The next evolution in firepower has arrived.

For 27 years the M249 Squad Automatic Weapon has served as the Corps automatic rifle standard. In December 2010 initial fielding of the M249 SAW’s replacement, the Heckler and Koch M27 Infantry Automatic Rifle, was fielded and is now set for implementation throughout the Corps.

The M27 IAR is less than half the weight of the M249 and allows the automatic rifleman to carry fewer rounds because of its improved accuracy. With a lighter load to carry, enemy combatants will now face a more lethal and mobile Marine with better firepower to boot, allowing the Marine to move faster and engage his enemy in record time.

The Corps plans to purchase more than four thousand M27s – replacing nearly all the existing Squad Automatic Weapons. By the end of 2013, the Marine Corps intends to supply M27s to every infantry and light armored reconnaissance battalion in the Corps.

Click here to read about more gear that could be in store for Marines.

America’s Battalion Completes Final Helmand Tour

Cpl. Mark Jensen, team leader with 4th Platoon, Kilo Company, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, and 22-year-old native of Nyssa, Ore., jokes with Afghan National Police patrolmen and local children while providing security at a vehicle checkpoint outside the Hazar Joft Bazaar in Garmsir district, Afghanistan, April 8, 2012. In November 2011, the Marines and sailors of 'America's Battalion' began their final Afghanistan deployment to Helmand province's Garmsir district. After six combat deployments to Afghanistan and Iraq since 2004, they're finally coming home. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Reece Lodder)

GARMSIR DISTRICT, Afghanistan — In the fall of 2004, the Marines and sailors of 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment began a challenging  journey that took them to the Middle East and central Asia.

They served on six combat deployments in the years since then — three each to Afghanistan and Iraq. They fought, sacrificed and honored their 16 fallen brothers.

Seven months ago, the men of ‘America’s Battalion’ began their final Afghanistan deployment to Helmand province’s Garmsir district. Now they’re finally coming home.

The battalion replaced fellow Hawaii-based 1st Bn., 3rd Marines in Garmsir last November. They inherited an 80-kilometer long battlespace surrounding the Helmand River, previously the scene of intense fighting between insurgents and coalition forces.

Afghan National Army Sgt. Fasil Rahim, a machine gunner with 2nd Kandak (Battalion), 1st Brigade, 215th Corps, smiles while repeating preparatory commands and readying his weapon for firing during a machine gun range led by Marines with the 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment Embedded Training Team here, Feb. 21, 2012. During their seven months in Garmsir, 'America's Battalion' advised and developed Afghan forces preparing to take the lead in providing security for the district. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Reece Lodder)

In 2008, insurgents began heavily engaging British forces based in Garmsir in an attempt to gain control of the district. With a surge of Marines from the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, they stabilized the district and returned its control to coalition forces. In May 2009, the British transferred Garmsir to 2nd Bn., 8th Marines, beginning the line of seven Marine battalions to serve here.

Fighting was minimal when ‘America’s Battalion’ arrived in Garmsir. Despite persisting in surrounding districts, insurgent activity in Garmsir had largely been quelled by Marines and Afghan forces.

But their work was far from done in light of the nearing transition of lead security responsibility in Garmsir from Marines to Afghan forces.

Major Sean Carroll, the 3rd Bn., 3rd Marines executive officer, said ‘America’s Battalion’ arrived in Garmsir during a critical phase in the 10-year Afghan campaign. While past battalions had focused on clearing and stabilizing Garmsir, their role was to help build its future.

“We needed to expand our battlespace, retrograde gear, and build, transfer and close positions while verifying the Afghan forces were ready to defend Garmsir as a whole,” said Carroll, a San Diego native.

Carroll said the battalion demilitarized or transferred 39 of its 42 positions to Afghan forces, and retrograded and redeployed more than $140 million dollars of gear from Afghanistan to the U.S.

U.S. Marine Sgt. Marcus Martin, a squad leader with Guard Force Platoon, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, and 32-year-old native of Charlottesville, Va., practices Pashto with Afghan boys while providing security outside the Garmsir district center here, Nov. 28, 2011. 'America's Battalion' transferred control of coalition positions in Garmsir to Kilo Co., 3rd Bn., 8th Marines, May 14. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Reece Lodder)

While the future of Garmsir lay in the growth of Afghan-led security, its forces were simply “holding fast,” said Lt. Col. Matthew Palma, the 3rd Bn., 3rd Marines commanding officer.

Afghan forces augmented Marine patrols but insufficient manpower prevented them from holding positions on their own and conducting unpartnered operations. The Afghan National Army maintained a single kandak, or battalion, spread thinly throughout the large district. The Afghan National Police force, approximately 300 strong yet understaffed, was “immature, corrupt and filled with insurgents,” said Palma, a native of Bristol, R.I.

He said the Marines identified the Afghan police as Garmsir’s “bid for success,” and replaced the previous 25-man Police Mentoring Team with 210 infantrymen from Kilo Company, 3rd Bn., 3rd Marines.

Together, they identified and attacked corruption in the existing police force and partnered on operations and security patrols. Two Marine-led police academies grew the Afghan Local Police from 120 to 369 patrolmen, said Sgt. Phillip Kilgore, a PMT advisor and 29-year-old native of Cincinnati. In total, Garmsir’s police force doubled to more than 600.

A second ANA battalion — 6th Kandak, 1st Brigade, 215th Corps — moved to Garmsir from Helmand’s Marjah district in February. They began operating in southern Garmsir, augmenting 2/1/215 based in the northern portion of the district.

The bolstered ANA force expanded to positions throughout Garmsir and operated under the watch of Marine mentors. They progressed toward independent operations, Carroll said, “building their confidence and beginning to take the lead under our watch.”

As the Afghan forces grew, citizens of Garmsir saw their impact on security. Their confidence in the abilities of their forces manifested in the numerous tips leading to the location and removal of 32 improvised explosive devices and 10 caches of weapons and other insurgent materiel.

