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Combat Logistics Battalion 3 Counters Insurgency During Patrol in Southern Afghanistan

3/27/2009

HELMAND PROVINCE, Afghanistan - After completing an important logistics mission, a group of Marines braved insurgent attacks while transiting through one of the most challenging regions of southern Afghanistan March 6, 2009.

The second platoon of Motor Transportation Company, Combat Logistics Battalion 3, overcame insurgent attacks while returning to Camp Barber from Forward Operating Base Now Zad, Helmand province, Afghanistan.

While returning from a three-day combat logistics patrol, the platoon, assigned to CLB-3, the logistics combat element of Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force – Afghanistan, received multiple rounds of insurgent mortar fire and located two improvised explosive devices.

The combat logisticians' mission was to deliver heavy equipment and more than 50,000 pounds of provisions to the Marines of Company L, 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment (Reinforced), the ground combat element of SPMAGTF-A.

Insurgents attempted to strike the combat logistics patrol with indirect fire but were unsuccessful and out of range. Marines with Co. L and a detachment from 2nd Force Reconnaissance Co., assigned to 3/8, supported the patrol by patrolling the surrounding areas in front of second platoon's line of travel.

After a short halt to assess the points of impact and origin of the incoming fire, the patrol pushed forward but was quickly diverted by Sgt. Michael T. Thompson, the platoon sergeant and driver of the lead vehicle.

"We were coming up and out of a wadi [a dry river bed] when I saw a large rectangular patch of disturbed earth," Thompson said. "I took the vehicle hard right to avoid hitting it and advised [employing] the sweep team."

The patrol's sweep team, a unit of Marines tasked to locate improvised explosive devices, quickly located a large object that was later identified as an IED with the help of the combat logistics patrol's explosive ordnance disposal team. Upon dismantling the device, a secondary IED was found a short distance away.

"I was relieved that I was able to divert the vehicle in time to avoid a very bad day," Thompson said.

According to Gunnery Sgt. Rudy Rodriguez, second platoon's staff non-commissioned officer in charge, the mortar fire was directed toward the rear vehicle in what he believed to be an attempt to push the patrol forward into the IEDs, but the Marines knew what they were looking for and were highly trained.

Sgt. Jonathan H. Hilderman, a turret gunner with second platoon, said he could see people observing the convoy from the rooftops of nearby villages during the movement, but it was hard to decipher who was friend or foe. He explained that he didn't feel like the patrol was in immediate danger, but the Marines are always ready to take an aggressive stance if they have to.

"I love it, and couldn't have asked for any other job," said Hilderman. "I feel like I can control my battlespace, and it makes me feel privileged to know it's been invested upon me to have the responsibility to keep people safe and guard our assets. It's what makes me tick."

The patrol safely returned to Camp Barber with no casualties, marking another successful mission for second platoon and CLB-3.

"In my opinion we beat the enemy," Rodriguez said. "We know what they bring to the table, and we know what we're looking for."

3/8 Marines Secure Golestan

3/23/2009

GOLESTAN, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan - U.S. Marines are diligently working to create conditions for host nation security forces to take over while building the locals' faith in their country's government in Golestan, Farah province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan.

Marines with second platoon, Company K, 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment (Reinforced), the ground combat element of Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force - Afghanistan, mentor and train the Afghan national police in Golestan, while providing security and working closely with government officials to achieve community-driven goals.

The platoon's main focus is to provide security throughout Golestan's valley. It conducts security patrols through the rugged, mountainous terrain, local bazaar and villages and speaks with the locals Afghans.

"Without you I cannot live and work in this area I am in," said Qasim Khan, the district sub-governor, as translated by an interpreter. "One of the first things you created here was safety, and that is the biggest thing. I guarantee you if you weren't here we wouldn't be here either, and we want to continue working together to bring more security."

Khan meets with the Marines often to discuss local issues, in the hopes of finding resolutions. He is grateful for the help his community receives from the Marines.

"We all understand you left your children, you left your wives and have left them to come to a faraway land for me, for our country," Khan said. "We want security, and we want to live like you do. We pray everyday that you all make it home safely."

Within Golestan's valley, there are approximately 10 tribes scattered throughout 15 villages. Many of the villages the Marines patrol to have rarely seen Afghan or alliance forces.

"People further away think their government is weak and believe the [insurgency] is the only other way," said Amir Mohammed, the district prosecutor, referring to how easily the people are persuaded to side with insurgents.

The job is very time consuming, but their efforts are not in vain. They are creating conditions in which contractors feel safe enough to work in the area to improve local facilities and infrastructure, according to Cpl. Benjamin G. Miles, a mortarman assigned to 3/8 who volunteered for the deployment here.

The Marines have few problems dealing with the locals and try to help them with a variety of difficulties they're trying to overcome.

"We try to help them whenever we can as far as food and medical attention, and if they need stuff they can come and ask," said Lance Cpl. William Hering, a mortarman with the platoon. "We'll help them if we can. There hasn't been an attack from surrounding towns because we are constantly patrolling and showing a presence. We're letting the people see that we're here, and we are doing stuff to help them out."

A great deal of the unit's time is also spent escorting convoys and securing landing zones to ensure much needed supplies are delivered for the locals.

"Convoys have been ambushed multiple times, and we've pushed back the enemy to the point that they retreated," Hering said.

The Marines have engaged in fire fights, encountered improvised explosive devices, and had a rocket-propelled grenade attack on their forward operating base, but have suffered no casualties.

"I like it out here because we are really taking the fight to the enemy," said Miles.

One of the strongest characteristics displayed by the platoon is its small unit leadership, which operates with little reserve when taking initiative for action.

"Here on this forward operating base, I've noticed that everybody wants to be the best," said Sgt. Aaron M. Titus, second platoon's first squad leader. "It's almost a competition or a rivalry between the squads. Everybody wants to be good at their jobs. That's a good deal when people care that much."

While training for the deployment, 2nd Lt. Daniel M. Yurkovich, the platoon commander, stressed the importance of building close family ties while working in an isolated area.

"All my Marines out here are a pretty tight family, and they're doing amazing things," Yurkovich said. "I got guys that go out on patrol and come back, stand post, fill sand bags and other tasks all in one day. They're all great young men, and it is the one thing that brings us together."

International Security Assistance Force Troops Successfully Target Well-known Insurgent

3/23/2009

KABUL, Afghanistan - International Security Assistance Force troops killed a well-known insurgent member near Kajaki, northern Helmand on March 21. Maulawi Hassan was killed, along with nine of his associates, during an operation that targeted his compound.

Maulawi Hassan was a senior insurgent figure in northern Helmand, and his influence extended into western Uruzgan. He became known for his insurgent activities in the autumn of 2008 and was heavily involved in several illegal activities, including improvised explosive device and suicide IED attacks, in northern Helmand.

Maulawi Hassan answered to senior Taliban Mullah Rahmatullah who directs insurgent activity from outside Afghanistan. Mullah Rahmatullah replaced Abdhul Wali Akhund, who was killed by ISAF troops in the summer of 2008.

The precision operation took place in an isolated compound near Kajaki, northern Helmand. Checks were carried out to ensure that no civilians were in the targeted location. Several weapons and IED components were discovered during the operation.

Cmdr. Paula Rowe, spokesperson for Task Force Helmand, said: "The death of Maulawi Hassan, the latest in a series of prominent insurgents and IED-facilitators, signals another serious blow to the insurgency. The quick reaction and professionalism of ISAF troops has also stopped the weapons and IED components being used to cause death or serious injury. These devices are used indiscriminately and often kill and maim local people."

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