3/1 Pushes Through
AL ANBAR PROVINCE, Iraq (June 25, 2007) -- Marines of Battalion Landing Team 3rd Battalion, 1st Marines spent June 13-20 sweeping for Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and setting up observation posts during their initial push through northern Al Anbar Province.
http://www.marines.mil/marinelink/mcn2000.nsf/lookupstoryref/20076308647
June 25, 2007; Submitted on: 06/30/2007 08:06:47 AM ; Story ID#: 20076308647
By Lance Cpl. Timothy M. Stewman, 13th MEU
Putting in long hours and enduring the scorching Iraq heat, vehicle-mounted patrols swept up and down streets, looking for IEDs and any other potential threats to the Marines and their mission.
“It’s important when first entering a new area of operations that you become aware of your surroundings and know what you are up against as far as the enemy goes,” said Cpl. Daniel Poulsen, a mortar man with weapons platoon.
When something suspicious was discovered, the Marines cordoned off the area until Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) personnel arrived and provided security while the threat was eliminated.
“When we cordon off the threat area, it prevents any of our guys or innocent bystanders from getting hurt or killed,” said Poulsen.
Because EOD is responsible for the safe handling of ordnance in a vast battle space, it can often take hours for a possible IED to be disposed of.
As the sun goes down, the days in the desert are far from over. Battle-weary Marines set up for the night in over watch positions or observations posts that will keep eyes on the enemy. Mission accomplishment takes priority over rest, and BLT 3/1 sets a high standard while conducting counter-insurgency operations.
“It’s extremely important for us to keep watch of our surroundings during the night,” said Pvt. Jesse Dorris, weapons platoon squad automatic weapon gunner. “They will try to take advantage of limited visibility during the night so that makes over watch that much more important.”
“That’s what our goal is while we’re out here: eliminating threats and helping those who are unable to help themselves.”
As the Marines of BLT 3/1 continue operations in Al Anbar Province, the actions made during the initial push set the tone for the duration of time here.