet]

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/e7fc814f.jpg

Sucks to be the guy carrying the APOB!

[vor033]

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/5d18c05e.jpg

US Marines from 1st Battalion 8th, Bravo prepare to fire their weapons in their fortification during an operation not far from Shir Chazay in Musa Qala district of Helmand province on January 22, 2011.

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/8bdb486d.jpg

US Marines from 1st Battalion 8th, Bravo look on as they sit on the ground during an operation in Zalmabad village in Musa Qala district of Helmand province on January 23, 2011.

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/c8554a56.jpg

A US Marine from 1st Battalion 8th, Bravo company stands near compound during operation not far from Shir Chazay in Musa Qala district of Helmand province on January 22, 2011.

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/5b970cd2.jpg

US Marines from 1st Battalion 8th, Bravo gesture during a patrol operation near Zalmabad village in Musa Qala district of Helmand province on January 23, 2011.

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/228ebe62.jpg

US Marines from 1st Battalion 8th, Bravo prepare at their base as part of an operation in Zalmabad village in Musa Qala district of Helmand province on January 22, 2011.

[Lord Helmet]

Some 2/6 videos from our recent pump in afghan

This one is from Golf co. don't know who made it but its pretty good.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sLWxTOrmUlo

This one is from my guys when we were attached to Echo co.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i83k67nshJ4&feature=BF&playnext=1&list=QL&index=1

I found one from the guys from 2nd. I remember seeing these dudes around. Never talked to them much tho.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oY3IEHgRoGs

This one is from the day that we got back to the states (Weapons co and Golf co.). I can see myself in there! woot

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HFuBBm9a0HI&NR=1

[khalifah]

great ones Helmet, was that your company CO talking?

[Lord Helmet]

Nope, thats THE man. The battalion commander.

[vor033]

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/b45a2bab.jpg

U.S. Marines with Personal Security Detachment, Battalion Landing Team 3/8, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, Regimental Combat Team 2, make final preparations on their Mine Resistant Armor Protected vehicles prior to departing on a convoy from Camp Leatherneck, Helmand province, Afghanistan, Jan. 21. Elements of 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit deployed to Afghanistan to provide regional security in Helmand province in support of the International Security Assistance Force.

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/717f9eae.jpg

U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Kevin P. Newport, detachment commander with Personal Security Detachment, Battalion Landing Team 3/8, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, Regimental Combat Team 2, ground guides a Mine Resistant Armor Protected vehicle prior to departing on a convoy from Camp Leatherneck, Helmand province, Afghanistan, Jan. 21. Elements of 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit deployed to Afghanistan to provide regional security in Helmand province in support of the International Security Assistance Force.

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/54397ece.jpg

U.S. Marines with Personal Security Detachment, Battalion Landing Team 3/8, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, Regimental Combat Team 2, make final preparations on their Mine Resistant Armor Protected vehicles prior to departing on a convoy from Camp Leatherneck, Helmand province, Afghanistan, Jan. 21. Elements of 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit deployed to Afghanistan to provide regional security in Helmand province in support of the International Security Assistance Force.

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/4baa0b69.jpg

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Scott M. Laviolette, a turret gunner with Personal Security Detachment, Battalion Landing Team 3/8, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, Regimental Combat Team 2, makes preparations on a Mine Resistant Armor Protected vehicle prior to the departure of a convoy from Camp Leatherneck, Helmand province, Afghanistan, Jan. 21. Elements of 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit deployed to Afghanistan to provide regional security in Helmand province in support of the International Security Assistance Force.

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/5e33c1a0.jpg

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Scott M. Laviolette, a turret gunner, with Personal Security Detachment, Battalion Landing Team 3/8, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, Regimental Combat Team 2, makes preparations on a Mine Resistant Armor Protected vehicle prior to the departure of a convoy from Camp Leatherneck, Helmand province, Afghanistan, Jan. 21. Elements of 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit deployed to Afghanistan to provide regional security in Helmand province in support of the International Security Assistance Force.

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/21c8da5e.jpg

U.S. Marines with the Personal Security Detachment, Battalion Landing Team 3/8, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, Regimental Combat Team 2, prepare to depart on their convoy from Camp Leatherneck, Helmand province, Afghanistan, Jan. 21, 2011. Elements of 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit deployed to Afghanistan to provide regional security in Helmand province in support of the International Security Assistance Force.

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/5c45a0b3.jpg

U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Kevin P. Newport, detachment commander for Personal Security Detachment, Battalion Landing Team 3/8, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, Regimental Combat Team 2, ground guides a mine resistant armor protected vehicle prior to departing on a convoy from Camp Leatherneck, Helmand province, Afghanistan, Jan. 21, 2011. Elements of 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit deployed to Afghanistan to provide regional security in Helmand province in support of the International Security Assistance Force.

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/25fe1bbf.jpg

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Jason M. Plummer, with Personal Security Detachment, Battalion Landing Team 3/8, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, Regimental Combat Team 2, ground guides a mine resistant armor protected vehicle prior to departing on a convoy from Camp Leatherneck, Helmand province, Afghanistan, Jan. 21, 2011. Elements of 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit deployed to Afghanistan to provide regional security in Helmand province in support of the International Security Assistance Force.

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/30c26698.jpg

U.S. Marines with Personal Security Detachment, Battalion Landing Team 3/8, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, Regimental Combat Team 2, make final preparations on their mine resistant armor protected vehicles prior to departing on a convoy from Camp Leatherneck, Helmand province, Afghanistan, Jan. 21, 2011. Elements of 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit deployed to Afghanistan to provide regional security in Helmand province in support of the International Security Assistance Force.

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/c97de0d7.jpg

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. William P. Brickman, a turret gunner with Personal Security Detachment, Battalion Landing Team 3/8, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, Regimental Combat Team 2, adjusts the gunner belt of Lance Cpl. Robert E. Starke, a turret gunner, prior to the departure of their convoy aboard Camp Leatherneck , Helmand povince, Afghanistan, Jan. 21, 2011. Elements of 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit deployed to Afghanistan to provide regional security in Helmand povince in support of the International Security Assistance Force.