Far south in Garmsir’s eastern desert bordering Pakistan, Afghan Border Police teamed with Marines to disrupt the movement of drugs and insurgent material into Garmsir using targeted helicopter insertions.

“We had some successes and some misses, but this disruption enabled the seed of Afghan governance to germinate,” Palma said. “The people of Garmsir have known nothing but war their entire lives. The presence of their forces in ungoverned places allowed them to see freedom and democracy … a better life.”

Afghan National Policeman Sher Agha (left) searches an Afghan elder before clearing him to enter the Garmsir Agricultural High School to vote in district community council elections here, April 17, 2012. As the Afghan forces grew in number and capability, commerce expanded and successful district community council elections were held in April 2012. 'America's Battalion' transferred control of coalition positions in Garmsir to Kilo Co., 3rd Bn., 8th Marines, May 14. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Reece Lodder)

On April 17, the people of Garmsir helped strengthen their own government by voting in free, Afghan-led district community council elections. More than 2,200 votes were cast to fill all 35 DCC seats, including six new seats in the Safar and Banadar regions, areas of southern Garmsir that previously lacked representation by Afghan government. The elections were held without incident.

“Before the elections, the people of southern Garmsir didn’t see the benefits of government,” Palma said. “They had water problems and a stagnant economy. Education and health issues weren’t addressed. Now, the government works for them. They have a voice and better access to the resources they need.”

As security and governance increased, Garmsir’s economy grew. In past years, its economic infrastructure had struggled to develop due to the people’s dependence on subsistence agriculture as their main source of income, Palma said. Safely protected by their forces, local shoppers and business owners returned to commerce centers like Safar Bazaar, which grew from approximately 200 to 400 shops since November 2011.

“When we walked through any of Garmsir’s bazaars on patrol, all of the shops were open,” Palma said. “The people weren’t intimidated by insurgents; they were free to shop or do business.”

The shift is radically different from Garmsir in 2008, when the district was still run by insurgents. Under their relentless rule, schools were closed, commerce was controlled, and the people were oppressed.

Today, Garmsir is on the cusp of freedom. Twelve schools have been constructed and opened in the past seven months. Citizens safely travel to their bazaars to purchase and sell goods. District security forces are ready to provide the people of Garmsir the security they’ve long desired.

“It took the entirety of our deployment, but the Afghan forces are completely capable of conducting operations independent from Marines,” Palma said. “Now they’re telling us we’re simply slowing them down.”

For the past seven months, the Marines and sailors of ‘America’s Battalion’ have labored to improve Garmsir’s future. As they return home to safety and the embraces of loved ones, their replacements with Kilo Co., 3rd Bn., 8th Marines are at the beginning of their mission.

Afghan National Army soldier Taza Khan enters a local elder's compound to search for insurgent materiel with Marines from 3rd Platoon, Lima Company, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, during Operation Tageer Shamal (Shifting Winds) here, Jan. 4, 2012. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Reece Lodder)

The Kilo Co. Marines haven’t started from scratch in Garmsir. The work of their predecessors has produced an Afghan force willing and able to provide security for their district –
which was included in the recent announcement by President Hamid Karzai marking the next phase of transition across Afghanistan.

Kilo Co. looks to build on the progress made by thousands of Afghan and coalition forces. Their sacrifices will help the people of Garmsir determine their own future.

“This is the best opportunity the Afghan people have had in 30 years to choose the life they want for the next 30,” Palma said. “This is their chance to shape their future in the way they desire, rather than in the way someone else tells them it needs to be. They can take the freedom they’ve received and run with it, or they can regress.”

Editor’s Note: Third Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, is currently assigned to Regimental Combat Team 5, 1st Marine Division (Forward), which works in partnership with the Afghan National Security Forces and the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan to conduct counterinsurgency operations. The unit is dedicated to securing the Afghan people, defeating insurgent forces, and enabling the ANSF assumption of security responsibility within its operations in order to support the expansion of stability, development and legitimate governance.

A local elder watches Afghan National Army soldiers and U.S. Marines with 3rd Platoon, Lima Company, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment search his compound during Operation Tageer Shamal (Shifting Winds) in Garmsir District, Helmand Province, Afghanistan, Jan. 4. Over the past five years, coalition forces have operated with Afghan National Security Forces to defeat the insurgency in the central Helmand River valley. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Reece Lodder)

GARMSIR DISTRICT, Helmand province, Afghanistan - The heart of Garmsir district is safe.

For the past five years, coalition forces have operated with Afghan National Security Forces to defeat the insurgency in the central Helmand River valley. Driven from the green zones, or populated areas, of districts in southern Helmand, enemy fighters have sought refuge in locations west of the Helmand River. This area on the outskirts of Garmsir district has been, until now, nearly untouched by Afghan and coalition forces and the Afghan government.

Afghan National Army soldier Abdul Karim searches two local men while patrolling with U.S. Marines from 3rd Platoon, Lima Company, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment during Operation Tageer Shamal (Shifting Winds) in Garmsir district, Afghanistan, Jan. 5. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Reece Lodder)

During Operation Tageer Shamal (Shifting Winds), Afghan forces and Marines with 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, cleared the area of insurgent activity, weapons and improvised explosive device-making materials.

Marines are transitioning the lead for security responsibility of Garmsir to Afghan forces and the district government. Together, the partnered forces increased security and the ANSF presence on the east side of the Helmand River, but there are few signs of Afghan government to the west, said Lt. Col. Matthew Palma, the commanding officer of 3rd Bn.

Palma said the operation brought Afghan forces to this largely untouched area, enabling them to promote legitimate governance and remove remnants of insurgency.

“When the people see Afghan National Army and Afghan National Police, they see governance,” Palma said.

