New Vehicles Support Mission in Anbar

23 July 07
By Sgt. Stephen M. DeBoard
Regimental Combat Team 6.

CAMP FALLUJAH, Iraq — Marines with Regimental Combat Team 6 recently got their hands on the Marine Corps’ newest counter to attacks by terrorist forces in Anbar Province. The Joint Explosive Ordnance Disposal Rapid Response Vehicle, or JERRV, is the latest melding of technology and combat firepower to find its way onto the battlefield in Iraq. Like any new weapon fielded to Marines, instructors are needed to certify potential operators in its use

One of the JERRV operator instructors for the regiment is Cpl. Miarco T. McMillian, a motor transportation operator with Headquarters Company. He is one of a handful of instructors responsible for training the Marines who will be driving the trucks on combat and logistics patrols throughout Al Anbar Province.

The JERRV is one type of vehicle in the category of Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles, or MRAPs. It’s the usual alphabet soup of military acronyms that all boils down to one thing: protecting Marines in combat. Unlike the Humvee, the current workhorse of the American vehicle fleet, the JERRV chassis was designed with heavy bomb-proof armor in mind.

“There’s a higher sense of security with brand new vehicles. They’re designed to carry the weight of the armor,” said McMillian, a Las Vegas native and 1998 graduate of Meadows High School. “(The JERRVs) are 40,000 pounds but they can go up to 52,000 pounds with extra modifications. Being surrounded by all that armor makes you feel safe.”

Gunnery Sgt. Matthew A. Larson, the motor transportation maintenance chief for RCT-6, echoed McMillian’s sentiment. “They're like no other vehicle I have ever driven,” Larson said. “They are like riding in a bank-vault with wheels. You can't help but feel safer in the JERRV than in an armored Humvee. These vehicles will definitely save lives.”

Larson said the process of training Marines on the JERRV will be a “continuous process. The intent is for RCT-6 instructors to train instructors in all of the subordinate units, while simultaneously teaching all potential operators in the RCT headquarters,” said Larson, a Hubert, N.C., native. “When all is said and done, we should have in the ball park of 700 or so Marines trained to operate the MRAPs.”

RCT-6 will need every one of those operators to man the fleet of vehicles it is slated to receive. Around 500 MRAPs, including the JERRV and other variants, will make an immediate impact on the mission in Anbar Province, according to Capt. Russell W. Wilson, the motor transportation officer for RCT-6.

“The MRAP will go a long way in the IED force protection of our Marines, sailors and soldiers; however, this added protection comes with a price. The price is reduced visibility, maneuverability, off road capability … and (experienced operators),” he said. “That is where training becomes critical to the success of the vehicle and the adaptation to accomplish the mission.”

McMillian said his first experience with the JERRV was something any civilian can identify with.“It smells like a brand new car. It’s got that nice, plastic, clean car smell,” said McMillian. “There’s nothing else like it in the world.” More important than the smell, McMillian said, is how the 20-ton, six-wheeled behemoth handles.

“Surprisingly, it handles very well. It’s a lot more nimble than you would expect from a 20-ton vehicle. Its turning radius is amazing, and its versatility and terrain capability is way up there,” he said.

A versatile vehicle requires a versatile operator. This is the value in having Marines like McMillian in the instructor seat, said Wilson.

“The Marine Corps is one of the only places in the world where a corporal, with relatively minimal training, teaching, and public speaking experience, can get out there and teach all ranks and grades with confidence and professionalism,” he said. “With the training of Cpl. McMillian and the cadre of instructors like him, we aim to safely and rapidly field the MRAP for convoy security and give Marines a better fighting chance against the tactics of the enemy.”

Photo - Marine Cpl. Miarco T. McMillian is a certification instructor for the new Joint Explosive Ordnance Disposal Rapid Response Vehicle, or JERRV, with Regimental Combat Team 6. The JERRV, pictured behind McMillian, is the newest addition to the Corps' arsenal to combat the threat from roadside bombs. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Stephen M. DeBoard.

