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Convoys help win logistics victory for Marine Air Wing

Marine Corps News

Story Identification #: 2004121541126
Story by Cpl. Paul Leicht

CAMP KOREAN VILLAGE, Iraq (Dec 14, 2004) -- Driving across Iraq is not like the typical car-pool or commute to work. Snipers, unpredictable local traffic, roadside bombs and ambushes by insurgents are just a few of the hazards.

These are some of the constant dangers Marine convoys confront each time the rubber hits the road in Iraq.

"Since deploying in August I have been on the road here in Iraq around 70 or 80 times," said Sgt. James Kidd, convoy security noncommissioned officer, Combat Service Support Company 119, Combat Service Support Battalion 7, and a native of Rockford, Ill. "Every time myself or my Marines go out on the road we take our experiences and training with us, but with each new convoy you have to remain vigilant. There is no room for complacency out here."

For Kidd and others with CSSB-7, keeping 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing personnel and other Marines performing their duties is a team effort at remote outposts like Camp Korean Village where helicopters are based to prowl for insurgents.

Kidd, who is an activated reservist and a deputy sheriff in Rockford, Ill., said he has witnessed all of the hazards Iraq's roads have to offer and gives credit to his Marines for their mission successes.

"Every time we get behind the wheel or behind a crew served weapon on our trucks we put our lives on the line to deliver the supplies and equipment other Marines need," said Lance Cpl. Chris Teklinsky, driver, CSSB-7, and a native of Allentown, Pa. "Whether its water, food or (ammunition), it is vital that we get the goods out there. No matter what destination or (forward operating base) we drive to or how far we have to travel; we all know that we all are watching each other's back. We each have specialized roles on a convoy and train for all sorts of possibilities, good and bad, but our commander is always there to lead us safely."

The best way to describe a convoy commander would be to compare it to a regular infantry patrol leader.

"We are responsible for everything that happens and fails to happen on the convoy; everything from fulfilling the mission request, to supervising the load, to calling in (medical evacuations) on the road," said 2nd Lt. Eric J. Taylor, convoy commander, CSSC-119, CSSB-7, from La Habra Heights, Calif. "In addition, you have to supervise and make sure the vehicles you take are in proper working order, that the drivers have enough sleep and that you have the proper recovery assets such as tow bars, communication assets, and security assets."

While on the road there are numerous dangers requiring immediate, well-trained and coordinated responses, said 1st Lt. Marykitt Haugen, convoy commander, CSSC-119, CSSB-7, and a native of Gillette, Wyo., who has also commanded more than 30 convoys.

"There are all kinds of random problems that come up such as flat tires, broken down or disabled vehicles, IEDs and snipers," explained Taylor. "Convoy commanders need to have situational awareness of what is around the convoy at all times. Commanders always think: 'Is the convoy too spread out?' 'Are Marines getting out of their vehicles and providing security when stopped?' 'Where along the route is a good rally point if something were to happen?' 'I'm 150 miles from the nearest base, we have an IED, there's no (explosive ordnance disposal personnel), and alternate routes may be mined, so what do I do now?' The questions you ask yourself are endless."

When a convoy gets to its destination, such as a forward operating base, the work does not finish there. The commander needs to make liaison and coordinate the offload.

"Convoy commanders and assistant convoy commanders need to supervise the offload to ensure safety measures are taken into consideration," said Taylor who, after traveling more than 20,000 miles over Iraq's roads, has lead more than 30 convoys comprised of numerous vehicles with many Marines and civilian contractors. "After everyone is offloaded, it's time for the retrograde trip back to your own base."

Every convoy is a new convoy, including the return trip, with potentially innumerable considerations for the commander.

"If commanders had a large amount of one-way passengers, you need to make sure they are accounted for and if you're going back at night, commanders need to ensure Night Vision Goggles are passed out," said Taylor.

Training for convoy safety brings Marines back to their fundamentals.

"Everything goes back to basic navigation, weapons handling, fire and maneuver, rear area security, first aid and communication," said Taylor. "Drivers get the majority of their training at a (combined arms exercise) or other exercises such as Desert Fire and Desert Talon. These three training exercises, I believe, are crucial to successful convoy training. The Convoy Operations Course at CAX, night driving at Desert Fire Exercise, and air integration at Desert Talon really do the trick for our drivers and commanders."

With standard operating procedures for virtually every conceivable roadside encounter, whether in a training environment or in Iraq with weapons loaded, convoy commanders must make quick decisions and help ensure the confidence of the Marines to work as a team.

"The amount of supervision and responsibility is tremendous," said Haugen. "But as a commander I also look to my Marines out on the road. They are the ones who ultimately get the job done."