Col. Roger Turner, the commanding officer of Regimental Combat Team 5, said the increased ability of Afghan forces to secure the population centers of Garmsir has given the ANA and Marines the opportunity to conduct operations on the periphery of the district.

“We’re going to operate deeper into the west bank of the Helmand River,” Turner said. “Together, we can operate in areas the enemy has rarely seen us. By removing enemy safe havens, we’ll prevent him from being able to insert himself into the district center and attack the population.”

Long before sunrise on the first morning of the operation, lines of shadowy figures treaded through frozen fields toward the rhythmic whir of helicopter blades. Shrouded by the black of night, Marines and ANA soldiers filed into the steel birds to begin their assault.

An interpreter explains the concerns of local elders to U.S. Marine Col. Roger Turner (left) and Lt. Col. Matthew Palma (right), the commanding officers of Regimental Combat Team 5 and 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, in a shura held at a school here during Operation Tageer Shamal (Shifting Winds) in Garmsir district, Afghanistan, Jan. 5. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Reece Lodder)

The packed helicopters lifted off amidst the roar of their spinning rotors and vanished into the darkness. After traversing the barren desert, the birds soon touched down, their noise echoing over a landscape pocked with rocks.

In three interlocking positions, ANA soldiers and Marines with Weapons Company and Co. I and L, ran down the ramps, emerging from screens of dust to move on their objectives.

Further west, Marines with 1st Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion stood ready to block enemy movement toward the desert. Simultaneously, the Marines of Co. K, teamed with the Afghan National Police to screen traffic on the eastern side of the Helmand River.

Greeting Afghan homeowners in their native tongue, ANA soldiers led the Marines in searching compounds for illegal drugs, weapons and materials used to make improvised explosive devices.

“We’ve learned a lot from the Marines – searching, patrolling, and sweeping for IEDs,” said ANA Sgt. Khal Mohammad, an infantryman with 2nd Kandak, 1st Brigade, 215th Corps. “Now, I’m proud to lead them during this operation.”

Their thorough searches yielded IED components and several hundred pounds of illegal poppy seed, but the partnered forces came across little insurgent activity.

“We’re making progress in Garmsir every day,” Mohammad said. “Ten years ago, the insurgents were stronger than us, but today they are weak. We’re stronger than them because we’ve been trained by professionals.”

While the compounds were cleared, Marines collected census information, logging names, number of residents and taking photos of household elders. Identifying these local leaders allowed ANA and Marine commanders to set up shuras (consultations) with the elders and bring local issues to the Garmsir district government, Palma said.

A V-22B Osprey transport aircraft assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 162 soars into the air after conducting an extract mission in support of 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, during Operation Tageer Shamal (Shifting Winds) in Garmsir district, Afghanistan, Jan. 8. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Reece Lodder)

During the shuras, Afghan and Marine leaders discussed the operation, strength and capability of Afghan forces, development of the local infrastructure and community involvement in the ANP. In the village of Kartaka, an elder thanked Palma for his visit, saying he was the first coalition forces commander to visit the village over the last decade of conflict.

The operation aimed to reach areas of Garmsir untouched by the Afghan government and the partnered forces and is only the first step in a campaign extending throughout southern Helmand.

Palma said this phase was a demonstration of what ‘right’ looked like for a battalion-level operation, including its conception, planning, rehearsals and execution. Afghan forces will now be tested on their ability to replicate this process.

“This will be an opportunity to turn over control to our ANSF partners and allow them to take the lead,” Palma said. “By nature, we’re problem-solvers, so this will be a difficult transition for us. It will be a big step to command and control an operation at their level, and logistically sustain their own force in Garmsir.”

Despite the daunting challenge, ANA Capt. Sayed Akbar, the commanding officer of Weapons Tolay, remained positive ahead of the transition of lead security responsibility to Afghan forces in Garmsir.

“As we fortify ourselves and get more logistical support, we will be able to do operations like this on our own,” Akbar said. “Even when there are less Marines here, we will be capable of bringing security to Garmsir.”

More than a thousand Marines storm Edgewater Park in Operation Inland Seas Invasion. The exercise was part of a year-long celebration of the opening of the St. Lawrence Seaway July 18, 1959. This June, Marines will once again take over the city as part of Marine Week Cleveland June 11-17.

A domestic beach invasion does not happen every day on American shores. However, for the second time in history, residents here will witness the unusual occurrence.

Marines will return to Ohio during Marine Week Cleveland June 11-17.

A mock invasion that took place July 18, 1959, brought nearly 1,200 Marines to a Lake Erie beach during Operation Inland Seas Invasion. The incursion was part of a year-long celebration of the opening of the St. Lawrence Seaway, an international water system. This time, more than 700 Marines will arrive for a different type of celebration.

Marine Week is an annual event that celebrates community, country and Corps in a different city every year. It provides a unique experience that directly connects the American public and Marines, said Lt. Gen. Steven A. Hummer, commander of Marine Forces Reserve and Marine Forces North.

Cleveland Mayor Frank G. Jackson greets Maj. Gen. Ronald Bailey, commander of the 1st Marine Division, at City Club Feb. 7. Bailey kicked off the Marine Week Speaker Series where general officers will be holding timely and diverse topic discussion meetings. The Speaker Series will continue throughout Marine Week June 11-17.

“The event will showcase our amphibious roots and reinforce the understanding of the Marine Corps as America’s Expeditionary Force in Readiness,” he said.

Several demonstrations are planned already, but the list keeps building, said Lt. Col. Michael Hubbard, inspector/instructor of 3rd Battalion, 25th Marines, based in Brook Park, Ohio.

A series of shaping events will take place leading up to Marine Week where Marine sports teams, bands and speakers will visit Cleveland to engage with recreational centers, schools, colleges, universities and local businesses. They will be there to showcase various aspects of what Marines do stateside and while forward-deployed.