Big guns play big part in eastern Afghanistan

6 July 07
By Spc. Jon H. Arguello
22nd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

JALALABAD AIRFIELD, Afghanistan - Few things are as frightening on the battlefield as incoming artillery. But these essential assets are more than loud bangs heard sporadically on the forward operating bases [FOB's] in eastern Afghanistan. The "king of battle," as artillery is called, has become increasingly important.

Everything from the incredibly unforgiving terrain to the ability of insurgents to dissipate into the civilian population has made clear the significance of indirect fire support.

"In this fight, fire support is very important," said 1st Lt. Duane Mantle, 2nd Battalion, 503rd Infantry (Airborne) assistant fires support officer, from Warren, N.J. "As soon as we make contact, the first thing the Soldiers look for is to bring in fires on the enemy."

Although the manner in which wars are fought today are different from past wars in many respects, the adaptability of the 155mm Howitzers of Battery B, 4th Battalion, 319th Airborne Field Artillery Regiment, on Forward Operating Base Blessing and other indirect assets providing support to paratroopers based along the Pech River Valley, has been proven extensively useful in just a short time after arriving in theater about a month ago.

"It's not like the previous wars when they lined up and we would mow them down," said Mantle. "Fires have a lot of different effects. When we fire the 155s from here, the enemy doesn't hear the round coming in. It immediately puts the enemy on the defensive and has a tremendous demoralizing effect."

The rounds can also be used to fix enemy combatants. "That's a huge part of this conflict, separating them from the population, but we can do it when they are on a ridge firing on us," said Mantle. As artillery is called in, it disrupts the enemy's movement or causes them to seek cover, providing U.S. and/or Afghan forces a variety of options.

The Soldiers, who man the guns at FOB Blessing, understand the impact they have placing timely and accurate fires on the enemy. It is a job they take seriously for good reason. "Last deployment we had a fire mission to support some troops in contact," said Sgt. Stephen Murphy of Bravo Battery's 2nd Platoon, a native of Berwick, Penn. who had just finished a fire mission with his section. "One of the Soldiers who was there came to us afterwards and said we had saved his life. He even showed us pictures of his family. I was like 'Roger. I'll be faster next time.'"

Just hours later, the 155mm Howitzers at FOB Blessing pounded the mountains of the Pech River Valley in support of multiple fire fights. Within a few hours, the battery had fired 111 rounds simultaneously supporting three separate sites.

Photo - Paratroopers Battery B, 4th Battalion, 319th Airborne Field Artillery Regiment, fire their 155mm Howitzer from Forward Operating Base Blessing in eastern Afghanistan. Photo by Spc. Jon H. Arguello.

1132nd Well Drillers increasing Camp Lemonier Water supply1132nd Well Drillers increasing Camp Lemonier Water supply

19-Jun-07
Story by U.S. Army Capt. Jerord E. Wilson
CJTF-HOA19-Jun-07.

CAMP LEMONIER, Djibouti – In preparation for the increase in personnel arriving to Camp Lemonier, the 1132nd Well Drillers of the North Carolina National Guard are hard at work improving the amount of water available for camp operations.

Within the last month, the 1132nd Well Drillers received a new well drilling rig capable of drilling through the toughest rock formations in Djibouti. The unit wasted no time in learning the intricate details of the new equipment and how to place it effectively into operation. Prior to this drilling event, they conducted a test to ensure the drilling equipment is fully operational before starting any job.

“The first drill site gave us confidence in ourselves and the equipment. It allowed us the time to learn how to manage the drill site with the new equipment and work on things we can do better,” said U.S. Army Staff Sgt. William Brown.

Recently, the 1132nd received word to install an additional water well to support Camp Lemonier’s future water supply needs. The first team of well drillers began prepping the site by digging a six-foot deep hole, emplacing a drill bit casing and stabilizing the hole with concrete to prevent the walls from collapsing during drilling operations.

“Setting-up our equipment at the drill site early is key to our efficiency as a team. During these last two drill sites we are constantly learning the pros and cons of the new drilling rig. I look forward to our missions in the future that will take us deeper into the vast regions of Djibouti,” said U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Rex Hipp.