[vor033]

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/7b9adb28.jpg

Marines in the Scout Skiers Course ride the tow line to the top of the slope Jan. 25, 2011,at the Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center Bridgeport

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/16297a4e.jpg

Staff Sgt. Nathan Stutz, the staff noncommissioned officer in charge of the course, instructs the Marines on their downhill ski techniques Jan. 25, 2011, at the Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center Bridgeport.

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/c4202947.jpg

Marines in the Scout Skiers Course practice downhill ski techniques taught to them Jan. 25, 2011, at the Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center Bridgeport, Calif. The Marines were taught multiple ski techniques, as well as winter survival skills.

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/106bbc8f.jpg

Marines in the Scout Skiers Course practice downhill ski techniques taught to them Jan. 25, 2011, at the Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center Bridgeport, Calif. The Marines were taught multiple ski techniques, as well as winter survival skills.

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/d4cea3c0.jpg

A Marine bends down to fix his ski Jan. 25, 2011, at the Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center Bridgeport

[vor033]

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/5d71a43b.jpg

US Marine from 1st Battalion 8th, Bravo patrol during an operation in Musa Qala district of Helmand province on January 24, 2011.

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/677ec513.jpg

US Marines from 1st Battalion 8th, Bravo patrol during an operation in Musa Qala district of Helmand province on January 24, 2011.

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/a3fd4d7a.jpg

US Marines from 1st Battalion 8th, Bravo patrol during an operation in Musa Qala district of Helmand province on January 24, 2011.

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/f949d785.jpg

US Marines from 1st Battalion 8th, Bravo patrol during an operation in Musa Qala district of Helmand province on January 24, 2011.

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/a69cc731.jpg

US Marines from 1st Battalion 8th, Bravo patrol during an operation in Musa Qala district of Helmand province on January 24, 2011.

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/5307564f.jpg

A US Marines from 1st Battalion 8th, Bravo knees on the ground during an operation in Zalmabad village in Musa Qala district of Helmand province on January 23, 2011.

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/adc006ac.jpg

US Marines from 1st Battalion 8th, Bravo keeps watching a field during an operation near Zalmabad village in Musa Qala district of Helmand province on January 23, 2011.

[vor033]

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/c04b6e66.jpg

A US Marines from 1st Battalion, 8th Marines walks on a patrol outside Musa Qala District Center base on January 28, 2011.

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/affec871.jpg

A US Marines from 1st Battalion, 8th Marines walks on a foot patrol in Musa Qala on January 28, 2011.

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/193114c8.jpg

A US Marines from 1st Battalion, 8th Marines interacts with children during a patrol outside Musa Qala District Center base on January 28, 2011.

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/3c6a94fd.jpg

An Afghan drives his jeep past US Marine from 1st Battalion, 8th Marines on a foot patrol outside Musa Qala District Center base on January 28, 2011 in Musa Qala.

[jimmyboots]

Nah... they belong to someone else. You mean this pic? p-)

http://i523.photobucket.com/albums/w354/ctree82/DSC00612.jpg


Ha! I remember those, you pooped into WAG bags and then chucked them. They were state of the art back in 2004.

[Lord Helmet]

Quick story.... so this one time I had to go number 2 while on post. Grabbed a wag bag and did my thing. Was not able to walk to the burn pit and chuck it away, I was on post after all. So I threw it from the tower into the cotton field below. Few minutes later some kids that were wondering around helping their parents work the field and stuff walk up to the wag bag and opened it up thinking there might be something good inside... they were in for a nasty surprise hahahahaha. I had a good laugh.

[glaterza_arg]

not for this thread, but... :) while I was platoon leader in Haiti, one night I was hmm.. on watch? duty officer? (how do you call that?) one of my men on a watch tower called me on the radio to go to his position ASAP. We had had some shooting on the front gate the day before, so I went there running wondering if I already should call for the QRF. When I climbed the ladder, he asked me to pls take his post for a while because he was almost crapping his pants :)

[James]

Lord Helmet and the rest of you active Devil Dogs;

Thanks and Semper Fi.

If you find yourself in West Tennessee or, alternately, Eastern Afghanistan (Paktika) shoot me an e-mail. I'll hook you up.

[Lord Helmet]

When I climbed the ladder, he asked me to pls take his post for a while because he was almost crapping his pants :-)


Thats why you bring wag bags and a bucket to your post! lol

and thank you very much for the offer James!

[vor033]

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/7eceb257.jpg

US Marines from 1st Battalion 8th, Bravo looks on during a patrol operation near Zalmabad village in Musa Qala district of Helmand province on January 23, 2011. A 140,000-strong force of NATO-led international troops stationed in Afghanistan currently fighting Taliban-led insurgency is now entering its tenth year.

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/8f834a01.jpg

US Marines from 1st Battalion 8th, Bravo have a rest after a patrol in Zalmabad village in Musa Qala district of Helmand province on January 22, 2011. A 140,000-strong force of NATO-led international troops stationed in Afghanistan currently fighting Taliban-led insurgency is now entering its tenth year.

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/4fced2a8.jpg

US Marines from 1st Battalion 8th, Bravo prepare at their camp, before an operation in Zalmabad village in Musa Qala district of Helmand province on January 22, 2011. A 140,000-strong force of NATO-led international troops stationed in Afghanistan currently fighting Taliban-led insurgency is now entering its tenth year.

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/a53bf646.jpg

US Marines from 1st Battalion 8th, Bravo look on during an operation in Zalmabad village in Musa Qala district of Helmand province on January 22, 2011. A 140,000-strong force of NATO-led international troops stationed in Afghanistan currently fighting Taliban-led insurgency is now entering its tenth year.

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/00eb5886.jpg

US Marines from 1st Battalion 8th, Bravo look on during an operation in Zalmabad village in Musa Qala district of Helmand province on January 23, 2011. A 140,000-strong force of NATO-led international troops stationed in Afghanistan currently fighting Taliban-led insurgency is now entering its tenth year.

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/f30cecaf.jpg

US Marines from 1st Battalion 8th, Bravo watch the field during an operation near Zalmabad village in Musa Qala district of Helmand province on January 24, 2011. A 140,000-strong force of NATO-led international troops stationed in Afghanistan currently fighting Taliban-led insurgency is now entering its tenth year.