One of those events is the Marine Week Cleveland Speaker Series, which started in February. During these weekly meetings, senior officers will be holding timely and diverse discussions concerning current and relevant topics to the Corps. The goal of these meetings is to engage the Marine Corps with local businesses and academia while publicizing the event.

The first speaker, Maj. Gen. Ronald Bailey, commander of 1st Marine Division, kicked off the series Feb. 7. Brig. Gen. Vincent R. Stewart, director of intelligence, Headquarters Marine Corps, is scheduled to be the guest for the next event Feb. 15. The series will continue throughout Marine Week.

During Marine Week, Marines will bring their latest technology, state-of-the-art gear and rich history to Cleveland, said Hummer, who is the top officer in charge of conducting the event.

“We’re going to showcase the great items of equipment that the Marine Corps uses as we execute what we do in order to defend our nation,” said Hubbard.

Static exhibits will be displayed throughout Cleveland, but the most interesting will be Marine Air-Ground Task Force Alley that will display all the elements of the force, said Hubbard.

Pfcs. Greg Zecher and Nicholas Roberts, machine gunners with Lima Company, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, illuminate the night sky by firing tracer rounds from their weapons during Exercise Clear, Hold, Build 3 on Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center. The two-day evolution — part of the Enhanced Mojave Viper training exercise — enabled “America’s Battalion” to improve its capabilities as the ground combat element of a Marine Air-Ground Task Force. The exercise is their final pre-deployment training event before deploying to Afghanistan’s Helmand province.

PHOTOGRAPHER:  Cpl. Reece Lodder

LOCATION:  TWENTYNINE PALMS, Calif.

Sgt. Kenneth Conde, Jr., (center) stands with his fellow Marines in Iraq in 2004. Conde received a gunshot wound in April, but refused to leave his Marines. Two months later, he was killed by an improvised explosive device July 1, 2004.

The Marine Corps is full of extraordinary people who are willing to do whatever it takes in the name of freedom and the ones they love. In 2004, one Marine, Sgt. Kenneth Conde, Jr., demonstrated how much he was willing to sacrifice.

April 6, 2004, Conde, a Marine with 3rd Mobile Assault Platoon, Mobile Assault Company, 2nd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, was deployed to Ar Ramadi, Iraq when he and his unit were ordered to evacuate two casualties from Company G.

Family members of Sgt. Kenneth Conde, Jr., were in attendance May 13, 2011 at the dedication ceremony for Conde Hall. The Staff Noncommissioned Officer Academy building at Marine Corps University now bears the name of this brave Marine. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Kuande Hall)

When Conde and his platoon reached the casualty evacuation site they were ambushed from all directions. Without hesitation Conde took the lead, defeating two enemy combatants. As he and his squad made forward progress, they again started to receive heavy enemy fire. This time Conde was wounded.

“I was running and I watched as I got shot in the left shoulder,” Conde said. “I remember seeing a red mist coming from my back.”

Despite being wounded, Conde continued to fight, killing another enemy combatant before falling to the ground. He managed to rise to his feet and fired several rounds at the enemy before falling again.

Marines and their corpsman provided medical care to Conde. After they treated his wounds, Conde insisted on gearing up and going back to the fight alongside his Marines.

For the next few days Conde remained by the side of his fellow Marines for several more firefights. The only time he stood down was when he was unable to hold his rifle steady because his arm went numb from his gunshot wound.

When Conde returned to camp, the Marines asked him why he chose to stay and fight. His response was, “I couldn’t just leave the fight when I still could keep going.

Friends, family members and fellow Marines gather for the dedication ceremony for Conde Hall May 13, 2011. The Staff Noncommissioned Officer Academy building was named in honor of the sacrifice of Sgt. Kenneth Conde, Jr., who gave his life for his country April 6, 2004. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Kuande Hall)

Conde refused to go home as a result of his shoulder injury and decided to finish his tour in Iraq. On July 1, 2004, almost two months after being shot, Conde was killed in action by an improvised explosive device while on patrol with his Marines.

Conde was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star with V for his actions. His citation reads, ‘his leadership, before, during and after the battle, symbolizes all that we have come to expect from a noncommissioned officer.’

In honor of his sacrifice, the Staff Noncommissioned Officer Academy building at the Marine Corps University now carries his name – as a standing tribute to his dedication.

A local Afghan goat farmer directs his herd around a convoy with 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment in the Garmsir district, Sept. 20, 2011. From Sept. 19 to 24, elements from Bravo and Hotel Company partnered with their Afghan National Security Force counterparts to clear compounds and roads in an area of Garmsir with a reduced presence of coalition forces.

PHOTOGRAPHER: Cpl. Colby W. Brown

LOCATION: GARMSIR DISTRICT, Afghanistan

An Air Force C-130 Hercules airdrops 20 bundles of food rations to Forward Operating Base Edinburgh, the logistics hub for northern Helmand province, Oct 3, 2011. Aerial delivery of food and water allows Marines to get some critical supplies without having to rely on risky ground convoys. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Jeffrey Allen)

Marines deployed to Forward Operating Base Edinburgh roll over a bundle of food rations that was recently airdropped by A U.S. Air Force C-130 Hercules Oct 3, 2011. The supplies are loaded on trucks for transport back to the FOB and the parachutes and other packing material are collected and burned on site to reduce the debris left on the drop zone. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Jeffrey Allen)

Missions:

2^nd MLG: Conduct combat logistics operations in support of II Marine Expeditionary Force and attached or assigned forces in order to support and conduct combat operations and sustain warfighting effectiveness. Provide general support combat logistics to all forces operating in the expeditionary force battlespace.

CLB 6: Train, organize, deploy, employ, fight and redeploy in order to provide logistics combat support to a Regimental Combat Team and additional Marine Air Ground Task Force maneuver elements..