Once the main drill site preparations were complete, the new drill rig and support vehicles were placed and drilling began. In short order a well was located at a depth of 128 ft. The well is expected to provide 400 gallons of water per minute. More than enough to meet the camp needs.

According to U.S. Navy Lt. j.g. Joseph Dunaway, “When we receive our additional water tanks, our water holding capacity will increase to 600,000 gallons. These numbers will enable us to increase our water management and efficiency on Camp Lemonier.”

Upon completion of the second Camp Lemonier water well, the 1132nd will have earned a short rest before beginning drilling operations for new water wells in the southern region of Djibouti. The luxury of having a well in the desert is a valuable resource to the people. The 1132nd will continue to drill water wells for the people of Djibouti anywhere they are needed.

Photo - Members of the 1132nd Engineer Team from North Carolina completes the final depth needed for the water well to ensure a useful water source. From left to right: U.S. Army Staff Sgt. William Brown, U.S. Army Sgt. First Class Danny Hunter, and U.S. Army Sgt. Raphael Paniaqua. Photo by U.S. Army Capt. Jerord E. Wilson.

Al Qaim detachment plays role in Iraq transition

May 24, 2007
By Cpl. Andrew Kalwitz
2nd Marine Logistics Group.

AL QAIM, Iraq - The Marines of Detachment 2, Combat Logistics Battalion 2, 2nd Marine Logistics Group (Forward), are working to provide for the stabilization of an increasingly self-sufficient Iraq.

The Marines of Detachment 2 supply 1st Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment with the essential tools needed to accomplish this mission.

"We provide logistics to 1/4 and support the rest of our (area of operations)," said 2nd Lt. Aaron L. Serrano, the officer-in-charge of Detachment 2.

The detachment provides this region with transportation and heavy equipment support, postal services, fuel and water. They are also in charge of maintaining medical, exchange, and disbursing services here.

“We all pull our part around here,” said Cpl. Brandon J. Bergeron, an electrical equipment repair specialist with the detachment. “There is a need for every one of us.”

Bergeron, a Williamsburg, Va., native, was deployed here and to Al Asad in 2005 for a seven-month deployment and said their work seems to be paying off.

“There is a major difference,” he said. “We’re making tons of progress. It went from where it was a stronghold for terrorists to everyone being back to daily life and we barely get hit by (improvised explosive devices). It’s a lot calmer than last year.”

A watch clerk with the detachment, who is on his first deployment, said things have been easier than he expected. He said the methodic schedule of the Marines around him is one reason for this.

“I expected things to be a lot more hectic,” said Lance Cpl. Rafael Rivera, an Ocala, Fla., native. “The way they do things makes everything go so much smoother.”

Rivera said he wants to see his daughter in the states more than anything. But he, as well as many others with the detachment, extended his deployment time from seven months to a full year because of what he feels is the importance of their mission.

“I am out here doing this for her. So she has less to worry about,” he said. “So everyone in the states has less to worry about.”

Gerry P. Graham, works on hinges for a door his detachment will install in their building. The detachment is here for a seven-month deployment and is responsible for providing logistics support to 1st Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment. Graham is a motor transportation mechanic here. Photo by: Cpl. Andrew Kalwitz.

Gates wants better armor quicker

By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, May 10, 2007 – Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates is exploring ways to speed up the timetable for getting more Mine Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicles to troops in Iraq.

Gates told reporters during yesterday’s Pentagon news conference that he’s impressed by what he’s read about the MRAPs and the improved troop protection they offer over up-armored Humvees.

He cited an article that noted that no Marines had been killed during 300 incidents in which their MRAPs were involved in improvised-explosive-device attacks. “That certainly got my attention,” he said.

The MRAP’s raised, V-shaped underbelly deflects the force of IEDs and other blasts from below.

Sixty-five MRAPs in use in Iraq are saving Marines’ lives, Lt. Gen. Emerson Garner, the Marine Corps’ deputy commandant for programs and resources, told a congressional committee earlier this year.

“Our experience is that Marines in these vehicles have been four or five times safer than a Marine in an armored Humvee,” Garner told members of the House and Senate Sea Power and Expeditionary Forces subcommittees. “Based on this experience, we recently decided to replace our armored Humvees in theater on a one-for-one basis with MRAPs.”

