Country music outlaw Toby Keith visits Camp administrative clerk with I Marine Cpl. Lynn Murillo Expeditionary Force’s command I Marine Expeditionary Force element. “I am a huge fan of anyone that CAMP FALLUJAH, supports us,” Lucero said. “The - Country music superstar Toby morale boost he just gave everyone Keith performed a Memorial Day here makes me proud to be out here concert here for nearly 4,000 serving my country.” service members both live from the Lance Cpl. Joseph W. Hanson Fallujah Chapel and via the internal of Greybull, Wyo., also a self- computer-based broadcasting proclaimed “big fan,” was elated system here May 29. with Keith’s performance. The fans cheers erupted into “I think it is awesome that he a roar as the patriotic songwriter would come out to the middle of Iraq and performer stepped onto the to give us a concert,” said Hanson, small stage. Keith opened the a weather observer with I MEF. “If hour-long acoustic show with he is spending his Memorial Day out his crowd pleasing hit “I Love here with us, it means a lot,” This Bar,” bringing the Marines, Maj. Gen. Richard C. Zilmer, sailors, soldiers and airmen a little commanding general of Multi- piece of America. He played new National Forces-West, presented songs, as well as a few classics like Keith with a Ka-bar fighting knife “Should’ve Been A Cowboy” and and a personalized guitar strap made “Beer For My Horses.” from a desert-digital camouflage This is Keith’s second visit pattern as a token of gratitude for his here. The first was in 2004 just time and effort. Zilmer jokingly told after Marines took over the camp. Keith that he hopes to see the guitar He played two other venues on strap in one of Keith’s upcoming Memorial Day as part of the USO’s music videos. The crowd laughed as Toby Keith Tour. Keith smiled, shaking Zilmer’s hand JO1 Benjamin Franklin “You can’t appreciate what and agreeing to his request. Country music sensation Toby Keith performed for service (service members) do until you Keith and his crew are on a members here May 29. The show was a part of the USO’s five- see it,” said Keith. “Everybody is day “Toby Keith Tour of Iraq.” five-day tour of Iraq, entertaining so good at what they do and when troops at several forward operating you come here, you can really understand why album, “Unleashed.” bases in the next few days, demonstrating America is the number one fighting force in the Hagee said he enjoyed the concert and was their continuing pride and support for service world.” happy to welcome the superstar known as the members here. The country singer expressed a special bad boy of country music to the headquarters satisfaction in lifting troop morale and for Marines operating in Al Anbar Province. honoring his father, a Vietnam veteran. Longtime fans might have considered the The commandant of the Marine Corps, Gen. performance a way to take their minds off the Cpl. Lynn Murillo is a combat correspondent Michael W. Hagee, was in the front row for the serious business of war fighting. with I Marine Expeditionary Force serving in concert and sang along as Keith sang “Courtesy “It was an honor to meet him,” said Sgt. Al Anbar Province. For information, e-mail of the Red, White and Blue” from his 2003 Cassie L. Lucero, 28, from Phoenix, an her at [email protected]. Commanding General’s Message to Families Dear family and friends, visit, he spoke to the Marines and answered Hello from Al Anbar Province, Iraq. This their questions in a series of Town Hall is Major General Rick Zilmer, the Com- meetings. Many of the Marines had their manding General of I Marine Expeditionary photos taken with the Commandant and a Force Forward. few of them received a coin from him. The past two weeks have been busy for Memorial Day on Camp Fallujah drew to the I Marine Expeditionary Force (Fwd). In a close with a concert by Toby Keith. More the sweltering heat of 109 degree days the than a thousand Marines kicked back and Marines, sailors, soldiers and airmen con- listened to his patriotic tunes. tinue their mission. They are relentless and Memorial Day in Iraq was an occasion motivated, making the difficult tasks seem to remember the proud traditions and honor effortless. They are a group of strong men what makes America a great nation; also to and women to be proud of. remember those men and women who have Memorial Day was a very special day for made the ultimate sacrifice to keep our na- the service members of I MEF (Fwd). The tion safe. As we move into June, we will Commandant was our guest at a Memorial redouble our efforts and resolve in accom- Service in honor of those who have died in plishing our mission of bringing security to all of America’s wars, and more specifically, the western province of Iraq. those who have given their lives since the Please keep us in your thoughts and beginning of our deployment in Febru- prayers. Please check back after June 15th ary. The service was a special tribute with to hear more news about your Marines, performances from the Fallujah Choir, the sailors, soldiers, and airmen doing a fine job Gospel Choir and the Brass Band; all es- Maj. Gen. Richard C. Zilmer out here in Al Anbar Province. Until then, sambles were made up of I MEF (Fwd) ser- Commanding General take care on the home front and Semper vice members. During the Commandant’s Multi-National Forces West per Fidelis.

