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Lessons learned: MARCENT wisdom helps prepare for UFL

Marine Corps News

Release Date: 8/24/2003

Story by Cpl. Luis R. Agostini

PALAN, Republic of Korea(Aug. 24, 2003) -- It took several long, hard months of continuous preparation for the Marines of Marine Forces Pacific for the unexpected Operation Enduring Freedom, as well as Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Over the span of those 18-plus months, the men and women who served with Marine Central Command in Bahrain achieved victories, sacrificed losses, made mistakes and as a result learned many valuable lessons in preparing for future operations and exercises.

That wartime experience made the preparation process for Ulchi Focus Lens 2003 flow a little more smoothly for many Marines and Sailors. From the operational level, in planning logistical support and unit movements, down to the tactical level, knowing what and how to pack expediently, the MARCENT experience made the OEF/OIF Marines and Sailors wiser.

Noncommissioned officers who deployed in support of OIF/OEF had a chance to work in a command staff environment, as well as gain valuable leadership experience.

"My time in MARCENT helped me develop a better understanding of what a general and his staff must do to ensure a war has favorable results," said Sgt. Sarah Myszka, aviation planner, aviation logistics division, Combined Marine Forces Command.

The different duties required of a noncommissioned officer during the campaign varied, from multimedia support to enhanced job proficiency.

"I developed the confidence I needed to brief the general, and learned what my roles as an aviation logistician were in wartime," said Myszka.

The success of the insertion, or "embedding," of the mainstream media during Operation Iraqi Freedom broke new ground in the relationship between the military and the media. With the coordination of public affairs officers and commanders, members of the media were able to relay streaming images and reports to millions of Americans watching their television set.

In planning and executing UFL, Col. Michael Daily, Marine Forces Pacific public affairs officer, commented on the value of the embedding process and the valuable lessons learned.

"The embedding lessons of OIF provided valuable discussion points and procedures for the R.O.K. Marine public affairs department," said Col. Daily. "The R.O.K. Marines are very curious to learn about our experiences with this process."

For many Marines, the absolute key to success for any deployment is the support of their friends, families and fellow devil dogs.

"We need to learn to understand and appreciate those around us, and also ensure that our young families are ready to be on their own while their Marine is away," said Myszka. "If Marines are not worrying about things back home, they'll be able to clearly focus on the mission at hand."