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/15fcc5a1.jpg

US Marines from 1st Battalion 8th, Bravo look on as they sit on the ground during an operation in Zalmabad village in Musa Qala district of Helmand province on January 23, 2011. A 140,000-strong force of NATO-led international troops stationed in Afghanistan currently fighting Taliban-led insurgency is now entering its tenth year.

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/db526b1b.jpg

US Marines from 1st Battalion 8th, Bravo watch the field with binoculars during an operation in Zalmabad village in Musa Qala district of Helmand province on January 22, 2011. A 140,000-strong force of NATO-led international troops stationed in Afghanistan currently fighting Taliban-led insurgency is now entering its tenth year.

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/83f6779d.jpg

US Marines from 1st Battalion 8th, Bravo walk in line during an operation in Zalmabad village in Musa Qala district of Helmand province on January 24, 2011. A 140,000-strong force of NATO-led international troops stationed in Afghanistan currently fighting Taliban-led insurgency is now entering its tenth year.

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/44797ab0.jpg

US Marine from 1st Battalion, 8th Marines walks during a foot patrol outside Musa Qala District Center base on January 28, 2011 in Musa Qala. Taliban militants are waging a nine-year insurgency against 140,000 international troops stationed in Afghanistan.

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/f5a4e907.jpg

US Marines from 1st Battalion, 8th Marines walk during a foot patrol outside Musa Qala District Center base on January 28, 2011 in Musa Qala. Taliban militants are waging a nine-year insurgency against 140,000 international troops stationed in Afghanistan.

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/368fa2a6.jpg

US Marine from 1st Battalion, 8th Marines walk during a foot patrol outside Musa Qala District Center base on January 28, 2011 in Musa Qala. Taliban militants are waging a nine-year insurgency against 140,000 international troops stationed in Afghanistan.

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/dce7a6fd.jpg

A US Marines from 1st Battalion, 8th Marines shakes hands with children during a patrol outside Musa Qala District Center base on January 28, 2011. Taliban militants are waging a nine-year insurgency against 140,000 international troops stationed in Afghanistan.

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/bd285a09.jpg

A US Marine from 1st Battalion, 8th Marines on a foot patrol interacts with Afghan children outside Musa Qala District Center base on January 28, 2011 in Musa Qala.

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/08475b9d.jpg

US Marines from 1st Battalion, 8th Marines walk on a foot patrol in Musa Qala on January 28, 2011. Taliban militants are waging a nine-year insurgency against 140,000 international troops stationed in Afghanistan.

[vor033]

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/5657000a.jpg

US Marines from 1st Battalion 8th, Bravo keeps watching a field during an operation near Zalmabad village in Musa Qala district of Helmand province on January 23, 2011.

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/8bf26727.jpg

US Marines from 1st Battalion 8th, Bravo patrol during an operation in Zalmabad village in Musa Qala district of Helmand province on January 23, 2011.

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/e3c359fe.jpg

US Marines from 1st Battalion 8th, Bravo patrol during an operation in Zalmabad village in Musa Qala district of Helmand province on January 23, 2011.

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/2845ee64.jpg

US Marines from 1st Battalion 8th, Bravo patrol during an operation near Zalmabad village in Musa Qala district of Helmand province on January 23, 2011.

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/89cc95a2.jpg

US Marines from 1st Battalion 8th, Bravo look on during a patrol operation near Zalmabad village in Musa Qala district of Helmand province on January 23, 2011.

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/477308fd.jpg

US Marines from 1st Battalion 8th, Bravo patrol during an operation near Zalmabad village in Musa Qala district of Helmand province on January 23, 2011.

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/15acc301.jpg

US Marines from 1st Battalion 8th, Bravo patrol during an operation near Zalmabad village in Musa Qala district of Helmand province on January 23, 2011.

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/0f9049e9.jpg

US Marines from 1st Battalion 8th, Bravo patrol during an operation near Zalmabad village in Musa Qala district of Helmand province on January 23, 2011.

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/16c786ef.jpg

A US Marines from 1st Battalion 8th, Bravo knees on the ground during an operation in Zalmabad village in Musa Qala district of Helmand province on January 23, 2011.

[vor033]

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/85c8853a.jpg

US Marines from 1st Battalion, 8th Marines prepare for a patrol in the town of Musa Qala on January 18, 2011. The top US military officer said January 12 he sees an increase in bloodshed in Afghanistan as allied forces step up their offensive against the Taliban.

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/8a80bc2d.jpg

US Marines from 1st Battalion, 8th Marines prepare for a patrol in the town of Musa Qala on January 18, 2011. The top US military officer said January 12 he sees an increase in bloodshed in Afghanistan as allied forces step up their offensive against the Taliban.

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/d2b9f920.jpg

A US Marine from 1st Battalion, 8th Marines takes a rest during a patrol around the town of Musa Qala on January 18, 2011. The top US military officer said January 12 he sees an increase in bloodshed in Afghanistan as allied forces step up their offensive against the Taliban.

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/305555e7.jpg

A US Marine from 1st Battalion, 8th Marines smiles as he returns from patrol around the town of Musa Qala on January 18, 2011. The top US military officer said January 12 he sees an increase in bloodshed in Afghanistan as allied forces step up their offensive against the Taliban.

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/b765b4bd.jpg

US Marines from 1st Battalion, 8th Marines walk down a street during a patrol around the town of Musa Qala on January 18, 2011. The top US military officer said January 12 he sees an increase in bloodshed in Afghanistan as allied forces step up their offensive against the Taliban.

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/b583ae23.jpg

US Marines from 1st Battalion, 8th Marines patrol around the town of Musa Qala on January 18, 2011. The top US military officer said January 12 he sees an increase in bloodshed in Afghanistan as allied forces step up their offensive against the Taliban.

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/93a82739.jpg

US Marines from 1st Battalion, 8th Marines patrol around the town of Musa Qala on January 18, 2011. The top US military officer said January 12 he sees an increase in bloodshed in Afghanistan as allied forces step up their offensive against the Taliban.

[Ratamacue]

^My old stomping grounds.^ It's strange to see these places that you spent seven months living and operating in show up in news articles and photos.