CAMP FALLUJAH, Iraq - The Camp Fallujah older café, which had 21 internet stations, now has library reopened June 3 in a ribbon cutting 52; it has also doubled its phones from 12 to 24. ceremony attended by the Multi-National Force It is still possible for people to have to wait their West commanding general, Maj. Gen. Richard turn to use the internet or phones, but instead of C. Zilmer. For the past three weeks, several waiting on a wooden bench, service members and Kellogg, Brown and Root employees along with civilian employees here can now watch television I Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters on a big-screen TV from the comfort of large Group Marines worked hard to upgrade the leather couches. facility. Any service member, DOD employee, and Formerly a chow hall, the facility does not look contractor with PX privileges can use the facility. like much from the outside. Today, however, it The renovated facility is closed two hours a day, serves as a newly renovated internet café. The from 4-6 a.m. Cpl. Jon Guibord 2 Aug. 19, 2005 The Eagle and The Crescent The Eagle and The Crescent Aug. 19, 2005 3 The Chaplain’s Corner Camp Fallujah MWR events The fight for freedom in Iraq Open jam/ music night Mon. at 2000 When Simon Bolivar led the nation of Risk night Tue. at 2000 Peru to independence from Spain in 1924, Ping Pong tournament Wed. at 2030 they pleaded with him to become their first Spades Tournament Thurs. at 2030 president. He refused. He said that his work Karaoke night Fri. at 2030 was the work of liberation. Others were better Perimeter run Sat. at 0800 suited to the task of governing. *Movie Night: MWR facility daily at 2000. The people still wanted to honor him. So For more information, contact they offered him a gift of one million pesos. [email protected]. And he accepted the gift on one condition. He asked that he might supplement that gift with A Message to our readers monies from his own estate, and then use all of that money together to purchase the freedom The Eagle & Crescent is a publication of the 3,000 individuals in Peru who were still produced for Multi National Forces - West slaves to other men. service members and their families and When all the slaves where freed, they asked friends. We appreciate your interest, him why he did it. This is what he said: “It prayers and patriotic support. makes little sense to free a nation unless all its citizens enjoy freedom as well.” , MNF-W PAO As we work for freedom, we must remember that it is only a tool. It can never be an end in BECOME A SUBSCRIBER: itself. We must use freedom to find dignity. We If you would like to receive the Eagle & must use freedom to connect our souls to God’s Crescent directly, please send an e-mail to Chaplain (Lt, USN) Ronald W. Newhouse true freedom. [email protected]. 9th Communications Chaplain Thanks for being a defender of freedom! Just put “Subscribe” in the subject line and we’ll add you to our e-mail distribution list. I MEF honors its fallen in Memorial Day ceremony I Marine Expeditionary Force (FWD) Commanding General, Maj. Gen. Richard C. Zilmer Cpl. Jon Guibord Sergeant Major, Sgt. Maj. Thomas H. Howard I Marine Expeditionary Force

Public Affairs Director...... Lt. Col. Bryan F. Salas CAMP FALLUJAH, Iraq - Approximately Deputy Director...... Maj. Riccoh T. Player 400 Marines, sailors and soldiers from several Public Affairs Chief.....Master Sgt. John A. Cordero commands under the I Marine Expeditionary Internal Information Officer...... Force came together at the Camp Fallujah ...... 1st Lt. Brian P. Donnelly Press Chief...... Gunnery Sgt. Timothy A. Streaty chapel here to remember their fallen in a Editor/ Memorial Day service May 29. Combat Correspondent...... Cpl. Jon C. Guibord The service honored 78 Marines, sailors Combat Correspondent...... Cpl. Lynn Murillo and soldiers who have lost their lives in Iraq Correspondents from throughout the military con- in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom since I Cpl. Jon Guibord tribute to this publication. The views and opinions MEF took authority from II MEF Feb. 28. Senior Chief Petty Officer Victor L. Koon, the expressed herein are not necessarily those of the Although a somber occasion, the service I Marine Expeditionary Force chaplain’s office Department of Defense. This publication is for infor- which was filled with scripture readings, songs senior enlisted advisor, rings the bell for every mation only and is not considered directive in nature. and speeches, was quite lively. Marine, sailor and soldier that has been killed The ceremony’s keynote speaker was since I MEF took command February 28, 2006. Chapel of Hope Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. Group sergeant major, Sgt. Maj. Neil W. Michael W. Hagee, who discussed how O’Connell, read the names of the 78 service Service Schedule service, members can honor their fallen members. As each name was called, a bell brothers. placed in the middle of the stage was rung as a Friday - Jewish Sabbath Service “The best way that we can remember them tribute to the fallen. (1st & 3rd Friday) 1830 is to continue to live up to the values that they “I was impressed with the whole ceremony,” Saturday - Catholic Confessions 1700 believed in and that they gave their life for,” said Sgt. Raul C. Garcia, an ammunition Catholic Vigil Mass 1800 said Hagee. technician with Regimental Combat Team 5 Sunday - Catholic Mass 0800 The hour-long ceremony included musical Headquarters Company serving his second Protestant Communion Service 0915 performances by two choirs, the Camp Fallujah tour in Iraq. “It gave us one last moment of Protestant Contemporary Service 1030 band, bagpipes, and the traditional playing of remembrance for the Marines that have been Gospel Service 1300 Taps, which resulted in an array of emotion, killed in action here.” Lutheran Services 1830 from cheering to tearing. Monday - Friday Marines, sailors and soldiers filled Camp Cpl. Jon Guibord is a combat correspondent Catholic Confessions 1700 Fallujah’s chapel from scores of units within I serving with I Marine Expeditionary Force in Catholic Daily Mass 1800 MEF. Al Anbar Province. For information, e-mail (Blessed Sacrament Chapel) As one final salute, the I MEF Headquarters him at [email protected]. 