Gates said he supports that effort and hopes to get the Army to speed up its procurement timetable for the vehicles, too. “My understanding … is that the Army has been recalibrating its interest and has substantially increased the number of these vehicles they think they can use,” he said.

The services have ordered about 7,700 of the vehicles, at a cost of about $8 billion. Gates plan to meet with Army and Marine Corps officials tomorrow to discuss their MRAP procurement plans and explore ways to accelerate them.

Up-armored Humvees offered the best protection available when they were fielded, but Gates said MRAPs provide even more. “Now we have something better, and we’re going to get that to the field as best we can,” he said.

Marine Gen. Peter Pace, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, called MRAPs an example of how industry has stepped up to the plate to come up with solutions to military needs. “I think what you have is a natural evolution of technology and very sharp people in business and industry looking at the problem and devising different ways to defeat the problem,” he said.

While acknowledging the benefit of the MRAPs, Pace cautioned that they don’t represent an end-all to the dangers of IEDs.

“There’s no solution out there that’s going to protect everybody from everything all the time,” he said. “What you try to do is … provide the best protection you can that still allows a soldier (or) Marine to be able to go out and do the job they need to do.”

Giving every deployed troop a private M-1 Abrams tank would probably be the best protection, but even tanks are vulnerable to some weapons, Pace said.

He added that most jobs required in the combat zone can’t be accomplished while rumbling around the city inside a tank.

“So you’ve got to find the right balance between force protection and the mission that needs to be done,” he said.

Air mobility keeps fast pace with war ops surges

10 April 2007
By Senior Airman Erik Hofmeyer
379th Air Expeditionary Wing

SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFNEWS) -- Squadrons across the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing have increased operations to enhance theater-wide support for the current surge of troops throughout Iraq and Afghanistan.

One such example is the 8th Expeditionary Air Mobility Squadron, a 379th AEW tenant unit that links air mobility operations together to facilitate direct support to warfighters uprange. The squadron is currently processing two major separate Army movements in support of Operation Enduring Freedom including two Force Provider Module transportable base camp systems and 32 M916 semi trucks for an engineering battalion.

On average, the squadron has been loading an extra 27 to 36 pallets per day for transport on C-17 Globemaster IIIs, flown by 816th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron aircrews, and commercially-contracted aircraft in support of the surge, said Maj. Todd Dyer, 8th EAMS operations officer.

Three hundred and sixty pallets of force provider cargo began showing up March 22 at the 379th AEW. Force Provider modules provide housing and operation space for a variety of military missions ranging from support of a small military outpost to fully operational, forward deployed base camps and air bases.

The combinations of military and commercial products provide climate-controlled billeting, dining facilities, hygiene services, and morale, welfare and recreation facilities for deployed servicemembers. Modules vary in size and can accommodate a maximum of 3,300 people each, Major Dyer said.

A single force provider site requires five to 10 acres of land. Site preparation takes three to four days, and an entire camp can be operational in about 14 days using about 50 personnel, Major Dyer said.

Personnel receive and process the force provider cargo, inspect it, calculate weight and balance measurements, and palletize the equipment and work with loadmasters to get it onto aircraft.

Squadron load planners work with force provider personnel to prioritize what needs to be moved first and determine the sequence that cargo should be loaded, said Tech. Sgt. Warren Brockman, 8th EAMS load planning NCOIC.

The precise loading of equipment is necessary because warfighters uprange depend on supplies processed by Airmen, and commanders must have full accountability of their equipment. There's no room for error because the force provider equipment is trucked to forward operating bases soon after arrival in Afghanistan, Sergeant Brockman said.

Photo: Tech. Sgt. Garth Chablal guides one of 32 M916 trucks onto scales for weighing in preparation for shipment on C-17 Globemaster IIIs. Squadrons across the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing have picked up operations along with surge operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. Sergeant Chabal is the air freight supervisor of the 8th Expeditionary Air Mobility Squadron. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Erik Hofmeyer).