[vor033]

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/1c4def97.jpg

First Lieutenant Baldomero Lopez of the U.S. Marine Corps leads the 3rd Platoon, Company A, 1st Battalion, 5th Marines over the seawall on the northern side of Red Beach as the second assault wave lands on Inchon September 15, 1950. Lt. Lopez was killed in action a few minutes later while assaulting a North Korean bunker. Picture taken September 15, 1950.

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/7860ba4a.jpg

U.S. Marines engage in street fighting during the liberation of Seoul, September 1950. Picture taken September 1950.


http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/c7fa9fd1.jpg

U.S. Marines of the 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines, try to contact the temporarily cut-off Fox Company to permit the 5th and 7th Marines to withdraw from the Yudam-ni area during the Chosin Reservoir Campaign November 27, 1950. Picture taken November 27, 1950.

[Lord Helmet]

I've never seen real mountains in Helmand until those 1/8 pics with a few lil ones in the background. I operated down in the Marjah District. Never really left the city limits except for this one op down south in the open desert. It was completely flat down in that AO, aside from the small slope you see once you go all the way to the western side of the city. I wish we could have gone beyond the city limits, to places like Sistani, it was just a few miles away. Taliban were coming from there and it was up to a diff battalion to watch over that area.

[vor033]

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/2237f4a3.jpg

SANGIN, Afghanistan (Jan. 13, 2011) Hospitalman Rashad Collins, assigned to 1st Platoon, Kilo Company, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 2, conducts a security patrol. The Marines conduct daily security patrols to decrease enemy presence in the surrounding area. The 5th Marine Regiment is deployed in Helmand Province to support the International Security Assistance Force.

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/9514cc45.jpg

SANGIN, Afghanistan (Jan. 13, 2011) Hospitalman Rashad Collins, assigned to 1st Platoon, Kilo Company, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 2, conducts a security patrol. The Marines conduct daily security patrols to decrease enemy presence in the surrounding area. The 5th Marine Regiment is deployed in Helmand Province to support the International Security Assistance Force.

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/56fef916.jpg

SANGIN, Afghanistan (Jan. 13, 2011) Hospitalman Rashad Collins, assigned to 1st Platoon, Kilo Company, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 2, conducts a security patrol. The Marines conduct daily security patrols to decrease enemy presence in the surrounding area. The 5th Marine Regiment is deployed in Helmand Province to support the International Security Assistance Force.

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/a5410aaa.jpg

HELMAND PROVINCE (Jan. 16, 2011) Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Joshua N. Pumroy, assigned to Personal Security Detail, Headquarters and Service Company, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 2, looks through his optics during a security patrol. Command elements of 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines and Regimental Combat Team 2 travel to the upper Sangin Valley to validate the peace agreements by Afghan tribal elders. The Battalion is one of the combat elements of Regimental Combat Team 2 conducting counterinsurgency operations with the International Security Assistance Forces.

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/4c41613a.jpg

SANGIN, Afghanistan (Dec. 6, 2010) Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Jeffery R. Bowman, assigned to Police Advisor Team 1, Headquarters and Service Company, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines Regiment, goes down the stairs of a Afghan uniformed police checkpoint during a security patrol through the Bazaar in Sangin District, Afghanistan. The battalion is one of the combat elements of Regimental Combat Team 2, conducting counterinsurgency operations in partnership with the International Security Assistance Force.

[oak1999]

What gear did you like the most and which one would you chuck away? Also, r the insurgents getting good weapons or using old crap?

[HollywoodMarine]

Wow oak... I'm at a loss for words.

[Leaper]

This will be an MP.net classic!

[khalifah]

This will be an MP.net classic!

butter or salty Leaper?

hopefully he comes back to finish up. :)

[Leaper]

I'm gonna go with butter today, I have to try it sometime. Hey come to my place I got 5.1 sound and a new Ikea sofa. Awesome thread is Awesome

[Hollis]

What gear did you like the most and which one would you chuck away? Also, r the insurgents getting good weapons or using old crap?


Wrong thread, stay on topic

[Hollis]

Ask a Marine what's so special about the Marines and the answer would be "esprit de corps," an unhelpful French phrase that means exactly what it looks like - the spirit of the Corps. But what is that spirit? And where does it come from?

The Marine Corps is the only branch of the U. S. Armed Forces that recruits people specifically to fight. The Army emphasizes personal development (an Army of One), the Navy promises fun (let the journey begin), the Air Force offers security (it's a great way of life). Missing from all the advertisements is the hard fact that a soldier's life is to suffer and perhaps to die for his people and take lives at the risk of his/her own. Even the thematic music of the services reflects this evasion. The Army's Caisson Song describes a pleasant country outing; over hill and dale, lacking only a picnic basket. Anchors Aweigh, the Navy's celebration of the joys of sailing, could have been penned by Jimmy Buffet. The Air Force song is a lyric poem of blue skies and engine thrust. All is joyful, and invigorating, and safe. There are no land mines in the dales, nor snipers behind the hills, no submarines or cruise missiles threaten the ocean jaunt, no bandits are lurking in the wild blue yonder.

The Marines' Hymn, by contrast, is all combat: "We fight our Country's battles," "First to fight for right and freedom," "We have fought in every clime and place where we could take a gun," "In many a strife we have fought for life and never lost our nerve."

The choice is made clear. You may join the Army to go to adventure training, or join the Navy to go to Bangkok, or join the Air Force to go to computer school.

You join the Marine Corps to go to War! But the mere act of signing the enlistment contract confers no status in the Corps. The Army recruit is told from his first minute in uniform that "You're in the Army now, soldier." The Navy and Air Force enlistees are sailors or airmen as soon as they get off the bus at the training center. The new arrival at Marine Corps boot camp is called a recruit, or worse (a lot worse), but never a MARINE. Not yet, maybe never. He or she must earn the right to claim the title of UNITED STATES MARINE, and failure returns you to civilian life without hesitation or ceremony.