2 Aug. 19, 2005 The Eagle and The Crescent The Eagle and The Crescent Aug. 19, 2005 3 Marines repel enemy attack, suicide bomber Cpl. Joseph DiGirolamo 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine

RAMADI, Iraq - Lance Cpl. William A. Staley is lucky to be alive. “I was running from the chow hall to grab my flak jacket,” said Staley, a 24-year-old mortarman from Lockport, N.Y. “Then the explosion hit.” Staley recalled the enormous blast that sent debris into his face and knocked him down a flight of stairs. “After the explosion I got up and began running around making sure everyone was alright,” said Staley, a Marine with L Company, 3rd Battalion, . He was one of many Marines who survived a powerful explosion from a suicide vehicle that rocked the Veteran Affairs building here in late April. 3rd Platoon, Company L was operating at the Observation Post Veteran Affairs April 17, when the insurgents began a coordinated attack. It was midday when insurgents began firing machine guns and small arms at the building’s rooftop. Meanwhile, teams of insurgents fired multiple rocket-propelled grenades that sailed directly toward the posts. “The rocket-propelled grenades knocked the Marines physically out of the posts,” said 2nd Lt. Andrew J. Sherman, a 25-year-old platoon commander from Mobile, Ala., who was knocked down by an RPG blast. “While the machine gunners were getting back up and running back to the guns, a suicide vehicle-borne improvised explosive device breached the west gate,” he said. Lance Cpl. Aaron C. Shaffer, a 20-year-old from Charleston, W. Va., who was knocked from his post by an RPG blast, was able to see the truck from his rooftop vantage point moments before it detonated. “I got back to my post and saw the truck and began firing on it,” said Shaffer. “I don’t remember much after that; all I remember is a handful of dirt slamming me in the face.” The dump truck laden with explosives detonated inside the compound, ripping the northwest corner of the building apart. Massive amounts of debris flew everywhere as flames from the blast ignited the building’s Cpl. Joseph DiGirolamo camouflage netting surrounding the Marines. Cpl. Gary M. Cozine, a 21-year-old infantryman with L Company, “I thought the whole building was destroyed,” said Staley. “The 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, talks to his Marines on post at concussion of the blast jolted and knocked (several of us down).” observation post Veteran Affairs in western Ramadi, Iraq May 16. Moments later, Marines dazed from the barrage of gunfire began Both Corso and Leeper were recommended for combat awards for receiving mortar rounds that rained down on top of the building. their bravery during the complex attack. Several other Marines and Marines began low crawling over rubble and under a spray of small Sailors were also put up for awards. arms fire to maneuver to secondary fighting positions, according to The attack lasted an hour and 45 minutes. The Marines’ tenacity was Sherman, who was calling for backup support. key in repelling the enemy assault. They also called for a quick reaction force team. As the QRF sped When it was all said and done, every Marine inside OP VA survived toward the gunfight, they encountered and destroyed four VBIEDS the attack. A few Marines sustained minor injuries, and Sarbu was parked along the road. medically evacuated to a regional medical facility for treatment for his Once Petty Officer 3rd Class William T. Corso gained consciousness wounds. The Marines reported killing approximately 20 insurgents from the initial blast, he began hearing a call for help. during the battle. It was from Lance Cpl. Michael C. Sarbu, who had a gunshot wound the next few days were spent refortifying the observation post to to the leg. ensure it hadn’t been weakened by the attack. Trained in combat lifesaving techniques, Corso quickly ran up a “We worked 48 hours straight to reinforce the post,” said Staley. “It ladder, exposing himself to enemy fire. He reached Sarbu and started was a nonstop working party.” treating his leg. He immediately called for medical evacuation and Today, the war-torn building still stands, and Marines continue to treated two other Marines. operate there, providing security for the people of Ramadi. Meanwhile, Lance Cpl. Timothy M. Leeper ran to a secondary post to man a heavy machine gun upon hearing sporadic gunfire. As he was about to reach the post, a car bomb detonated, throwing him back inside the building and burying his weapon under rubble. Refusing medical treatment, he ran to another part of the building to assist Marines that Cpl. Joseph DiGirolamo is a combat correspondent serving with were engaged with enemy fighters. He was able to help the Marines by the 3rd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment in Al Anbar Province. For repairing their weapon systems and resupplying them with ammunition. information, e-mail him at [email protected]. 