Alpha Co. 1/5 patrols Sangin Day or Night 

For the Marines and sailors of 3rd Platoon, Company A, 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, security patrols are a way of life in Helmand province.   The ability to maintain a presence in their area of operations denies the enemy freedom of movement and is not something that ends when the sun sets.

Many times the Marines of 3rd Platoon set up overnight listening and observation posts allowing them to remain in areas the enemy might operate.  While training for deployment, these overnight stays were usually empty buildings, or deserted training areas with few signs of life aside from the Marines themselves.  In Sangin, the Marines often find themselves asking local farmers if they can stay on their land for their overnight posts, giving Marines the opportunity to connect with the people who live in their area and experience Afghan culture first hand. 

“We meet a lot of nice people and it is really cool to meet their families,” said Pfc. Jared D. Poppe, a designated marksman for 3rd Plt., from El Paso, Ill. “We get to connect with them to build relationships with them. “

Hospitality is an important part of the Afghan culture and when Marines first conducted their overnight observation posts they were surprised local citizens would offer them tea and food.  The simple acts of kindness and hospitality allowed Marines not patrolling or standing watch to learn more about a local family and the area.   Their presence also gives the local population a sense of security not known in recent years.

“I sleep better than I ever do when your men stay with me,” said one man who allowed the Marines of 3rd Platoon to use part of his compound on one overnight patrol.

This increased security affects not only the local homeowner, but also allows the Marines to protect the area by limiting the enemy’s ability to operate under the cover of night. 

“By going out on overnight patrols we get to see everything from a different angle and pick up on things that we can’t normally see,” Lance Cpl. Clinton A. Bible, a grenadier for 3rd Plt., from Chelsea, Okla. “When we are there for the night, we get to observe the people, learn their habits and see where they live.”

The ability to know the terrain and the people allow the Marines to see what is different and who does not belong to the area.  It also builds trust between the people and the Marines, which leads to tips of enemy activity, said Cpl. Mario Ramirez, a squad leader for 3rd Plt., from Frederick, Okla.

“It is a big advantage for us. We are able to push out patrols to see what goes on in the area,” said Ramirez, the 24-year-old graduate of Frederick High School in 2004. “Our presence also limits and restricts the enemy’s movements there.”