• Nick Name – Red Cloud, Indian Chief
• Activated – 2006
• Location – Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C.
• Motto – Excellence, Innovation, Quality
• Commanding Officer – Lt. Col. Ralph J. Rizzo Jr.
• Sergeant Major – Sgt. Maj. Phillip A. Orellano
• Manpower – 824-850

Pallets of Meals, Ready to Eat are loaded onto a truck outside of Forward Operating Base Edinburgh Oct. 3, 2011. A C-130 Hercules dropped 20 pallets of MREs to the Marines. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff. Sgt. David Salanitri)

Status -The battalion is currently deployed to Afghanistan and has a presence throughout the Helmand Province. The Marines continue maintenance programs with the Afghan National Army, and are training ANA personnel on Medical protocol and transportation operations. The Battalion is also known for purifying water and ensuring safe and effective water resupply missions. The water mission is no small feat considering that, on an average day, the Battalion Marines operate showers for more than 300 Marines, Sailors and civilians.  They also complete dozens of combat loads of laundry in less than 24 hours, and, on average, pump hundreds of gallons of fuel that directly support combat operations.

The Marines are making a difference and they are meeting the battalion commander’s intent of taking care of the grunts by building, repairing, driving, delivering all in support of the infantry Marine on the battlefield.

Awards:

• National Defense Service Streamer; Iraq Campaign Streamer; Global War on Terrorism Service Streamer
• Operations: Operation Desert Storm; Operation Iraqi Freedom; Operation Enduring Freedom

Marines in the future may be seeing things at night in a whole new way with ColorPath Color Capable Night Vision Devices. These devices allow for the identification of colors even in lowlight situations, allowing for better intelligence and security missions.

When it comes to night vision devices, seeing different shades of monochromatic green has been the standard viewpoint for Marines. But the ColorPath Color Capable Night Vision Device could have Marines seeing colors, allowing them to identify the bad guy’s red truck, or differentiate between uniforms, objects, friends or foes. Developed by Tenebraex, the ColorPath uses one standard, green image intensifier tube to create a true, full-color image. Even at low starlight levels, it provides image color with no delay and is unaffected by temperature.  It is also lightweight and energy efficient. By using mechanical filters, the ColorPath system processes real-time images faster than other computer-based filters. The resulting color provides better night depth-perception and terrain assessment, making gathering intelligence at night similar to day.

The new capabilities of the ColorPath Color Capable Night Vision Device would allow Marines to differentiate between uniforms, objects, friends or foes. The ability to identify colors at night would allow Marines to gather intelligence and security in a safer and more effective way.

Specifications:

Helmet mounted

Field of view – 40°

Weight – 18 ounces with 2 AA batteries

Power –Approx. 10 hours operation

Waterproof – 32 feet

The 36th Marine Corps Marathon wheelchair and hand cycle participants depart from the start line in one of the Nation’s largest group of cycle marathoners.  The 26.2-mile “People’s Marathon” is the final race of the Marine Corps Marathon Event Series and host to more than 445,000 runners since the race began in 1976.  21,023 runners finished the race in 2011.

PHOTOGRAPHER: Sgt. Kuande Hall

LOCATION: ARLINGTON, Va.

The Transportation Demonstration Support Area displays an array of vehicles at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va., Aug. 4, 2011. TDSA serves as the Marine Corps vehicle requisition center. Upgrades and new technology are also displayed for evaluation here. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Daniel A. Wetzel)

If you want to know how the latest pickup truck handles, you can visit your local auto dealer. When the Marine Corps needs to see how a new turret for the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle handles on rugged terrain, they visit the Transportation Demonstration Support Area at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va.

What used to be a little-known area in Quantico is now a viable asset to the Marine Corps. TDSA is the only track of its kind in the National Capital Region. Located on 395 acres with tough obstacles and challenges specifically designed to showcase and demonstrate the latest vehicle and technology developments the Corps and private industry have to offer warfighters.

“The TDSA has had a variety of vehicle prototypes,” said retired Marine Master Sgt. Jack Heric, operations manager of TDSA. “The newest technologies are validated here before they hit Marines in the fleet.”

Most vehicles are demonstrated on the Severe Off-Road Track. The track, built by the National Automotive Center, is used to evaluate vehicles, displaying their capabilities to military personnel and representatives of government agencies. The demonstrations provide military leaders and congress the opportunity to see what’s new.

A HMMWV climbs a 120-foot hill climb up a pyramid, built on steps on the Severe Off-Road Track at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va., Aug. 4, 2011. The SORT is part of the Transportation Demonstration Support Area, which shows the Marine Corps'€™ latest vehicle and equipment capabilities in rough and adverse terrain. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Daniel A. Wetzel)

The SORT offers a two-mile, off-road course that consists of a figure-eight banked track to demonstrate a vehicle’s ability to traverse on a 40% side slope; three levels of loose, smooth logs to hammer home stability claims; a six-foot deep V-ditch to demonstrate sideways capability of the vehicle tires; and a rock-step incline to reveal vehicle maneuverability up rocky terrain for a suspension ‘work out.’ Additionally, there are two dirt track declines with 90 degree turns at the bottom to validate compression braking ability; a pea gravel pit to challenge tire traction control in sand, and a small boulder climb and railroad tie bump for showcasing maneuverability over very rough terrain.

The course also offers open trails that add variety to demonstrations and prove suspension and handling at higher velocities.

The TDSA mission does not, however, include the formal testing of any equipment. Their mission is to demonstrate capabilities and determine how new ideas and technologies can interoperate with existing vehicles. All initial vehicle and equipment testing are done at proving grounds such as the ones in Yuma, Ariz., or Aberdeen, Md.

The support area staff keep current Marine vehicles on hand to demonstrate how new gear will function with the old gear — meeting the Marine Corps’ ground transportation and mobility requirements.

“It’s a good platform for all the people in the vicinity to come down here to get a hands-on, kick-the-tires, demonstration,” Heric said. “They can ride on the SORT or observe equipment in action.”