4 Aug. 19, 2005 The Eagle and The Crescent The Eagle and The Crescent Aug. 19, 2005 5 Marine saved by side SAPI Marines here are equipped with the issued to the company, Marines with jobs Cpl. Graham Paulsgrove interceptor body armor system, which that kept them inside their eight-wheeled 3rd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion consists of an outer tactical vest made of vehicles - drivers, gunners and vehicle Kevlar and the small arms protective insert commanders - could choose whether to wear GHARMAH, Iraq - When an optional plates. The OTV and associated neck, throat the plates. Once the unit started operating piece of gear became mandatory, complaints and groin protectors are designed to offer around Fallujah under Regimental Combat were lodged. But when the gear did its job protection from fragmentation weapons. Team 5, wearing the side plates was no longer - saving a Marine’s life - a few opinions The ceramic SAPI plates are designed to optional. changed. withstand multiple hits from assault rifles, “They make it harder to get in and out Lance Cpl. Robert F. Dean, a light armored which are common on the current battlefield. of the vehicle, but without them, I would vehicle crewman with D Company, 3rd Light Recently, the side SAPI plates have been probably be in bad shape,” said Dean, 20, Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, owes added to the armor system. about his side SAPI plates. “It was a good his life to the small arms protective insert When the side SAPI plates were originally thing that they made all of us wear them.” strapped to the side of When the gear became his body armor when he mandatory for the Marines, was shot by an insurgent some complained, but sniper near the city of have since withdrew their Gharmah May 14. objections after seeing the “I thought someone had plates save lives. thrown a rock at me,” said “Now, our interpreter Dean, from Spring, . wants side SAPIs. Before Dean soon realized it he was complaining that was not a rock, but a bullet his flak was too heavy,” fired by an insurgent from Nelson said. roughly 500 meters away. The Marine Corps “We had an area has made several cordoned off, and the advancements in providing scouts were out searching enhanced personal body the area,” recalled Cpl. armor for Marines and Dustin R. Nelson, Dean’s sailors deployed to Iraq. vehicle commander. “I The level of protection reached down to give him of individual body armor some water. As he popped has increased technology out of his hatch to take it improves, threats in the from me, I heard a crack.” area evolve. The Marines Advancements include immediately responded to enhanced SAPI plates, the insurgent attack. which offer greater “The bullet would have protection against small hit his femoral bone, and caliber weapons, the possibly gone through and side SAPI plates, which hit his femoral artery,” said increase protection on the HN Chad T. Kenyon, 20, flanks of the torso, and a the corpsmen who treated new lightweight Kevlar Dean after the incident. “If helmet, which offers the that happened, he could same ballistic protection have bled to death within a as the previous version but few minutes. It would have is easier to wear for longer been a sticky situation, but periods of time. the plates did their job and stopped the bullet.” “The round hit the Cpl. Graham very bottom of the plate, Paulsgrove is a combat shattering some of the correspondent serving ceramic, but the fiber paper with 3rd Light Armored [backing the plate] caught Reconnaissance battalion the round like a baseball Cpl. Graham Paulsgrove in Al Anbar Province. For mitt,” added Nelson, from Lance Cpl. Robert F. Dean, a light armored vehicle crewman with D Company, 3rd information, e-mail him at Grand Junction, Colo. Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, displays the small arms protective insert that PaulsgroveGA@gcemnf- protected him from an insurgent sniper’s bullet May 14, 2006 4 Aug. 19, 2005 The Eagle and The Crescent The Eagle and The Crescent Aug. 19, 2005 5 LCpl. Brandon L. Roach RANK/NAME: 1st Lt. Will Anderson thumb drive! AGE: 35 WHAT YOU’VE LEARNED DURING HOMETOWN: Salmon, Idaho DEPLOYMENT: Meetings beget meetings MARITAL STATUS: Married WHAT YOU’LL REMEMBER MOST: The KIDS: 13 year-old daughter, 9-year-old son hardworking “Ragdolls” of Motor-T and their COLLEGE STUDIES: Old Dominion University, ability to accomplish anything! History major WHERE YOU ARE GOING ON VACATION UNIT/DUTY STATION: MWSS 274, Cherry Point, WHEN YOU REDEPLOY: Cozumel, WORST PART ABOUT DEPLOYMENT: Missing MOS/JOB: 0402/ Motor Transport Company my son’s baseball season Commander WHAT YOUR FAMILY THINKS ABOUT YOUR FIRST STEPPED ON YELLOW FOOTPRINTS: DEPLOYMENT: Very supportive July 24, 1989 BEST MEMORY OF MARINE CORPS: Coming HOW MANY DEPLOYMENTS: 5 home from Desert Storm FAVORITE HANGOUT: Deck in the back yard FAVORITE COMEDIAN: Carrot-Top HOBBIES: Skiing, baseball FAVORITE DUTY STATION: MCRD San Diego LAST SONG OR MOVIE DOWNLOADED: Fields FAVORITE QUOTE: “Nothing wrong with being of Athenry by Drop Kick Murphys tired. A whole lot wrong with looking tired!” LAST BOOK YOU READ: Going After Caciato WHAT YOU WILL BE DOING IN 5 YEARS: by Tim O’Brien Retiring FAVORITE MRE: Thai Chicken ADVICE FOR OTHERS HERE: Make the best of FAVORITE PIECE OF GEAR WITH YOU: Combat a great opportunity! 