Unit: Regimental Combat Team 8
Byline: Cpl. Alan Addison
Date: 2009-08-05 16:24:00 Staff Sgt. Jeffery Guevarra, career planner for Regimental Combat Team 8, juggles his time between answering phone calls and dealing with stacks of re-enlistment packages on a daily basis. Guevarra says the way he stays successful at his job is by making sure he treats everyone's needs as if they were his own.
Unit: Regimental Combat Team 8
Byline: 2nd Lt. Barry J. Morris
Date: 2009-07-29 14:07:00 Lt. Col. Paul J. Nugent, commanding officer of 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 8, and Sameer Alhaddad, receivership secretariat and prime minister’s representative for the Government of Iraq, sign official documents transferring Combat Outpost Rawah from Coalition forces to the Government of Iraq, July 29, 2009. The transfer of COP Rawah is a result of the progress Iraqi Security Forces have made in preserving peace and stability throughout Al Anbar province.
Unit: Regimental Combat Team 8
Byline: 2nd Lt. Barry J. Morris
Date: 2009-07-29 13:42:00 Lt Col. Paul J. Nugent, commanding officer of 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 8, greets Sameer Alhaddad, receivership secretariat and prime minister’s representative for the Government of Iraq, aboard Combat Outpost Rawah before the transfer of the COP, July 29, 2009. The transfer of COP Rawah is a result of the progress Iraqi Security Forces have made in preserving peace and stability throughout Al Anbar province.
Unit: Regimental Combat Team 8
Byline: 2nd Lt. Barry J. Morris
Date: 2009-07-29 14:07:00 Lt. Col. Paul J. Nugent, commanding officer of 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 8, and Sameer Alhaddad, receivership secretariat and prime minister’s representative for the Government of Iraq, sign official documents transferring Combat Outpost Rawah from Coalition forces to the Government of Iraq, June 29, 2009. The transfer of COP Rawah is a result of the progress Iraqi Security Forces have made in preserving peace and stability throughout Al Anbar province.
Unit: Regimental Combat Team 8
Byline: 2nd Lt. Barry J. Morris
Date: 2009-07-29 14:26:00 Lt. Col. Paul J. Nugent, commanding officer of 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 8, and Sameer Alhaddad, receivership secretariat and prime minister’s representative for the Government of Iraq, shake hands after transferring Combat Outpost Rawah from Coalition forces to the Government of Iraq, July 29, 2009. The transfer of COP Rawah is a result of the progress Iraqi Security Forces have made in preserving peace and stability throughout Al Anbar province.
Unit: Regimental Combat Team 8
Byline: Sgt. Eric C. Schwartz
Date: 2009-07-13 06:23:00 Sgt. William Caldwell, a Marine with Company C, Task Force 3rd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, Regimental Combat Team 8, looks off into the distance while providing security for two Marines who are changing a damaged LAV tire in Ninewa province, Iraq, July 9, 2009. The battalion was one of the first LAR battalions to enter Iraq and will be the last LAR battalion to leave.
Unit: Regimental Combat Team 8
Byline: Sgt. Eric C. Schwartz
Date: 2009-07-13 06:10:00 Marines with Company C, Task Force 3rd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, Regimental Combat Team 8, provide security while two of their Marines quickly change a damaged LAV tire in Ninewa province, Iraq, July 9, 2009. The battalion was one of the first LAR battalions to enter Iraq and will be the last LAR battalion to leave.
Unit: Regimental Combat Team 8
Byline: Sgt. Eric C. Schwartz
Date: 2009-07-13 06:10:00 Lance Cpl. Jordan Hawkins, a light armored vehicle crewman with Company C, Task Force 3rd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, Regimental Combat Team 8, quickly changes a damaged LAV tire in Ninewa province, Iraq, July 9, 2009. The battalion was one of the first LAR battalions to enter Iraq and will be the very last LAR battalion to leave.
Unit: Regimental Combat Team 8
Byline: Sgt. Eric C. Schwartz
Date: 2009-07-12 15:47:00 Light armored vehicles with Task Force 3rd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, Regimental Combat Team 8, traverse the rocky terrain of the Sinjar Mountains on a constant basis while deployed to Ninewa province, Iraq. The battalion was one of the first LAR battalions to enter Iraq and will be the last LAR battalion to leave.
Unit: Regimental Combat Team 8
Byline: Sgt. Eric C. Schwartz
Date: 2009-07-11 03:58:00 A Marine with Task Force 3rd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, Regimental Combat Team 8, fills a gasoline can with fuel while being supplied by a logistics movement, or logpack, during early morning hours July 11, 2009, in Iraq’s Ninewa province. Logpacks are meant to supply companies operating throughout the battalion area of operations who aren’t able to supply themselves due to mission requirements.
Unit: Regimental Combat Team 8
Byline: Sgt. Eric C. Schwartz
Date: 2009-07-11 04:08:00 A light armored vehicle with Task Force 3rd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, Regimental Combat Team 8, is being guided along a supply path in the early morning hours July 11, 2009, in Iraq’s Ninewa province.