Recruit Platoon 2210 at San Diego, California trained from October through December of 1968. In Viet Nam the Marines were taking two hundred casualties a week and the major rainy season and Operation Meade River had not even begun. Yet Drill Instructors had no qualms about winnowing out almost a quarter of their 112 recruits, graduating only 81. Note that this was post-enlistment attrition. Every one of those 31 who were dropped had been passed by the recruiters as fit for service. But they failed the test of Marine Corps Boot Camp! Not necessarily for physical reasons. At least two were outstanding high school athletes for whom the calisthenics and running were child's play. The cause of their failure was not in the biceps nor the legs, but in the spirit. They had lacked the will to endure the mental and emotional strain so they would not be Marines. Heavy commitments and high casualties not withstanding, the Corps reserves the right to pick and choose whether you are seeing a truck driver, a computer programmer or a machine gunner or a cook or a baker. The Marine is amorphous, even anonymous, by conscious design. The Marine is a Marine. Every Marine is a rifleman first and foremost, a Marine ... First, Last and Always! You may serve a four-year enlistment or even a twenty-plus-year career without seeing action, but if the word is given you'll charge across that Wheatfield! Whether a Marine has been schooled in automated supply or automotive mechanics or aviation electronics or whatever is immaterial.

Those things are secondary - the Corps does them because it must. The modern battle requires the technical appliances and since the enemy has them, so do we. But no Marine boasts mastery of them. Our pride is in our marksmanship, our discipline, and our membership in a fraternity of courage and sacrifice. "For the honor of the fallen, for the glory of the dead," Edgar Guest wrote of Belleau Wood. "The living line of courage kept the faith and moved ahead."

They are all gone now, those Marines who made a French farmer's little Wheatfield into one of the most enduring of Marine Corps legends. Many of them did not survive the day and eight long decades have claimed the rest. But their actions are immortal. The Corps remembers them and honors what they did and so they live forever. Dan Daly's shouted challenge takes on its true meaning - if you lie in the trenches you may survive for now, but someday you may die and no one will care. If you charge the guns you may die in the next two minutes, but you will be one of the immortals.

All Marines die in either the red flash of battle or the white cold of the nursing home. In the vigor of youth or the infirmity of age all will eventually die, but the Marine Corps lives on. Every Marine who ever lived is living still, in the Marines who claim the title today.

It is that sense of belonging to something that will outlive our own mortality, which gives people a light to live by and a flame to mark their passing.

Passed on to a Marine from another Marine and to his friends!

SEMPER FIDELIS

[IMTT]

Semper Fi!

[Ratamacue]

Dammit Hollis, you're making me all motivated and **** now. Unsat! p-)

[Hollis]

Dammit Hollis, you're making me all motivated and **** now. Unsat! p-)


I may have some photos of the battle of Iwo Jima today. The are original and have not been viewed in over 50 years. Another Marine is bringing them by, so I will try to scan a few. The other person who will be here, is the Marine who sent me that piece. He retired Sgt Major after 29 years in the Corps.

[Wahnsinn]

Don't know if any of the British members on here saw the piece on the BBC yesterday about the US Marines in Helmand but it's worth a watch. There was a web page with some stills from the programme kicking about somewhere but I can't find the link.

[Lord Helmet]

Pretty motivating Hollis.

This sums it up.


You join the Marine Corps to go to War!


I can't picture being in a rear echelon unit or in a noncombat job while the real Marines are running to the sound of the guns. I've also told several people before something like this as we talked about the stuff we went through while deployed... "if you are going to Helmand you need to have that mentality of wanting to blow sh1t up and wanting to shoot at people and get in the fight. You know something could happen to you but you rather not think about it. Its the risk you got to take if you want to get in the real fight and see what war is like. You have to really want to be part of that if you want to succeed in the infantry". Don't think I'm a stellar Marine or a motivator because i'm very far from that, I will probably do my 4 and out. But I think thats the mentality people need when going to places like the ones where the Marine Corps is fighting in right now. Replace the word Helmand with any other place the USMC has been in before and I think it still applies.

One of my buddies says you have to be a little bit crazy to be in the Marine Corps Infantry :lol: and i think he definitely is, at least a little bit.

[Wilco]

Semper ****ing Fi.

[Lord Helmet]

Random question for those who have studied USMC history...

The 73rd Machine gun company where Dan Daly was a Co. Gunny back in World War I. Is it the only 73rd company there's ever been? or have there been others?. Back in WWI they were in 6th Marines. Nowadays there is still a 73rd Company in 6th reg, they're the Weapons Co. for 2/6. Is it the same company???

[vor033]

Don't know if any of the British members on here saw the piece on the BBC yesterday about the US Marines in Helmand but it's worth a watch. There was a web page with some stills from the programme kicking about somewhere but I can't find the link.

Is this the programme you mean - The Battle for Bomb Alley ?? its well worth a watch

Now on Youtube


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6A6AJteEwdg&feature=player_embedded

[Wahnsinn]

Is this the programme you mean ? Its on BBC iplayer so not sure if everyone will be able to see it, if you can its well worth a watch


The Battle for Bomb Alley


http://www.bbc.co.uk/i/yc4ff/

Indeed it is. I believe those outside of Britain can't watch it unfortunately.

[KEEPER0311]

One of my buddies says you have to be a little bit crazy to be in the Marine Corps Infantry :lol: and i think he definitely is, at least a little bit.

Grunt life yo.


Motivating post Hollis, glad to see the Old Corps never lost motivation. Keep us younger guys going.

Semper Fi!

[Lord Helmet]

Grunt life yo.

Keeping it real.

I'm an 0352 by the way, the "smart" grunts haha. I've been more of a machinegunner though...

[Ratamacue]

Keeping it real.

I'm an 0352 by the way, the "smart" grunts haha. I've been more of a machinegunner though...My old roommate was a 52. Really booksmart guy, and he could tell you anything you could possibly want to know about the TOW, Javelin, or enemy armor. Nevertheless he may have been the stupidest mother****er I've ever met in my life. ;-)

[KEEPER0311]

Keeping it real.

I'm an 0352 by the way, the "smart" grunts haha. I've been more of a machinegunner though...

Must be nice, riding in all day.

I spent quick a bit of time as a .50 Cal gunner, and a driver when we weren't dismounted.


My old roommate was a 52. Really booksmart guy, and he could tell you anything you could possibly want to know about the TOW, Javelin, or enemy armor. Nevertheless he may have been the stupidest mother****er I've ever met in my life. ;-)

Seems like a few the 41's in my company

[Hollis]

Photos............. Some may be NSFW,

These are from a private collection,probably never seen before. Also it has some captured photos from the Japanese.