6 Aug. 19, 2005 The Eagle and The Crescent The Eagle and The Crescent Aug. 19, 2005 7 Gunnery Sgt. Mark Oliva Cpl. Jason L. Campbell, a 21-year-old from Twinsburg, Ohio, searches an Iraqi home in Zaidon for anti-Coalition materials during a recent operation. Recon Marines are using tools and executing missions well beyond the scope of what used to be considered reconnaissance missions. Marine recon adapts to growing mission in Iraq and long range foot patrols into the enemy’s counterinsurgency operations. Marines gather Gunnery Sgt. Mark Oliva back yard just a few years ago. their own intelligence, coordinate and create Regimental Combat team 5 No longer. Recon Marines are wrapped targets, and prosecute their own missions, with in the same armor as every other Marine, hard hits on specific targets. ZAIDON, Iraq - Cpl. Jason L. Campbell mounted in humvees and firing heavy M-2 “It used to be in reconnaissance, if you fired pulled his Kevlar helmet off his head and .50 caliber machine guns. The heart and soul a shot, you failed your mission,” said Gunnery struggled to get free of his body armor - a of reconnaissance work has fundamentally Sgt. Kenneth A. Westgate, a 35-year-old tangle of ammunition pouches, ceramic plates, shifted. platoon sergeant for 3rd Platoon, B Company, radios and grenades. For good or ill, Marine Recon will never be from East Wareham, Mass. “Now, we’re It is not an uncommon load for an the same. expected to make contact. It’s not that we’ve infantryman here in Iraq. But Campbell’s Campbell, assigned to B Company, 2nd lost a mission. We’ve gained more mission. not an ordinary infantryman. He is a Reconnaissance Battalion, Regimental Combat “We’re collecting, analyzing and prosecuting Reconnaissance Marine, and he is performing a Team 5, admitted this isn’t the sort of work he almost all at the platoon level,” Westgate mission that just 10 years ago would have been trained for when he completed Amphibious said. “The mission we’re tasked with now is unthinkable in Iraq. Reconnaissance School. In fact, he’s never different.” “I thought it would be more ‘snooping and performed a traditional reconnaissance mission Some of what Recon Marines are doing in pooping,’” said 21-year-old Campbell, from in Iraq. Iraq, Westgate said, used to be traditionally Twinsburg, Ohio. “I thought we’d be doing “The only time I did a traditional recon left to Combined Anti-Armor Teams. They more traditional reconnaissance.” mission was at ARS,” or while deployed with perform mounted vehicle patrols with heavy The thing is, in Iraq, nothing is traditional. a Marine Expeditionary Unit, he explained. guns and grenade launchers. Westgate – who It’s a 4th Generation War – a guerilla “Not in combat. I’ve never gone out to do just has 15 years as a Marine – said his early years war – where there are no front lines for reconnaissance.” in Recon never called for humvees. Recon Marines to slip by. Terrain and the Still, there is no shortage of work for “I was the guy 10 kilometers in trying to find counterinsurgency mission do not traditionally Marines with specialized reconnaissance and a route for the humvees,” he said. “When I first call for deep reconnaissance. intelligence-gathering skills. Just because started, it was boonie covers and heavy rucks. Marine reconnaissance is changing. Helmets Recon Marines are not lying in a hide, counting Now it’s humvees and heavy machine guns. and flak jacket were unheard of before enemy troops, doesn’t mean they’re out of a For the older guys, we’ve seen the change. But Operation Iraqi Freedom. Duty in Marine mission. In fact, they ran smack dab into the Recon meant boonie covers, bulging rucksacks middle of what seems to be the definition of See Recon Page 9 6 Aug. 19, 2005 The Eagle and The Crescent The Eagle and The Crescent Aug. 19, 2005 7 LAR maintains security outside Fallujah

according Efimoff. In addition to keeping the roads safe, the company – working in direct support of 1st Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment – is conducting counterinsurgency operations, finding weapons caches, and working alongside the Iraqi Army. “The Iraqi soldiers are a great asset,” said Rape, from College Station, Texas. “Instead of our one interpreter, we have about 18 guys who can communicate with the Iraqi people, making their presence known and giving us the heads up on insurgent activities.” The Iraqi Army is slated to take responsibility for select areas of Iraq starting at the end of this year and recently recruited more than 1,000 men from the Fallujah area. The close work with Iraqis is surprising even the harshest of Marine critics. “I had my expectations of how they would perform before I saw them, but they came out and impressed us,” said Sgt. Timothy Redleaf, a vehicle commander from Rapid City, S.D. “They are here to make a difference.” While the operations conducted with the Cpl. Graham Paulsgrove Iraqis have not been on a large scale, they Cpl. Joseph E. Sherwood, a 29-year-old from Orlando, Fla., assigned to D Company, 3rd Light have shown promise in what they can offer. Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, scans a berm for anything unusual during a patrol. The Marines “Our Marines will fight beside them maintain security and stability in Gharmah, Iraq, a farming town outside of Fallujah. without reservation in any conflict,” said Locals see a sign of strength and speed, and Capt. H. Ripley Rawlings IV, the company Cpl. Graham Paulsgrove insurgents see a rolling death threat. commander, from Boulder. Colo. “If all of 3rd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion “We can go everywhere a tank can go, the Iraqi platoons are like the ones we have but we have enough fuel to drive for a operated with, then the IA will be a force GHARMAH, Iraq - They are fast, lethal, week,” said Lance Cpl. Mark Efimoff, from worthy of deploying with Marines. When the and quickly working themselves out of a job. time is right, they will be ready to take over Marines of D Company, 3rd Light Armored this province – and that time is approaching Reconnaissance Battalion are clearing this “We are fast, mobile, have quickly.” small town north of Fallujah of insurgents scouts on the ground and After operating in the area for roughly two and training Iraqi soldiers to operate months, the Marines proved their capabilities independently at the same time. They’re heavy fire power right there. as a fighting force. Insurgent attacks in the doing it all with their light armored vehicles, LAVs are a quick, self- area are down from just a couple months ago. eight-wheeled vehicles they eat in and sleep sustaining force.” Prior to their arrival just weeks ago, the in and use to maintain security and stability in region experienced insurgent attacks every their area of operations. Lance Cpl. Mark Efimoff day, including small arms fire, IEDs, rocket The company’s main priority is keeping LAV crewman attacks and ambushes. Now, it has ceased, the roads through the town secure from according to Rawlings. insurgents and free of improvised explosive “Our enemy is very focused and devices, according to 2nd Lt. Court M. Rape, Woodburn, Ore. “We are fast, mobile, have determined, but … we have degraded and a 23-year-old platoon commander. scouts on the ground and heavy fire power defeated the enemy to the point where they “The main route in our area of operation right there. LAVs are a quick, self sustaining- stopped attacking us,” Rawlins explained. has a lot of insurgent traffic running force.” “The last few days have been very quiet. to Baghdad and Ramadi, transporting D Company’s platoons leave their home “We are winning this war, and Iraq’s time personnel and weapons, because it has fewer base of Camp Fallujah for several days at a as a free and sovereign democratic nation is checkpoints,” Rape said. time, roaming their 60-square-kilometer area, just around the corner,” he added. The Marines operate out of LAVs, a vehicle mainly covered by farmland, but dotted with a capable of traversing all types of terrain, few villages. Cpl. Graham Paulsgrove is a combat traveling at more than 70 mph. It’s not just They never really take a break, either. correspondent serving with the 3rd Light a speed-demon, though. It’s brimming to the Even when they’re not running down the Armored Reconnaissance battalion in Al teeth with a 240G machine gun and a 25mm road, they’re ready to fight, coiled in a 360- Anbar Province. For information, e-mail him cannon. Top that off with infantry scouts in degree security perimeter while the Marines at [email protected]. back - the linchpin to the company’s success. take turns sleeping and grabbing a bite to eat, 8 Aug. 19, 2005 The Eagle and The Crescent The Eagle and The Crescent Aug. 19, 2005 9 Recon from Page 7 precise shots against insurgents, but gathering Marines do not feel they are at a intelligence and packaging that information disadvantage as the taskings are forcing we’ve got a whole generation of Recon who is happening at an arm’s distance, instead change. They take the skills they have and thinks reconnaissance is humvees and flak of hundreds of meters through binoculars. apply them differently. jackets.” Marines patrol villages – micro urban areas “For me, it’s seamless,” Campbell said. Westgate isn’t saying that the Corps – talking with villagers, finding out what “This sort of mission is what I expected to abandoned traditional reconnaissance, rather they know. Recon Marines are part beat cop, do anyway. It could be a great advantage for the mission has to adapt to stay relevant to the keeping the peace. They’re part investigator, us because we are a small unit and have the war Marines are fighting. putting together the puzzle, and part SWAT, flexibility. We can still do reconnaissance and “The pace of warfare has changed,” kicking down the door to snatch the bad guys. can act on it ourselves.” Westgate said. That has required Recon Marines to learn The shift in the definition of reconnaissance The nature of this war – the 4th Generation new skill sets. To be humvee-mobile, Marines from what was considered traditional War where insurgents do not openly confront need to learn humvee maintenance. Heavy to observing, gathering, processing and Marines in classic force-on-force warfare guns once foreign to Recon teams are now a prosecuting their own missions has morphed – means the Corps is relying on the skills of standard package. It makes them more lethal Recon Marines into a unit that is more Marines just like those in 2nd Reconnaissance and more mobile, but requires more flexibility independent, faster and deadlier. Battalion. and ingenuity. “What we’ve done is put another tool in our “It’s still the same principles,” said Cpl. “We now have our own built-in fire toolbox,” Westgate said. “But we’ve also put Brandon M. Stair, a 25-year-old from Utica, support,” Westgate explained. “We have another mission in our pack.” Ohio, assigned to B Company. “We’re still much more supply with us on the humvees working in our teams, but moving more toward instead of what we used to carry in our rucks. Gunnery Sgt. Mark Oliva is the Regimental platoon operations. We’re still thinking out of We can move longer distances quicker. The Combat Team 5 public affairs chief, serving the box. This is still a guerilla war.” disadvantage is there is a greater logistics train in Al Anbar Province. For information, e-mail Snipers in Recon units are still making and we’re sometimes restricted by terrain.” him at [email protected]. Girls Scouts give Marines a taste of home