Most recently, demonstration support personnel moved an antenna on the Medium Tactical Vehicle Replacement that was obstructing the driver’s view. The new equipment was then demonstrated to Marines on the SORT for final approval. The key was to figure out how to move the antenna to the rear without violating the integrity of the armor plating, Heric said.

The TDSA also serves as a location to host demonstration events for a variety of government agencies and civilian enterprises.

An experimental Forward-Operating Base, the largest event of its kind, was recently demonstrated for all branches of the U.S. military. The exFOB was set up to identify and evaluate energy efficient capabilities that can reduce risks to Marines and increase combat effectiveness by minimizing fuel convoys, Heric said.  In addition to the exFOB, tactical demonstration experts have evaluated fuel-efficient generators and high kilowatt solar panels in order to understand how they work in harsh weather conditions, from snow, ice or rain to extreme heat and desert conditions.

“The TDSA provides both technical expertise and a flexible location that has been very supportive in evaluating our expeditionary energy acquisition efforts,” said Dave Karcher, director of Energy Systems Division, Marine Corps Systems Command. “We can examine many different types of technologies, under a useful range of environmental conditions in a location convenient to much of the Marine Corps and East Coast commercial companies.”

Not only does it offer its facilities to the Marine Corps and the other branches of service, but it also allows various vendors with new vehicle technology to take advantage of the SORT or as a static display, which allows market research of different technologies for Marine Corps leaders and investors.

“Besides demonstrations and industry days of the different vehicles, we also host special command events,” Heric said. “We take pride in having the best platform for demonstrating technology. It’s easier to figure out a plan here to get the equipment to the warfighters.”

The biggest obstacle Marines face in promotion is lack of knowledge in how the promotion system works. Marines who understand cutting scores and composite score will have a better chance of getting promoted faster than their peers. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Kuande Hall)

“I talk to Marines all the time who wait until they lose a promotion spot the first time around before they start doing what they need to do to get promoted,” said Sgt. Omar A. Caraballo Pietri, career planner at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va.

In the Marine Corps, the junior enlisted ranks from private to lance corporal are based solely on time in grade, meritorious promotion or previous college credit hours. Once a Marine is promoted to lance corporal, though, his subsequent promotions to corporal and sergeant are based upon his performance as a Marine, evaluated by a composite score.

The biggest obstacle these Marines face to promotion is inexperience.

“Most Marines don’t understand how the entire system of promotion works,” said Cpl. Corey D. Reynolds, career planner at Headquarters and Service Battalion, Washington. “If you don’t understand something, how are you going to get promoted?”

The key to getting to the top is knowing what it takes to excel beyond the peer group.

Once a Marine has been a lance corporal for eight months and served for 12 months, he is eligible for promotion. A Marine can be promoted to sergeant once he has been a corporal for 12 months and served for a total of 24 months. The preparation for promotion, however, should begin long before time in grade and service requirements are met.

“Always look to pick up the next rank,” Caraballo Pietri said. “Think of how you can prove that you are able, willing and ready to pick up the next rank.”

Marines can work toward promotion by building up their composite scores. Composite scores are made up of several components and are calculated every three months. This means that all scores need to be put into the system before the calculation date in order for a Marine to be considered for promotion, said Reynolds. If a Marine doesn’t complete his training by the 20th day of the second month of the quarter, then it won’t be calculated for the next promotion quarter.

The first parts of the composite score are a Marine’s rifle qualification score, his Physical Fitness Test score and his Combat Fitness Test score. These scores are translated into a point system with perfect scores earning a maximum of 5.0 points. These points are then added together, divided by three and multiplied by 100 to determine the complete General Military Performance Score.

Boosting these scores can help raise a composite score significantly.

“The key to improving your PFT and CFT scores is not waiting until just before the test,” Caraballo Pietri said. “You need to keep up with your physical fitness all year so you can get the best score.”

A Marine’s day-to-day conduct at work is also crucial in his promotion opportunities.

“One major thing Marines should be improving is their work performance,” Caraballo Pietri said. “What a lot of them don’t understand is that their staff NCOs are looking at what they’re doing and how they’re performing.”

A Marine’s Average Duty Proficiency Marks and Average Conduct Marks are given to a Marine periodically by his superiors to rate his performance. These marks are averaged and then multiplied by 100 to be compiled for the composite score.

While a Marine must have specific time in grade and service to be considered for promotion, this time will also contribute to his overall composite score. A Marine’s time in service, in months, is multiplied by two and his time in grade is multiplied by five before being added to the composite score.

Besides work and physical training, a Marine can boost his score during off-duty hours as well. This can be done through Marine Corps Institute courses as well as college and vocational classes, which give a Marine Self-Education Bonus Points.

MCIs are one of the easiest and most important ways to boost your score, said Reynolds. Just seven MCIs will give a Marine his maximum 100 education points.

Time in grade, time in service, PFT score, CFT score, and rifle score are some of the components that make up a Marine's composite score. Marines should focus on improving weak areas in order to boost their composite score and increase their chance of promotion. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Kuande Hall)

MCIs earn 15 points and each college course is worth ten points.

Seeking education also shows initiative on the part of the Marine, a trait leaders should possess.

“Doing MCIs and continuing education with college courses shows that you want to improve yourself,” Carabello Pietri said.  “Staying on top of all the different composite score components can be challenging.” Caraballo Pietri suggests that Marines employ the buddy system when improving their composite scores.

“It’s easy for a Marine to get overwhelmed by everything he needs to do.  Bring a buddy along with you when you volunteer or sign up for college courses or go work out. It’s a lot easier to have multiple people reminding you to do them,” Carabello Pietri said

Marines can earn 100 bonus points for special assignments like recruiting duty, drill instructor duty and security guard duty. Even Marines who aren’t recruiters can earn 20 points for every person they refer to join the Corps with a maximum of 100 extra points possible.