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k226/Hollis6475/scan0027.jpg

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k226/Hollis6475/scan0026.jpg

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k226/Hollis6475/scan0025.jpg

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k226/Hollis6475/scan0024.jpg

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k226/Hollis6475/scan0023.jpg

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k226/Hollis6475/scan0022.jpg

[KEEPER0311]

Great pictures.

[Hollis]

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k226/Hollis6475/scan0021.jpg

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k226/Hollis6475/scan0020.jpg

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k226/Hollis6475/scan0019.jpg

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k226/Hollis6475/scan0017.jpg

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k226/Hollis6475/scan0016.jpg

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k226/Hollis6475/scan0015.jpg

[KEEPER0311]

Any idea which island the pictures are from?

[gaijinsamurai]

Great photos, Hollis.
Thanks for sharing.

[Hollis]

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k226/Hollis6475/scan0014.jpg

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k226/Hollis6475/scan0012.jpg

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k226/Hollis6475/scan0011.jpg

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k226/Hollis6475/scan0010.jpg

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k226/Hollis6475/scan0009.jpg

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k226/Hollis6475/scan0008.jpg

[Hollis]

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k226/Hollis6475/scan0004.jpg

And what we all leave behind;

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k226/Hollis6475/scan0003.jpg

[Hollis]

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k226/Hollis6475/scan0005.jpg

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k226/Hollis6475/scan0006.jpg


They are from several campaigns, The Canal to Oki.

[HollywoodMarine]

Dammit Hollis, you're making me all motivated and **** now. Unsat! p-)
Hollis is so moto, the bottom of his shoes are painted yellow, his mail arrives in his dress blues mailbox, and his prayers end with "Good night Chesty, where ever you are." p-)

[KEEPER0311]

...and his prayers end with "Good night Chesty, where ever you are." p-)

Yours don't?

[marleynrs8]

Thanks for sharing those pis Hollis.

Lord Helmet, what do 0352s and CAATs do nowadays, as in when they're not doing the whole traditional anti-armor thing? Your vids helped explain some, but I was wondering.

[HollywoodMarine]

Yours don't?
Nah, I usually just pass out.

http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r171/1stbattalion9thmarines/USMC%20Infantry/SamMessarSeabeeKheSanh67-68.jpg
http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r171/1stbattalion9thmarines/USMC%20Infantry/danang1965.jpg
http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r171/1stbattalion9thmarines/USMC%20Infantry/usmc2.jpg

[Ratamacue]

Thanks for sharing those pis Hollis.

Lord Helmet, what do 0352s and CAATs do nowadays, as in when they're not doing the whole traditional anti-armor thing? Your vids helped explain some, but I was wondering.I don't know about his guys, but our 52s were launching TOWs and Javelins at attackers and IED emplacers like it was going out of style. Dismounted though, rather than in TOW trucks.

[KEEPER0311]

Nah, I usually just pass out.

Do you toast to Chesty at least?

[HollywoodMarine]

Roger that! So I do pray. I just killed two birds with one stone. ;)

http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj161/artalonso/HMH-769%20Bridgeport%202003/2214150-R1-041-19.jpg
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj161/artalonso/HMH-769%20Bridgeport%202003/2214150-R1-047-22.jpg
http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n275/bmaca455/Ramdom_Iraq/IMG_0246.jpg

[KEEPER0311]

Roger that! So I do pray. I just kill two birds with one stone. ;)

Motivation.

[Hollis]

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k226/Hollis6475/Allen_and_Medaris.jpg


http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k226/Hollis6475/leaving_for_stud.jpg

[HollywoodMarine]

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d187/wu2boo2/Marine%20Pics/marine58.jpg
PORTO SCUDO, SARDINIA - Cpl. Ronald D. Narlowski (left) and LCpl. Louis F. Callahan find concealment in brush at Porto Scudo while a tank pushes forward. The 90mm gun of a second M48 tank can be seen in the backgroud.


http://i893.photobucket.com/albums/ac138/anhsuutam/vnwar%2067/vnwar67_janmarch/vnw67_mar003.jpg
PHU BAI, VIETNAM (13 March 1967) - A Marine rifleman of the 1st Bn., 9th Marine Regiment uses his M-16 rifle to fire at North Vietnamese troops during Operation Prairie II. Behind him is an artillery forward observer using binoculars to spots targets for the rifleman. The M-16 is replacing the M-14 as the basic weapon in 3rd Marine Division infantry units. The M-16 is lighter and uses smaller caliber ammunition, thus lightening the combat infantryman's load. --- Image by © Bettmann/CORBIS


http://i723.photobucket.com/albums/ww234/VetFriends/Images%20of%20World%20War%20I%20II%20and%20The%20Cold%20War/WWII31.jpg
Marines Battalion Landing Team 2/4, Cold War 1977. Marine Tankers, Artillery, and Infantry loading on LST. Picture uploaded by a veteran Hero - For more photos, military information, and veteran resources visit www.VETFRIENDS.com

[Leaper]

You can download The battle for bomb alley here: http://rlstv.com/2011/02/01/panorama-the-battle-for-bomb-alley-season-59-episode-4/
(Legal)

[Jarhead]

Super nice photos HM and Hollis

A few photos from "Operation Phantom Fury" back in 2004

http://img823.imageshack.us/img823/7272/fallujah20043.jpg

http://img684.imageshack.us/img684/6950/fallujah20041.jpg

http://img585.imageshack.us/img585/8766/fallujah2004.jpg%20http://img684.imageshack.us/img684/6950/fallujah20041.jpg%20http://img214.imageshack.us/img214/7286/fallujah20042.jpg%20http://img823.imageshack.us/img823/7272/fallujah20043.jpg%20http://img140.imageshack.us/img140/6099/fallujah20044.jpghttp://img585.imageshack.us/img585/8766/fallujah2004.jpg%20http://img684.imageshack.us/img684/6950/fallujah20041.jpg%20http://img214.imageshack.us/img214/7286/fallujah20042.jpg%20http://img823.imageshack.us/img823/7272/fallujah20043.jpg%20http://img140.imageshack.us/img140/6099/fallujah20044.jpghttp://img585.imageshack.us/img585/8766/fallujah2004.jpg

http://img140.imageshack.us/img140/6099/fallujah20044.jpg

[Gunge]

great photos, thank you all
@ Hollis, do you mind if i copy the text essay you posted?