family,” said 46-year-old Landro. “But this Cpl. Brian Reimers shows that they will do anything they can to 1st Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment express their love and support so that we can go on with our mission.” CAMP BAHARIA, Iraq - Things that The expression of gratitude wasn’t lost on remind Marines of home are sometimes hard the Marines. to come by out here. But with the help of a few “One way or another, the people back hardworking Girl Scouts and patriotic citizens, home are always finding ways to support us,” Marines are enjoying a familiar stateside treat. said Lance Cpl. Cody W. Hill, Headquarters A group of Girl Scouts from Marietta, Ga., Platoon, Weapons Company. recently donated more than 1,600 boxes of Company commanders spent a part of their famous cookies to 1st Battalion, 25th their afternoon loading boxes and boxes of Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 5. cookies into their humvees to take back to “We wanted to give the Marines something their Marines throughout the battalion’s area of special,” said 6-year-old Megan L. Landro, operation. daughter of Lt. Col. Christopher A. Landro, “It was awesome to see hundreds of boxes of “New England’s Own” battalion commander. Girl Scout cookies show up to our door,” said The scouts adopted the commander to be Hill, 22, from Ada, Okla. “I have never seen so their “Hometown Hero” and set a goal to many cookies in my life. I now know of every sell enough cookies so every Marine in the type of Girl Scout cookie that there is.” battalion would have a box. They reached their Megan made sure that her dad would get goal and then some. plenty of the cookies they both enjoy the most. “I was thrilled to hear that they had reached “My daddy loves the thin mint ones,” Megan their goal and I immediately promised to excitedly said. “I sent him some extra ones.” get them out to the Marines as quickly as “I have more Girl Scout cookies here than I possible,” said Landro, from Kennesaw, Ga. know what to do with,” Hill said. “I am pretty Troop 2923 went door to door with a poster sure that we will not need a resupply for quite of their hometown hero and his Marines, a while. Thanks so much to the girls that made Cpl. Brian Reimers asking people if they would like to buy cookies this happen.” Lt. Col. Christopher A. Landro, battalion for the troops operating in Fallujah. commander, 1st Battalion, 25th Marine “Everybody wanted to buy them for my Cpl. Brian Reimers is a combat Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 5, helps dad and his troops,” said Megan, a first grade correspondent serving with 1st Battalion, sort through more than 1,600 boxes of Girl student at Walker School in Marietta. 25th Marine Regiment in Al Anbar Scout cookies donated by his daughter’s troop “I know that my family is going through Province. For information, e-mail him at for the Marines. a very tough time without me, as is every [email protected].

8 Aug. 19, 2005 The Eagle and The Crescent The Eagle and The Crescent Aug. 19, 2005 9 Sea Stallions implement ramp-mounted weapon system

Lance Cpl. James B. Hoke 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing

AL ASAD, Iraq - Cruising over the desert at just above 400 feet, a Marine crew chief kneels behind the Gun Ammunition Unit 21 mounted on the ramp of the CH-53D Sea Stallion helicopter. The pilots and crew chiefs in the front of the aircraft relay the location of the current target, which will be coming into his field of fire within seconds. A series of smoke clouds and loud pops emit from the barrel of the .50-caliber machine gun, as a succession of tracer rounds, appearing like lasers from some flashy science fiction movie, slam into makeshift targets of old vehicles on the desert dunes. Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 463, Marine Aircraft Group 16 (Reinforced), 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, is the first CH-53D helicopter squadron to install the GAU-21 .50- caliber machine gun system onto their aircraft. Lance Cpl. James B. Hoke “The GAU-21 is very similar to the XM-218 Cpl. Thomas D. Martinez aims at a makeshift target in the desert outside Al Asad, Iraq during a test .50-caliber, which is the machine gun that is fire of the GAU-21 ramp-mounted weapon system May 16. mounted on the doors of the aircraft,” said Cpl. Thomas D. Martinez, crew chief and weapons December last year. We chose to use the GAU- physical stress on experienced crew chiefs, the and tactics instructor, HMH-463. “Most people 21 as the ramp system because of its ability to importance of the weapon does not fade from can’t really tell the difference until they know put more rounds down range. All we had to do their sight. a little bit about them. It is a new system to the was modify our ramp in order to facilitate it.” “We are normally engaged by the enemy Marine Corps. The XM-218 has been around The GAU-21 was chosen over the XM- from the rear of the aircraft,” said Martinez, forever, but the GAU-21 is modified to fire 218 for its safer operability and the M-240G a Durango High School graduate. “These faster and fire slightly farther.” machine gun for the size and path of its rounds, weapons are important because our window Purchased in January 2004, the Marine said Cpl. Mitchell C. J. Harquail, crew chief guns only give us coverage in less than a 180 Corps first tested the weapon system on the and weapons and tactics instructor, HMH-463. degree angle in front. The tail gun provides 180 CH-53E Super Stallions before moving to the “The 7.62 round used in the M-240G is too degrees of coverage behind and to the sides of