Unit: Regimental Combat Team 8
Byline: Sgt. Eric C. Schwartz
Date: 2009-07-11 03:55:00 Light armored vehicle crewmen with Task Force 3rd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, Regimental Combat Team 8, fill their LAV with bottled water supplied by motor transport Marines during a logistics movement, or logpack, July 11, in Iraq's Ninewa province. Logpacks are meant to supply companies operating throughout the battalion area of operations who aren’t able to supply themselves due to mission requirements.
Unit: Regimental Combat Team 8
Byline: Sgt. Eric C. Schwartz
Date: 2009-07-12 11:48:00 Marines with motor transport section, Headquarters and Service Company, Task Force 3rd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, Regimental Combat Team 8, offload supplies to prepare them for a logistics movement, or logpack, July 11, 2009, at Sahl Sinjar, Iraq. Logpacks are meant to supply companies operating throughout the battalion area of operations who aren’t able to supply themselves due to mission requirements.
Unit: Regimental Combat Team 8
Byline: Sgt. Eric C. Schwartz
Date: 2009-07-11 03:54:00 Marines with Task Force 3rd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, Regimental Combat Team 8, fill a gasoline can with fuel while being supplied by a logistics movement, or logpack, during early morning hours July 11, 2009, in Iraq’s Ninewa province. Logpacks are meant to supply companies operating throughout the battalion area of operations who aren’t able to supply themselves due to mission requirements.
Unit: Regimental Combat Team 8
Byline: Photo provided by Capt. Colter Bahlau
Date: 2009-07-16 00:00:00 hen, 1st Lt. Colter Bahlau (left), Gunnery Sgt. Wendell Hall (center) and Staff Sgt. Hector Lazo (right), platoon commander, platoon sergeant and platoon guide respectfully, sit on a mine-clearing linear charges and rocket system during their last deployment to Afghanistan. These three warriors each received awards for their heroic efforts during Operation Azada Wosa in Afghanistan 2008 with 3rd Platoon, Bravo Company, 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit.
Unit: Regimental Combat Team 8
Byline: Photo provided by Capt. Colter Bahlau
Date: 2009-07-16 00:00:00 Then 1st Lt. Colter Bahlau, platoon commander for 3rd Platoon, Bravo Company, 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, and currently the company commander for Company C, 2nd CEB, Regimental Combat Team 8, was named the 2008 Combat Engineer Officer of the Year by the Marine Corps Engineer Association. Bahlau, humbled by his award, gives all of the credit to the Marines he led during his tour in Operation Enduring Freedom.
Unit: Regimental Combat Team 8
Byline: Cpl. Alan Addison
Date: 2009-06-23 15:45:00 Cpl. Tyler Alexon (right) and Cpl. Christopher LeClair (left), both with Reconnaissance Platoon, Regimental Combat Team 8, watch as two Iraqi commandos engage targets from a covered position at Mudaysis Airfield, Iraq, June 24, 2009. This shooting drill, along with others, was part of a combat marksmanship package the recon Marines put together for the Iraqi commandos of Commando Company, 29th Brigade, 7th Iraqi Army Division.
Unit: Regimental Combat Team 8
Byline: Cpl. Alan Addison
Date: 2009-06-23 15:45:00 Under the watchful eye of Marines from Reconnaissance Platoon, Regimental Combat Team 8, an Iraqi commando exits a High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle during a marksmanship training exercise at Mudaysis Airfield, Iraq, June 24, 2009. The recon Marines were at every station of the training ensuring the commandos received the best instruction possible.
Unit: Regimental Combat Team 8
Byline: Cpl. Alan Addison
Date: 2009-06-23 14:11:00 Sgt. Brian Mohr, a team leader with Reconnaissance Platoon, Regimental Combat Team 8, takes a knee to instruct an Iraqi commando during a training exercise at Mudaysis Airfield, Iraq, June 24, 2009. During the training, Iraqi soldiers practiced target engagement while stationary and while moving.
Unit: Regimental Combat Team 8
Byline: Cpl. Alan Addison
Date: 2009-06-22 15:18:00 Sgt. Brian Mohr (left) and Cpl. John Robinson (right), from Reconnaissance Platoon, Regimental Combat Team 8, construct a small wall during a weapons training exercise at Mudaysis Airfield, Iraq, June 23, 2009. All of the walls and windows constructed by the recon Marines were used during shooting drills held for Iraqi commandos of Commando Company, 29th Brigade, 7th Iraqi Army Division.
Unit: Regimental Combat Team 8
Byline: Cpl. Alan Addison
Date: 2009-07-02 16:33:00 Capt. Joe Clarke, the platoon commander of Reconnaissance Platoon, Regimental Combat Team 8, gives an Iraqi commando his certificate during the commandos’ graduation ceremony from their monthlong training exercise, July 2, 2009. Clarke credits the Marines in his platoon with the success of the training.
Unit: Regimental Combat Team 8
Byline: Cpl. Alan Addison
Date: 2009-07-02 16:28:00 Gunnery Sgt. Christopher Williamson, the platoon sergeant of Reconnaissance Platoon, Regimental Combat Team 8, congratulates an Iraqi commando during the commandos’ graduation ceremony from their monthlong training exercise, July 2, 2009. Williamson said the commandos can take the training they received and build on it to become a stronger, more capable force.