[Hollis]

great photos, thank you all
@ Hollis, do you mind if i copy the text essay you posted?


No problem. It was in a email that I received from a friend.

[Lord Helmet]

Badass pics.



Lord Helmet, what do 0352s and CAATs do nowadays, as in when they're not doing the whole traditional anti-armor thing? Your vids helped explain some, but I was wondering.


In our unit Lance Corporal 52s were all drivers except for me. I was Gunner. Corporals were either Vehicle commander's or gunners. Sergeants were VCs/squad or section leaders. We had no TOW vehicles at all. In fact I only got to see one TOW MRAP in the entire city and it belonged to the CAAT plt of the other battalion holding Marjah.

The only Saber systems in the AO were for observation purpuses, and of the 5 companies in the BN only 2 got to even employ such systems. All CAAT sections did have Javelins though. But the ROEs were so restrictive that I don't think anyone got to actually shoot one. Remember we were doing the holding of the city, the push itself where missiles were fired like it was cool happened before we even got to country. Kinda ****ty that we never got to shoot any missiles but we had tons of funs with machineguns lol. I couldn't be happier having a 240 and rocking that thing. As far as dismounted ops, every section did things their own way. Mine did a lot of dismounted stuff but always with support from the trucks, other sections barely left the trucks. We couldn't go too far away from them anyways since we never had more than 15 bodies all together and thats including corpsman and the leadership. So we were limited on how far away we could go. Still we did quite a bit of dismounted stuff though.

Missions we carried out were anything from V sweeping and doing route clearance to combat taxi, regular patrols around the place, blocking positions, direct heavy gun support, screening missions working with the 11s, inserting squads here and there, resuply missions, building OPs, QRF for everyone and their mother, pretty much anything that they needed we were whore'd to go do it.

[marleynrs8]

Thanks for the reply. Explained the different roles in detail man. Despite it's weight, it seems that the 240 is universally loved.

[HollywoodMarine]

Its humping (military slang for carrying) it that sucks.

[Lord Helmet]

Yeah I've yet to meet a person who doesn't like it as a machinegun. Carrying it is a different story. Good thing I was in trucks ;)

[Ghelp]

Line company as a 31.Motivation dies real fast.

[KEEPER0311]

Line company as a 31.Motivation dies real fast.

That's why 31's are all motards. Fake it till they make it.

[Ghelp]

Yuut we are the mofo's during the humps making the grunting moto noises that every one laughs at.

[Lord Helmet]

Talking about humping? sh1t CAAT has to carry the .50 cals, tripods and the Javelins and hump the same way. You guys DO walk everywhere though. Can't take that away from you. Although part of weapons plt's turn into a mobile sections while deployed.

and 31s are the biggest **** talkers I've ever seen.

[HollywoodMarine]

All these Boots chest pounding. :roll:


0311
http://www.newton.dep.anl.gov/hodgkins/rock3.jpg

0313
http://i348.photobucket.com/albums/q339/skeeter_440/potatosack.jpg

0331
http://www.adnet.ie/blogs/media/mushroom.jpg

0341
http://croneandbearit.files.wordpress.com/2009/05/large_slug2.jpg

0352
http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t279/bubble_doorknob/door-knob.jpg

Drum roll...




0351
http://www.mlahanas.de/Physics/Bios/images/AlbertEinstein.jpg http://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s89/MamaKillinGuitar/smiley.jpg

[KEEPER0311]

Yuut we are the mofo's during the humps making the grunting moto noises that every one laughs at.

I like to scream "Yut" every so often, and yell motivation at SNCO's. YERAH!



and 31s are the biggest **** talkers I've ever seen.

I think that's Corps wide. Mostly from the roids that they take in order to hump a Mk19.


All these Boots chest pounding. :roll:

So you're stating that 11's and 52's are the hardest mothers out of the infantry, and everyone else are soft and easy to smush?

[HollywoodMarine]

Remain on the subject... "IQ". <Pfft> 11's. By the way, 0311 is my secondary MOS. ;)

[KEEPER0311]

Remain on the subject... "IQ". haha. By the way, 0311 is my secondary MOS. ;)

Aye Aye sir.

ER. YUT, KILL!

[Lord Helmet]

Liboooo!!!

[KEEPER0311]

Liboooo!!!

If you drink...?

If you tap it...?

[vor033]

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/b710dd45.jpg


US Marines from 1st Battalion, 8th Marines patrol the area around new Mirage base, on the south of Musa Qala District, Helmand province on February 4, 2011. http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/cd24fa1a.jpg


US Marines from 1st Battalion, 8th Marines fires at Talbian fighters near the new Mirage base, on the south of Musa Qala District, Helmand province on February 4, 2011http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/7e6e1bec.jpg


US Marines from 1st Battalion, 8th Marines patrol outside new Mirage base, on the south of Musa Qala District, Helmand province on February 4, 2011.http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/9bab8e4a.jpg


US Marines from 1st Battalion, 8th Marines patrol the area around new Mirage base, on the south of Musa Qala District, Helmand province on February 4, 2011.http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/192ff992.jpg


US Marines from 1st Battalion, 8th Marines and Afghan National Police soldier patrol the area around new Mirage base, on the south of Musa Qala District, Helmand province on February 4, 2011.

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/c62da563.jpg


A US Marine from 1st Battalion, 8th Marines blows bubbles from chewing gum as he waits with a colleague to patrol the area around new Mirage base, on the south of Musa Qala District, Helmand province on February 4, 2011.

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/7431c254.jpg


US Marines from 1st Battalion, 8th Marines patrol the area around new Mirage base, on the south of Musa Qala District, Helmand province on February 4, 2011.http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/3875b22e.jpg


US Marines from 1st Battalion, 8th Marines patrol the area around new Mirage base, on the south of Musa Qala District, Helmand province on February 4, 2011.http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/529162b7.jpg


US Marines from 1st Battalion, 8th Marines patrol outside the new Mirage base, on the south of Musa Qala District, Helmand province on February 4, 2011. http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/2daec9dc.jpg


US Marines from 1st Battalion, 8th Marines patrol the area around new Mirage base, on the south of Musa Qala District, Helmand province on February 4, 2011.

