Map showing Khanishin, Garmsir and Nawa in Afghanistan's Helmand province
where US Marines are pressing ahead with an air and ground assault
on Taliban strongholds. (AFP Graphic)
Posted on 07/04/2009 11:13:18 AM PDT by NormsRevenge
NAWA, Afghanistan – Taliban militants were nowhere in sight as the columns of U.S. Marines walked a third straight day across southern Afghanistan. But the desert heat proved an enemy in its own right, with several troops falling victim Saturday to temperatures topping 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
The Marines carry 50-100 pounds (23-45 kilograms) on their backs. But because they are marching through farmland on foot, they can't carry nearly as much water as their thirst demands.
Few even realized the date was July 4, ... a world away from the strenuous task Bravo Company of the 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment was taking on.
"Happy 4th of July, dawg. Happy America," said Lance Corp. Vince Morales, 21, of Baytown, Texas said to one of his Marine buddies while resting under a tree during a break.
Some Marines ate watermelon from a farmer's field as the evening sun set,...
So far, the worst danger facing Bravo is the heat. Temperatures are well above 100 degrees (37.8 Celsius), and medics treated several heat casualties Saturday.
(Excerpt) Read more at news.yahoo.com ...
Map showing Khanishin, Garmsir and Nawa in Afghanistan's Helmand province
where US Marines are pressing ahead with an air and ground assault
on Taliban strongholds. (AFP Graphic)
I’m not sure why they are walking the distance. Is there some strategic reason why they can’t be driven out there?
LTC Michael Gabel of 4-25 FA BN CDR (L-R), Major General Curtis Scaparrotti, commanding general, CJTF-82 and Regional Command East, CSM Thomas Capel, Division Command Sergeant Major, CJTF-82 and regional Command East and CSM Robert Lehtonen II, Command Sergeant Major 4-25 FA cut a cake as they mark the United States Independence Day at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Airborne in the mountains of Wardak province in Afghanistan, July 4, 2009. REUTERS/Shamil Zhumatov (AFGHANISTAN POLITICS CONFLICT MILITARY)
%#*^%# !!!
Not only are they suffering in the heat and thirsty, Tyey’re
Fighting w/hands tied.
I hate liberals with a white hot passion that I can’t even attempt to discribe.
http://abcnews.go.com/Video/playerIndex?id=7998090
Brigadier General Larry Nicholson demonstrated the more open approach he wants to see among the new US troops sent to southern Afghanistan by going shopping for melons. Nicholson, commander of the 4,000 Marines deployed on Thursday in the mainly Taliban-held Helmand River valley, headed to Garmsir district centre to visit a bazaar selling fruit, vegetables and meat. (AFP/Manpreet Romana)
Good luck pickin' the melons, General!
May God bless and keep those young Leathernecks safe.
Marines like hiking ,, long hikes. :-)
Not sure, , more targets to blow up if they took heavier transport? They used big helis I think
“Is there some strategic reason why they can’t be driven out there?”
Commander and Thief would rather them walk so as not to destroy the poppy fields.
God Bless them.
Just doin’ what Marines do. They love that kind of stuff. Well, the Marines I know sure do! ;)
(I’d rather be with them than on some cr@p duty guarding 0bama, LOL! I’ll bet they’d agree...)
They have close air support available, gunships etc.. add’l available support from more than one force if necessary..
as to the strategy of being out in the open , to locate rats, you must dislodge them by close contact or make it so enticing by your presence as a target, well, it’s still early in the operation.. still a lot of mountainous environ out there for them to hide in..
bump
I consider the leadership to know best on location, I’m just concerned about the men. And if they should get hit, I would like them to have some cover. Vehicles are expendable as far as I’m concerned, as long as the men get all the help they need.
If most of the movement was done by heli up front, at least that’s some help.
Yes, God bless them.
Lamh Foistenach Abu!
Amen, prayers up for them! And we can do our part to make sure that they have the same country upon their return that they left with.
I hear ya on the men and equipment, the article has a bit about a mortar carrier .. ouch... some of the area being patrolled may not be real vehicle friendly.
Good point Karatemom.
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