The last thing to keep in mind when building your composite score is ensuring proper documentation is taken, said Caraballo Pietri.

“Anything you do, document it,” he said. “People do training and then never check MOL. When it comes time to get promoted, the training is not in MOL and the Marine doesn’t get promoted.”

This can be avoided by ensuring Marine Online is updated with every completion and score change. Caraballo Pietri also recommends keeping a personal copy of all records in case something happens to the government copy.

A Marine who understands his composite score and what it takes to get promoted will be able to attack his weak areas and maintain his strong ones, putting himself one step closer to promotion the next time cutting scores are calculated.

“If you reach the cutting score with your composite score, you rate to get promoted,” said Reynolds.

Promotion is just that simple.

Marines can calculate their composite score on MOL under the tools bar or online at http://thesupermarine.com/Calculator.aspx.

A Marine Scout Sniper conceals himself as he sites in on his target aboard Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va., during the Scout Sniper Training Course. Sniper students must successfully complete three phases of training: marksmanship and basic field craft; unknown distance and stalking; and advanced field skills and mission employment before obtaining the 0317 military occupational specialty.

PHOTOGRAPHER: Lance Cpl. Cody A. Fodale

LOCATION: QUANTICO, Va.

Photo courtesy of the National Museum of the Marine Corps

When Capt. George R. Christmas was in the Battle of Hue City, he put his life on the line, running into a fray of machine gun and rocket fire to properly lead his Marines and ensure they were supported. He lead them from room to room, building to building, until the Marines of Company H, 2nd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, proved victorious. For his actions, he was awarded the Navy Cross. As a young company commander, he was in the thick of combat, and as he moved up in rank, he led more and more Marines to greatness from every level. Even when he retired from active duty after 34-years, Lt. Gen. Christmas continued to serve the Corps by educating Marine leaders and striving to preserve Marine Corps history. From heroic actions in Hue City, to establishing the National Museum of the Marine Corps and leading the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation, he has shown what Marine officers are made of.

Why did you join the Marine Corps? 

When I graduated from Yeadon High School in Pennsylvania in 1958, I, like my fellow graduates, was facing the draft. Upon enrolling at the University of Pennsylvania, I joined the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps. With four years as a midshipman going through the program, I would have a two-year obligation as a reserve officer upon graduation. While at Penn, I was greatly influenced by the Marine officers and staff noncommissioned officers on the faculty. In my junior year, I requested a Marine Corps commission, then completed T&T, now Officer Candidate School, at Quantico; earning the title Marine and appointed a second lieutenant in the Marine Corps Reserve.

 When you were in Vietnam, did you think that your actions in Hue City would become such a large part of history, or that you would receive the Navy Cross for your heroic actions? 

I certainly never thought that I would be part of such a significant battle or that I would be decorated for my actions there. Like all good Marines, you are always prepared to do what is asked of you. When the battle occurred, I was blessed to lead a superb company of valorous Marines, Hotel Company, 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines.  The Marines continually took the fight to the enemy, despite being outnumbered.  They were magnificent.

Did you always have a keen interest in Marine Corps history?  

My interest in Marine Corps history developed at Penn, as it was part of our Marine option curriculum. Like all Marines who attend recruit training at Parris Island or San Diego, or at officer training at Quantico, I learned of our legacy and storied history. I also learned, as our Marines do today, that I must uphold that legacy, never allowing it to be tarnished, and that we, as Marines, have a responsibility to build upon it. The men and women who make up our Corps today did that in Al Anbar Province in Iraq and continue to do so now in Afghanistan.

 What made you stay in the Marine Corps for 34 years?

It was fun!  I have truly enjoyed being a Marine. I have been continually challenged and have been privileged to lead great young men and women and be inspired by them.

When you were on active duty, what was your favorite duty station/assignment? 

I really do not have a favorite duty station or assignment. They were all great! I was fortunate to command at every level from platoon to Marine Expeditionary Force and to serve in all three of our active infantry divisions.

 How important do you think history is to the Corps?

It is extremely important! As I indicated previously, we live our history with the understanding of our responsibility to the Corps’ legacy and to the Marines who have gone before us. We cannot let them down. We must live up to their deeds and forge our own. That is why the National Museum of the Marine Corps and Heritage Center is so important to our Corps. First, it is a wonderful place that honors all Marine and their families – it’s home and belongs to every Marine. Second, it tells the story of America through the eyes of Marines who have served since 1775.

 After you retired from active duty, what motivated you to keep working for the Corps?

Upon my retirement, the Commandant, General Chuck Krulak, asked me to become a Senior Mentor with the Marine Air Ground Task Force Staff Training Program, which I gladly did because I believed I could continue to serve and use my experiences to assist upcoming commanders and their staffs in the challenges that war and other contingencies bring. I also became a mentor for our joint forces. At the same time, I was asked to lead the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation and to take the dream of a National Museum for our Corps to reality. As I stated earlier, the decision to continue to support our Corps was and easy one – it was fun and challenging.

 What advice would you want to pass on to Marines just entering the service? 

Bloom where you are planted! My experience is that if you always do your very best in whatever you are assigned to do, you will soon reap the rewards of your hard work by being respected and sought after for energy and strength of character.

Were there any Marines that you looked up to during your time in service? 

I have been blessed and honored to have served with and been influenced by many great Marines, both officers and enlisted. If I were forced to choose, I would identify General Ray Davis and his wife Knox, who were exceptional role models for my wife, Sherry, and me when I served for him.  I would also choose Lieutenant General Ernie Cheatham, my battalion commander at Hue City.

 What kept you going during the Battle for Hue City, where you actively lead your Marines under fierce combat, often putting yourself in the line of fire to get to and from certain positions? 

Responsibility. As the commander you are responsible for those Marine who you are blessed to lead, as well as to accomplish the mission that has been assigned to you and your outfit. There is little time to think of yourself if you are doing your job. It is important to continually find vantage points during battle where you can observe and direct the fight. That means moving to them even in the face of fire.

