Utah Marines float with CARAT... LAR blazes path of firsts for reservists
Marine Corps News
Release Date: 6/4/2003
Story by Cpl. John F. Silwanus
Aboard the USS HARPERS FERRY(June 4, 2003) -- Marines stand ready to engage in combat whenever the need arises. It is the same standard whether the Marine unit is active duty or reserve, and although some will never get the opportunity to go to war, those who do, invariably fall back on their training to get them through it.
One reserve company recently found itself in this situation. In particular, the Marines of 3rd Platoon, C Company, 4th Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 4th Marine Division, have traveled the world in the last few months. First they found themselves supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom in Iraq and Kuwait with the rest of 4th LAR, and now they are in the unique position of being the first reservist platoon to participate in Landing Force Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training.
"This has been a once in a lifetime experience for many of the Marines in the platoon," said Cpl. Noah Crovo, Light Armored Vehicle crewman, Light Armored Reconnaissance Platoon, LF CARAT, who is a college student and manager of a paintball store in Salt Lake City, Utah. "We felt honored to get the opportunity to go to Iraq and now many of us are excited to be out here traveling to these countries with LF CARAT."
The Marines were recalled to active duty during Operation Iraqi Freedom and spent several weeks training at Camp Pendleton, Calif., before heading to the front lines. Their pre-deployment training included firing their weapons on the camp's ranges and completing maintenance on their vehicles before entering the 17 C-5 aircraft needed to carry the battalion's vehicles into war.
The Marines rode through the streets of Iraq with plans of engaging the enemy. The Salt Lake City-based unit arrived to the city of Al-Kut and found no resistance. They occupied the Ba'ath party headquarters in Al-Kut for several days before being relieved by reinforcements. They then continued to provide security for the reinforcing unit.
All told, the Marines of 4th LAR secured three Iraqi towns by the time they were pulled out. The Marines said their lack of knowledge as to the expected enemy resistance served only to increase their stress level.
"It was pretty rough over there, not only because of the weather but because we had no idea of what to expect," said Cpl. Tyler Park, infantry scout, with 4th LAR, and software technical support manager in Salt Lake City.
"We knew our jobs and what we had to do in response to most situations, but the tension was so high because we were unsure of what would happen around us."
Six weeks into their Iraq deployment the Marines returned from the dusty, sand-filled lands - just a few months ahead of the rest of their battalion - to participate in the Unit Deployment Program. The program attaches stateside units to the 3rd Marine Division, Okinawa, Japan, for six-month increments. Many of the Marines of "Charlie" Company felt it would be an exciting opportunity to visit even more foreign countries, while at the same time keeping up their operational readiness and proficiency.
"The Marines were given an excellent opportunity with the Iraq deployment, and now another in being the first reserve unit to participate in the Unit Deployment Program," said Chief Warrant Officer 4 Ken McAlpine, platoon commander, LAR platoon, who is a manager of a food distribution center in Phoenix. "It will take not only the platoon's level of experience and professionalism up a notch, but our entire company's as well."
The Marines of 3rd Platoon find themselves not only part of the UDP, but also attached to LF CARAT, an annual exercise consisting of a series of bilateral training evolutions between the U.S. and several Southeast Asian countries. Marines and sailors will train cross-culturally with servicemembers from these nations as part of the exercise.
CARAT demonstrates U.S. commitment in Southeast Asia while increasing operational readiness and the capabilities of U.S. forces. This exercise is designed to promote cooperation with other countries, and to build lasting working relationships, which will add to security and stability in the region.
The platoon commander for 3rd Platoon volunteered the unit to participate in LF CARAT, and most of the Marines found the exercise to be an excellent opportunity.
"I felt our platoon was in the best position to do the CARAT exercise, so I asked our company commander if we could do it," McAlpine said. "Most of our Marines live in close proximity to Salt Lake City and I knew we would be able to come through."
The Marines found LF CARAT such a great opportunity they really did not mind returning early from the few leave days they were granted between Operation Iraqi Freedom and their participation in the UDP and LF CARAT.
"When we found out we had to report back early and then fly out to come to Japan, my wife and I were a little upset, but I knew this was a great opportunity for me to see a part of the world I had never seen," said Park, who will miss his third wedding anniversary while participating in the UDP. "I knew I might never get a chance to see these places or get this kind of training again, so I knew I had to go."
The 4th LAR Marines will train alongside their active duty counterparts during all the scheduled bilateral training. The Marines said they look forward to working together with LF CARAT in order to see how all the pieces fit together.
"When we get to these countries the LAVs may do some training with their systems. As an infantryman, I look forward to getting with the infantry units to see the type of operations they do," Park said. "It will be different for me because of how I do my job with the LAVs. Ours is different than the mission of a regular infantry unit. I hope it will be an invaluable learning experience for me."
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