aircraft’s little brother, the Delta. small,” said Harquail, a 26-year-old native the aircraft.” “It was passed on to the Deltas and tested of Sea Side, New Brunswick, Canada. “The Another feature the weapon system provides in ,” said Martinez, a 22-year-old rotor wash from the aircraft affects the rounds’ is safety, according to Harquail, who was the Durango, Colo., native. “We got the clearance trajectory. The .50-caliber is a heavier round. first designated tail gunner for the CH-53D to fire the tail gun from the Delta platform in You need a heavy round with a higher volume.” platform with the GAU-21. However, between the added “It is more user friendly and safer,” said heat from the engines blowing Harquail. “The likelihood of a cook-off, which through the rear of the aircraft is the igniting of a round caused by the heat and the added gravity from the of an extremely hot barrel, is greatly reduced, aircraft turning or banking, this new because the weapon fires from an open bolt weapon system takes a toll on the position.” Marines who operate it. With a rate of fire almost 400 rounds per “You get really tired when you minute faster than its older brother, the XM- are on that gun, as it creates a lot of 218, the Marines who operate this weapon fatigue,” said Harquail, a graduate cannot get enough of it. of Dalhousie Regional High “I love it,” Harquial said. “The weapon has a School. “You have to shoot from sweet spot that once you get used to it, you can the kneeling or squatting positions hit almost anything.” and hang off of the ramp of the aircraft sometimes. There is a lot Lance Cpl. James B. Hoke more vibration and movement in Lance Cpl. James B. Hoke is a combat Fifty-caliber rounds are taken from normal 100-round ammo the tail of the aircraft. It gets really correspondent serving with the 3rd cans, laid out flat and linked together before being put in hot back there, as well.” Marine Aircraft Wing in Al Anbar the 300-round ammo can that the GAU-21 ramp-mounted Although the GAU-21 can Province. For information, e-mail him at weapon system uses. put a tremendous amount of [email protected]. 10 Aug. 19, 2005 TheThe EagleEagle andand The the Crescent The Eagle and The Crescent Aug. 19, 2005 11 Warriors’ Words What is your favorite saying? “Long days make for fast weeks.”

Cpl. Mark K. Riggio I Marine Expeditionary Force Headquarters Group

“Take it one day at a time.” Cpl. Jon C. Guibord What is your perception of risk? about increasing the possibility that you will Sgt. Jerrad E. Fienhold Scott Martin complete your mission without something Combat Logistics Battalion 5 MNF-W Director of Safety going wrong. Before you start to do something, take that second to consider three “It is better to die We’ve all done it. Stretched the envelope things: (1) What possibly can go wrong? on your feet than of common sense, or said to another Marine, (2) How bad can it be? (3) What can I do to to live a lifetime on sailor or soldier, “Watch this ...” prevent that from happening? These three your knees.” But life isn’t the movies, where the hero questions might be the only thing between you leaps from a third story ledge into garbage bags and needing both hands to count to five. and rolls to their feet, ready to chase the bad How do we avoid the hazards of our daily guys. Reality has a way of breaking bones, missions? We do this with prior planning. Sgt. Ruben M. Pena Regimental Combat Team 5 scraping your skin off, or making you see three Operational Risk Management (ORM) is an Headquarters of everything when there used to be one. Our integral part of that planning process. Okay, decision-making process is heavily influenced I’ll pause now for the collective groan about by our perception of risk. ORM… there, now we can continue, because “It’s all Risk perception is the colored lens we look it is an important tool that we need to use. As good.” through when viewing the world. You may a matter of fact, we all have been using it since look at the ocean with some hesitation, with we were kids when mom told us to stay out shades of the movies “Jaws” or “Open Water” of the street and to look both ways. Looking dancing about in your brain, while another at what you are going to do and planning for person will race into the water unconcerned those things that reasonably might happen is Lance Cpl. Marcus B. Leed about being fish food. Our ratio of risk verses called “calculated risk-taking”. Going into Regimental Combat Team 5 gain is formed mostly by our experiences something without regard for potential hazards Headquarters and whether we feel like we are “controlling” is “gambling”. What’s the difference? The the situation. You are more likely to have difference is measured in loss of combat power “Dude!” a vehicle accident than a plane crash, but and possibly mission failure due to deaths, the greater worry for most people is flying. injuries, and loss of equipment. This is due to what level of control you feel. How hard is it to apply ORM? Maintain Whatever is driving your train, take a second your situational awareness. Plan your and think about what you are planning to do. actions whenever possible and include ORM. As individuals, we must consider what Carpenters have a saying that goes like this: we are doing, or about to do, and weigh “Measure twice, cut once”. In other words, Pfc. Raul J. Levrie the risks involved. It’s not about stopping plan properly and you won’t waste time fixing 1st Battalion, 1st Marine you from doing what you need to do; it’s your mistakes… if they’re fixable Regiment 10 Aug. 19, 2005 The Eagle and The Crescent The Eagle and The Crescent Aug. 19, 2005 11