 Do you think you made a positive impact on the Corps while you served? 

I certainly hope so. If you were to ask what my most important accomplishments are, I would say, first, leading Hotel Company in Hue City; second, establishing Joint Task Force- Full Accounting when I was the Director for Operations at the Pacific Command (JTF-FA started the efforts that continue today to identify and return home our POWs and MIAs); and building the National Museum of the Marine Corps and Heritage Center.

 What were your thoughts when you found out that you were put in for the Navy Cross? 

Actually, I did not know that I had been recommended for such an award. I had been hospitalized for my wounds for an extended period and was notified while I was a patient at the Philadelphia Naval Hospital that I would receive the Navy Cross in Washington, DC. I thought then and continue to do so today, that I received the award for ALL the Marines and Sailors who fought that epic battle. On a special note, I received the Navy Cross in Washington along side my father-in-law, Colonel David E. Lownds, who also received the Navy Cross for his actions as the Commander of the 26^th Marines at the Battle of Khe Sanh.

 What do you think the future holds for the Corps?

Our Corps will continue to write new chapters that are equal to our illustrious past. We have already done so in Iraq and Afghanistan and, as our nation’s force in readiness, will continue to do so. As long as we understand our expeditionary heritage, remember, “We do windows” and are prepared to do whatever our nation requires, our legacy will be secure and our Corps will flourish.

Sgt. Nathan Foersch sights in on something suspicious during a security patrol here, Sept. 30. Foersch, a native of San Diego, is the squad leader of 3rd Squad, 4th Platoon, Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment. The squad leader used this partnered Afghan National Police and Marine patrol as an opportunity to teach his Marines the role of a point man. The point man, whose primary responsibility is finding safe patrol routes, plays a critical role in daily operations for coalition forces in southern Helmand.

GARMSIR DISTRICT, Helmand province, Afghanistan — Someone always has to go first.

In Afghanistan, the Marine who goes first is the point man. He is the first to jump across a canal, enter a farm field and tread ground that is potentially laced with improvised explosive devices.

“Our squad’s area has good security,” said Lance Cpl. Tyler Wilson, a point man with 3rd Squad, 4th Platoon, Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment. “Knowing that there hasn’t been very much IED activity in our area is a good feeling. But when you come across something you need to check out or looks like an IED, it’s definitely an ‘oh shit’ situation.”

The few responsibilities of a point man are of high importance.

Lance Cpl. Ryan Meyer momentarily halts during a security patrol here, Sept. 30. Meyer, a native of Stafford, Va., is a rifleman with 3rd Squad, 4th Platoon, Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment. A point man leads each of these partnered Afghan National Police and Marine patrols. The point man, whose primary responsibility is finding safe patrol routes, plays a critical role in daily operations for coalition forces in southern Helmand.

His first responsibility is sweeping the patrol route for IEDs. Like a metronome, the point man’s arm sways back and forth with a combat metal detector attached. The constant, weighted motion causes most point men to build more muscle in their sweeping arm.

“During the first couple of weeks my arm was numb from sweeping everyday,” said Wilson. “But you get used to that pretty quickly.”

There is a certain tone that every Marine dreads. It alerts the CMD user to a metallic presence in his immediate vicinity. Unlike the metal detector of an old man at the beach searching for loose change, this sound means danger is likely buried nearby.

“You have to make sure you know how to operate the metal detector,” Wilson added. “There is a beep that means metal is below you and another beep that means the batteries are about to die. You need to know how to get a good sweep, every time.”

The point man’s second task is to find a route. During the first weeks in Afghanistan, a point man must study his area of operation and make mental notes of natural landmarks.

As his deployment progresses, the point man will become more comfortable with his surroundings and more knowledgeable on every piece of his AO. When his squad leader holds a patrol brief, the point man will eventually no longer need a map. Carrying a global positioning device for backup, the point man sets the pace and route to the villages his squad will visit on a given patrol.

“You have to know your area and be just as knowledgeable about your area as the squad leader,” Wilson said. “My squad has a pretty big area, but the squad leader could give me a place to go and I would know how to get there, anywhere in the area of operation.”

The task of finding a safe patrol route is complicated by insurgent IED operations. A point man must think like an insurgent, remaining cognizant of IEDs placed at choke points in trails or regularly trafficked areas.

Lance Cpl. Ryan Meyer momentarily halts during a security patrol here, Sept. 30. Meyer, a native of Stafford, Va., is a rifleman with 3rd Squad, 4th Platoon, Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment. A point man leads each of these partnered Afghan National Police and Marine patrols. The point man, whose primary responsibility is finding safe patrol routes, plays a critical role in daily operations for coalition forces in southern Helmand.

While the point man may be in front of the patrol, in the back of his mind lingers the worry of missing an IED.

“Always knowing that there’s a possibility that I could miss an IED and be hit by it stays in my head,” Wilson said.

The variety of IEDs found in southern Helmand makes catching everything laid by insurgent forces a nearly impossible task. Despite this reality, point men still hold themselves responsible for every missed IED and, more importantly, for the safety of their fellow Marines.

“I miss something and one of the guys in my squad gets hit,” said Wilson. “That’s definitely a thought that stays in my head – that I could miss something and someone could get hurt.”

Marines on patrol frequently play a high stakes version of follow the leader. It is important for members of a squad to follow exactly where their point man goes while on patrol. If you stray from the point man’s path, you put yourself in unnecessary danger of stepping on an IED.

For Wilson, being a point man came naturally.

“Not everybody is knowledgeable of their AO or can sweep for hours at a time,” said Wilson. “I take pride in my job.”

As the battalion nears the end of its deployment, Wilson remains in front of his fellow Marines, diligently clearing a path for them over the rugged Afghan terrain.