4th LAR Thunders North to Iraq
USMC News
Story Identification Number: 2003417174431
Story by Sgt. Rob Henderson
CAMP SHOUP, Kuwait (April 12, 2003) -- The reserve Marines of 4th Light Armored Reconnaissance, headquartered at Camp Pendleton, Calif., left here to move north into Iraq today to join the war against the Ba'ath regime.
The unit began arriving here earlier this week after three weeks of training at Camp Pendleton. The training focused on scenarios Marines might face in Iraq.
"Our scouts did a lot of (Marine Operations in Urban Terrain) training," said Moore, Okla., native Sgt. Paul J. Jensen, company master gunner, Headquarters and Service Co., 4th LAR. "We also trained with all of our weapons systems and held two battalion field exercises so the battalion gets used to working together again."
Because elements of 4th LAR are spread on both coasts of the United States, the entire battalion doesn't get many opportunities to train together, according to Jensen.
"H&S Co. and Alpha Co. are collocated at Camp Pendleton. Bravo Co. drills in Quantico, Va., while Charlie Co. drills in Salt Lake City, Utah," said Jensen. "Delta Co. is headquartered at Ft. Dietrich, MD. That makes the time we have to train together invaluable."
The primary vehicle for 4th LAR is the Light Armored Vehicle-25. The LAV-25 has a 25mm main gun capable of firing high explosive and incendiary rounds. The vehicle can use four-wheel or eight-wheel drive to navigate over or around nearly any obstacle. Operating in a desert environment presents many unique challenges for the vehicle, according to Rancho Cucamonga, Calif., native Staff Sgt. Gabriel Contreras, maintenance chief, Charlie Co., 4th LAR.
"It's so dry and flat here that we have to keep the vehicle's drive trains well lubricated to keep them running in top condition," said Contreras. "The sand is also a challenge to the air filters that bring cool air in to the vehicles. We're ready for any challenge though."
Each LAV-25 has a crew of three Marines: a driver, a gunner and a vehicle commander. The vehicles also carry four to six infantry Marines who serve as scouts.
"Scouts provide security for the vehicles," according to Orem, Utah, native Cpl. Michael R. Johnson, scout, Charlie Co., 4th LAR. "If we come up to an obstacle the vehicle driver cannot see around, the scouts will get out and act as the eyes for the driver."
Driving an LAV is like driving a truck, according to Corpus Christi, Texas, native PFC Josh R. Villalba, LAV driver, Charlie Co., 4th LAR. Having eyes on the ground in tight spots makes it easier to maneuver.
"It's like driving a large truck," said Villalba. "When you get in a situation where you need to go around an object in your path, you need someone who can guide you. The scouts do a great job getting us where we need to go."
For the Marines of 4th LAR, the toppling of the statue of Saddam Hussein in downtown Baghdad Thursday is an omen of things to come for them.
"We came over here to tear down a government that's been harmful to the people of Iraq," said Lance Cpl. Samuel J. Gilligan V, field radio operator, 4th LAR. "Seeing the statue fall was a visualization that we are and will continue to win this war. 4th LAR is ready to do their part."
No Marine in 4th LAR doubts the U.S.-led coalition's ability to drive the Ba'ath party from power in Iraq. The Marines have come a long way to join the fight, and even though they don't train together every day, they are ready for the fight.
"My Marines - 4th LAR Marines - are ready for combat," said Jensen. "We've got a bunch of damn fine Marines who can handle anything. That's a fact."
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