Security Co. protects others in face of danger
FALLUJAH, Iraq (April 12, 2007) -- Marines with Security Company, Combat Logistics Battalion 6, 2nd Marine Logistics Group (Forward), provide a safe route for combat logistics patrols in the area around Fallujah every day.
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April 12, 2007; Submitted on: 04/21/2007 02:19:51 PM ; Story ID#: 2007421141951
By Lance Cpl. Thomas J. Griffith, 2nd Marine Logistics Group
Keeping a country’s roadways safe requires dedication and long hours. One squad leader with the company said the workload since arriving here has been non-stop.
“The most in a single week has been 11 different missions,” said Cpl. Keith R. Bickle, a Rockbrookway, Pa., native.
The company’s commanding officer, 1st Lt. Phillip D. Di Bella, said it’s rare for a day to go by when the company’s five squads aren’t out ensuring the safety of one mission or another.
“We have three different missions: convoy security, (explosive ordnance disposal) escorts and vehicle recovery escorts,” said Di Bella.
And being out on the road here means facing danger head on. Whether on the look out for improvised explosive devices or encountering small arms fire, these Marines are up to the task.
On a recent patrol, the company encountered one of these threats while providing security for a convoy.
“Off an alleyway was a white vehicle and personnel,” Lance Cpl. Anthony R. Ertl began. “We received small arms fire, about 10 to 20 rounds.”
At least three of those rounds struck the Neenah, Wis., native’s vehicle, one just inches from his head. After acquiring positive identification of the target and following the rules of engagement, Ertl fired nearly 20 rounds from his .50 caliber machine gun, neutralizing the threat.
“I could see the person shooting at me,” said Ertl. “I returned fire. I did what I had to do to get through.”
Although it only took 10 seconds to pass the alleyway, Ertl said time seemed to slow down for a moment.
“I could see every tracer round,” he said. “At the time, it didn’t click that those were real bullets.”
However, after the mission was completed, Ertl said he had realized the danger he was in and that there was no time for hesitation.
“Hesitation can get some one killed,” he stated.
“They handled the situation perfectly,” said Di Bella, a Fredericksburg, Va., native. “They followed exactly what the battalion (standard operating procedures) and rules of engagement state by returning proportionate force.”
Di Bella and Ertl both said the reaction could be attributed to the many hours of pre-deployment training the company has gone through.
“We’ve had a lot of hard training to prepare us for coming here,” Ertl explained.
The company endured six weeks of training at the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center in Twentynine Palms, Calif., a week-long battalion field exercise, a handful of live-fire ranges and ongoing squad-level training with the company’s numerous combat veterans.
“My belief is that we’re bringing the fight to (the insurgents),” he added. “Hopefully one day the Iraqis’ grandchildren will be able to live like us.”
Staff Sgt. Christopher D. Smith, a platoon sergeant with Transportation Support Company, CLB-6, 2nd MLG (Fwd), said that without Security Company, he would not be capable of completing his mission.
“Security Company acts as a (quick reaction force),” said the Oak Hill, W. Va., native. “They’re smaller, more mobile and can react quicker than we could.”
Smith was the assistant patrol leader of the convoy Ertl received fire on.
“They handled it very professionally and without hesitation. I was pleased with their reaction to that event,” said Smith.
Smith said it is important to have an additional security element while they are transporting supplies to forward operating bases.
“I don’t think we can accomplish our mission without a security team,” he said.
Di Bella attributes the successes of the company and the quality of their work to the amount of time they spend on patrols. Since arriving in country a little over a month ago, the company has conducted nearly 200 missions.
“My Marines are out there everyday,” said Di Bella. “They’re making great decisions in tough situations and they have an overall understanding of the mission here – to help the Iraqi people and forces become self-sufficient.
“They’re doing a great job keeping the roadways safe.”