Pulling Security in the Baji Bast Pass (42 images)

These marines of CAAT Red, 3rd Battalion, 4th Marines, form part of the 2MEB that deployed last year with a focus on pacifying their area of operation in northern Helmand and eastern Farah.

This time the team was tasked to provide over-watch security for 36 hours in the Baji Bast Pass, allowing resupply convoys to reach outlying patrol bases.

There are insurgents in the area but the strong presence of Marines has reduced their willingness to attack. And so the war is...
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These marines of CAAT Red, 3rd Battalion, 4th Marines, form part of the 2MEB that deployed last year with a focus on pacifying their area of operation in northern Helmand and eastern Farah.

This time the team was tasked to provide over-watch security for 36 hours in the Baji Bast Pass, allowing resupply convoys to reach outlying patrol bases.

There are insurgents in the area but the strong presence of Marines has reduced their willingness to attack. And so the war is fought along other, more subtle lines.

The Marines continuously scan the area to ensure no IED's are laid.

The vehicle is crewed by three marines as well as 'Doc', a Navy Corpsman.

They are young. Some have girlfriends, are engaged or married. They talk of back home, of how much 29 Palms California looks just like Afghanistan.

The hours drone on endlessly, but the scenery is beautiful. They swap rations from the MRE's, smoke, smoke again, bet on if there will be an IED, and talk of women.

It isn't summer yet, but by day the is sun baking.

By night the temperature drops. The Marines take turns pulling nigh time security. under the canopy of stars. It is beautiful.

The next day, waiting, and more of the same. The mountain we sit under looks less beautiful today, the hours longer. Three young boys approach the vehicle. They are curious, and thirsty. The Corpsman gives them water, and beef jerky before they disappear as specks shimmering over the horizon from whence they came.

The Marines talk of their tour, of when things were more exciting.

The radio crackles, banter between the vehicles, or indicators of approaching traffic. The radio crackles again, the convoy won't be doing its return run today. The 36 hour mission has just become 48, but such is life.

The appearance of the convoy next day means a return to base and rest.

The break is short lived, this is just another day in a long tour. There are more patrols, and on it goes, at least for a few more month, until they get to go home.
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