Posted on 08/21/2005 12:20:07 PM PDT by SandRat
CAMP FALLUJAH, Iraq (Aug. 21, 2005) -- “Know your enemy and know yourself and you can fight a hundred battles without disaster,” was said by Sun Tzu, a Chinese general, over 2,500 years ago. Today, the same standard is being carried out by the signals intelligence gatherers of 3rd Radio Battalion, II Marine Expeditionary Force (FWD), and providing the necessary support to accomplish that mission is the goal of its Headquarters and Service Company.
“If there are weapons or gear that needs to be moved, or an [air conditioning unit] used for creating an acclimatized environment is down and it needs a technician to come and fix it, we will move them,” said Capt. Paul J. Corcoran, 28, of Kingston, Mass., and company commander for H & S Company. “If we are not flying the Marines we will get them there by vehicle convoy.”
Electronic intelligence gathering for various combat commands is the key goal for 3rd Radio Bn. and a base to provide logistical and technical support is vital in accomplishing that goal.
“Our overall mission is to provide signals intelligence to [II MEF],” said Corcoran, a graduate from University of Massachusetts at Amherst, of the main goal for the battalion. “It’s our job to try to understand [the signals] how they are used and how they can be deciphered.”
The battalion sends detachments to assist units directly waging the battle against the enemy and H & S Company provides the physical and technical know-how to maintain these detached units operational.
“We do a lot of supply convoys,” said Lance Cpl. Michael S. Naylor, 24, of Columbus, Ohio, and a heavy equipment mechanic attached to the unit. “We have teams all around Iraq and we have to take gear to them to support their mission.”
In addition to being well-trained in their primary fields of support, these Marines were qualified in the use of several crew-served weapons.
“Prior to our departure, the Marines were given refresher classes on the M-249 [Squad Automatic Weapon] MK-19 [grenade launcher], and M-240 and M-2 [machine guns]. These classes went into basic operations, immediate action, field stripping, capabilities and limitations,” said Gunnery Sgt. Kent D. Carthill, 33, of Garden City, Kan., and operations chief with the unit. “Once all Marines had been through the classroom portion we conducted a live fire. It was a great evolution and gave the Marines the hands on training they needed to operate crew served weapons effectively.”
This combat arms training and courses addressing combat casualties increased the abilities in maintaining and re-supplying within Iraq the Leathernecks of 3rd Radio Bn.
“The Marines prior to deployment participated in a variety of different training evolutions,” said Carthill. “Our [Basic Aid Station] gave a three-day medical class to all those deploying and it covered everything they could be expected to do upon arrival in counry. This [included] everything from field from field hygiene to the new first aid kit and proper use of the new tourniquet.”
With Marine operations ongoing in the region, Headquarters and Service Company and the rest of 3rd Radio Bn. will continue providing support and ratcheting the intelligence levels of the missions here.
“They have maintained the level of support that thy provided during past deployment in support of [Operations Iraqi Freedom], if not made it better,” said Corcoran. “They are doing a great job.”
MARINE PING
BTTT!!!!!!
FYI ping.
PS. How are doing?
I've never met a Marine with an intel MOS.
Heh, the 3rd Marine Radio Battalion...
I never thought I'd see the day that a Marine Radio Battalion would actually do something more that wash the vehicles in the motor pool or deploy on exercises.
:-)
Though, they'll definitely do a fine job, it's just that they seldom have had a chance to really do much except training.
Kick Ass and take names!
I'm doing well.
I deal with some Marine intel guys. They are very sharp.
I'll be back in the beginning of November. I hope to be around for Walter Reed or other fun goings on before I move.
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