HELMAND PROVINCE – The 2nd CEB convoy stopped, and Marines looked at each other with confused looks, knowing that there are very few reasons a convoy abruptly comes to a halt. The machine gunners swiveled in their turrets on high alert, surveying the area.
As they traveled down an infamous road known as Route Cowboys, a road heavily laden with IEDs, the bn’s Marines found roadside bombs and a weapons cache. The bn's mission was to travel to 3 designated positions and build observation posts along the route.
Numerous observation posts have been built along the notorious route, developing a chain of security. Each post has sight to the next one, and with each new post comes increased road security.
"Our goal is to get eyes in the structure and to fight and have a clear path for us and the people of Afghanistan," said Staff Sgt. Juan Perez, a combat engr. "The people see that we’re fixing roads and adding protection. It's good in so many ways and aspects, and the Marines will have a place if they get engaged."
Roadside bombs left the Marines several hours behind schedule, but they were determined to finish in a timely manner. They worked from early morning to late into the night on a rocky dirt path surrounded by brush, mud houses and a murky green canal. Shoveling mounds of dirt, placing concertina wire and sawing lumber were just a few of the tasks Marines did to create the posts, and although tired, they didn’t complain.
"Hard work doesn't bother me, because I know the job has to be done,” said Sgt. Jonathan Sanabria, a truck master. “The sooner, the better." Large bundles of hollow barriers were unloaded from trucks to be filled with dirt for fortification. Getting the massive amounts of dirt needed to fill the barriers can be quite an exercise.
"It's tough, but sometimes you’ve just got to push through and get the job done,” said Lance Cpl. Sherwin Charles, a motor transport operator. “What gets me through it is seeing everyone come together through that hard work, and getting the mission done."
An interpreter working with the Marines also decided to get his hands dirty. "I'm always trying to help, because they're working hard. Everyone was tired," said Jamshid, an interpreter for the American forces. "I thought, ‘Let’s help them, because they're tired.’ I like to work with good people that work for peace in Afghanistan. One day, this post may stop some bullets and save someone's life."
Each post took several hours to create, but after 3 days of work, all 3 observation posts were completed and manned by infantry Marines. With their work done, the Marines convoyed back to their base on an IED-free route.