[vor033]

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/a34f4491.jpg


US Marines from 1st Battalion, 8th Marines fire at alleged Taliban fighers outside new Mirage base, on the south of Musa Qala District, Helmand province on February 4, 2011.

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/971e5f06.jpg


US Marines from 1st Battalion, 8th Marines fire at alleged Taliban fighers outside new Mirage base, on the south of Musa Qala District, Helmand province on February 4, 2011.

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/aee82ce8.jpg


US Marines from 1st Battalion, 8th Marines fire at alleged Taliban fighers outside new Mirage base, on the south of Musa Qala District, Helmand province on February 4, 2011.

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/629eefbb.jpg


US Marines from 1st Battalion, 8th Marines fire at alleged Taliban fighers outside new Mirage base, on the south of Musa Qala District, Helmand province on February 4, 2011.

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/10b6ade0.jpg


US Marines from 1st Battalion, 8th Marines fire at Taliban fighters outside the new Mirage base, on the south of Musa Qala District, Helmand province on February 4, 2011.

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/df650a22.jpg


US Marines from 1st Battalion, 8th Marines fire at alleged Taliban fighers outside new Mirage base, on the south of Musa Qala District, Helmand province on February 4, 2011.

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/ad0d4cef.jpg


Smoke rises from two explosions as US Marines from 1st Battalion, 8th Marines fire at alleged Taliban fighers outside new Mirage base, on the south of Musa Qala District, Helmand province on February 4, 2011.

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/9e82b8bf.jpg


US Marines from 1st Battalion, 8th Marines fire at alleged Taliban fighers as their dog Miely run around outside new Mirage base, on the south of Musa Qala District, Helmand province on February 4, 2011.

[vor033]

http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt104/vor033/USMC-3/b36d9f57.jpg


A US Marines from 1st Battalion, 8th Marines observes from his post at new Mirage base, on the south of Musa Qala District, Helmand province on February 4, 2011.

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A US Marines from 1st Battalion, 8th Marines stands on his post at new Mirage base, on the south of Musa Qala District, Helmand province on February 4, 2011.

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US Marines from 1st Battalion, 8th Marines clean their weapons before a patrol outside new Mirage base, on the south of Musa Qala District, Helmand province on February 4, 2011.

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A dog named Moily looks at the camera as US Marines from 1st Battalion, 8th Marines clean their weapons before a patrol outside new Mirage base, on the south of Musa Qala District, Helmand province on February 4, 2011

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A US Marine from 1st Battalion, 8th Marines take a break and play cards at Talibghan base, Musa Qala District, Helmand province at February 3, 2011.

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A US Marine from 1st Battalion, 8th Marines places a kettle on a fire as he takes a break at Talibghan base, Musa Qala District, Helmand province at February 3, 2011.

[vor033]

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Second Lt. Keefe Murtaugh, 1st platoon's commander with Company F, 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, scales a rock wall Feb. 1, 2011, in Joshua Tree National Park in Joshua Tree, Calif.

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Second Lt. Keefe Murtaugh, First Platoon's commander with Company F, 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, tapes up his battered hands before attempting another climb Feb. 1, 2011, in Joshua Tree National Park in Joshua Tree, Calif. Special Operations Training Group assault climber instructors, from Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., have been working with 2nd Bn., 7th Marines to train them in the ways of climbing in Joshua Tree National Park, in Joshua Tree, Calif.

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Lance Cpl. Thomas Dixon (right) and Pfc. Anthony Bureau, refresh after a tough climb and prepare for another Feb. 1, 2011, after scaling a cliff in Joshua Tree National Park in Joshua Tree, Calif. The Marines have been working with Special Operations Training Group assault climber’s course instructors from Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif.

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Lance Cpl. Thomas Dixon, a rifleman with Company F, 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, stacks rope as his counterpart scales the cliff side beneath him in Joshua Tree National Park in Joshua Tree, Calif., Feb. 1, 2011. The Marines have been working with Special Operations Training Group assault climber instructors, from Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., in the park.

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Lance Cpl. Corey Murphy, a rifleman with Company F, 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, shimmies his way up a crevice in Joshua Tree National Park in Joshua Tree, Calif., Feb. 1, 2011. The Marines have been working with Special Operations Training Group assault climber instructors, from Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., in the park.

[vor033]

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Marine with Headquarters and Services Company, 2nd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, digs his survival shelter Jan. 31, 2011, at Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center, Bridgeport, Calif.

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Marines with Headquarters and Service Company, 2nd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, dig their survival shelters Jan. 31, 2011, at Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center, Bridgeport, Calif.

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Two corpsmen with Headquarters and Service Company, 2nd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, perform a “pull pole,” an exercise where the company takes down their tent sites in a quick and efficient manner, Jan. 31, 2011, at the Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center, Bridgeport, Calif.

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Two corpsman with Headquarters and Services Company, 2nd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, perform a “pull pole,” an exercise where the company takes down their tent sites in a quick and efficient manner, Jan. 31, 2011, at the Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center, Bridgeport, Calif.

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Marines with Company F, 2nd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, learn to ski on level ground Jan. 28, 2011, at Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center, Bridgeport, Calif.

[vor033]

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Marines with 2nd Platoon, Company G, 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, send rounds down range on an entrenched enemy position at the Lead Mountain training area Jan. 29, 2011.

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Marines and sailors with 2nd Platoon, Company G, 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, rush to their positions for an assault on an entrenched enemy exercise at the Lead Mountain training area Jan. 29, 2011.

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A Marine with 2nd Platoon, Company G, 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, scouts the entrenched enemy position before calling up the main force during an entrenched-enemy assault exercise at the Lead Mountain training area Jan. 29, 2011.

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Marines with 2nd Platoon, Company G, 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, lay covering fire for their assault squad on an entrenched enemy position at Lead Mountain Jan. 29, 2011.

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First Lt. Paul Mayhugh, the 2nd Platoon commander for Company G, 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, instructs his Marines on the planed assault on an entrenched enemy position at Lead Mountain, Jan. 29, 2011.

[HollywoodMarine]

Great posting as always vor!