Unit: Regimental Combat Team 8
Byline: Cpl. Alan Addison
Date: 2009-06-23 15:34:00 Marines with Reconnaissance Platoon, Regimental Combat Team 8, watch closely as two Iraqi commandos conduct the live-fire portion of their marksmanship training. Although the commandos trained in various combat related exercises, special emphasis was placed on marksmanship, because of its importance in a combat situation.
Unit: Regimental Combat Team 8
Byline: Cpl. Alan Addison
Date: 2009-06-29 18:07:00 Iraqi commandos from the Commando Company, 29th Brigade, 7th Iraqi Army Division, establish security for a CH-53E Super Stallion during a training exercise at Mudaysis Airfield, July 1, 2009. This exercise was a part of a one-month training package involving the commandos and Marines of Reconnaissance Platoon, Regimental Combat Team 8.
Unit: Regimental Combat Team 8
Byline: Lance Cpl George W. Irwin
Date: 2009-06-19 10:53:00 An Iraqi contractor operates a tow crane to remove a building from Combat Outpost Hit, Iraq, as part of the demilitarization of the base, June 17, 2009. Marines with Company F, 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 8, prepared COP Hit for return to the Government of Iraq as part of the responsible drawdown of U.S. forces.
Unit: Regimental Combat Team 8
Byline: Lance Cpl. George W. Irwin
Date: 2009-06-24 16:55:00 Marines with Company F, 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 8, remove a canvas cover from the top of HESCO barriers aboard Combat Outpost Hit, Iraq, June 24, 2009. Marines with Company F prepared COP Hit for return to the Government of Iraq as part of the responsible drawdown of U.S. forces.
Unit: Regimental Combat Team 8
Byline: Lance Cpl. George W. Irwin
Date: 2009-06-25 16:28:00 Marines with Company F, 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 8, disassemble a satellite dish on the roof of the Combat Operations Center aboard Combat Outpost Hit, Iraq, June 25, 2009. Marines with Company F, prepared COP Hit for return to the Government of Iraq as part of the responsible drawdown of U.S. forces.
Unit: Regimental Combat Team 8
Byline: Lance Cpl. George W. Irwin
Date: 2009-06-20 17:23:00 Iraqi military officials converse with Marines of 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 8, about the closure of Combat Outpost Hit, Iraq, June 17, 2009. Marines with Company F, 2nd Bn., 1st Marines, prepared COP Hit for return to the Government of Iraq as part of the responsible drawdown of U.S. forces.
Unit: Regimental Combat Team 8
Byline: Cpl. Alan Addison
Date: 2009-06-22 16:04:00 Petty Officer 2nd Class Aaron Ward, a corpsman with Bravo Company, 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion, Regimental Combat Team 8, assists an Iraqi soldier in checking the pulse and airway of a simulated victim June 22-24, 2009, at Mudaysis Airfield, Iraq. Ward said that although his classes will not qualify the Iraqi soldiers as corpsmen, his hope is the training provided will be sufficient to get a wounded soldier to the next level of care.
Unit: Regimental Combat Team 8
Byline: Cpl. Alan Addison
Date: 2009-06-22 16:00:00 Iraqi soldiers listen as Petty Officer 2nd Class Aaron Ward, corpsman for Bravo Company, 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion, Regimental Combat Team 8, explains the necessary steps to take when dealing with an unconscious victim June 22-24, 2009, at Mudaysis Airfield, Iraq. Ward, along with Marines from 2nd Recon, led the Iraqi soldiers through a variety of combat lifesaving training classes during their three-day course.
Unit: Regimental Combat Team 8
Byline: Sgt. Eric C. Schwartz
Date: 2009-06-23 08:12:00 Marines with Intelligence section, Headquarters Company, Regimental Combat Team 8, stand proudly outside of their workspace during the early morning hours of shift changeover. These Marines continuously collect and analyze information to make sure that RCT-8 Marines and attachments are well prepared for weather problems, any unsafe routes due to improvised explosive device activity and also provide data based information on the regiment’s area of operations.
Unit: Regimental Combat Team 8
Byline: Sgt. Eric C. Schwartz
Date: 2009-05-27 11:09:00 Iraqi police successfully find an artillery shell at a suspected cache site while Marines and participants observe during a Tactical Sight Exploitation course at Combat Outpost Rawah, Iraq, May 27, 2009. International Police Advisors and Marines with Golf Company, 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 8, helped advise and role-play insurgents for ISF instructors during the three-day TSE course.
Unit: Regimental Combat Team 8
Byline: Sgt. Eric C. Schwartz
Date: 2009-05-27 11:00:00 An Iraqi soldier detains a suspected insurgent during a mock search and seizure during a Tactical Sight Exploitation course at Combat Outpost Rawah, Iraq, May 27, 2009. International Police Advisors and Marines with Golf Company, 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 8, helped advise and role-play insurgents for ISF instructors during the three-day TSE course.
Unit: Regimental Combat Team 8
Byline: Sgt. Eric C. Schwartz
Date: 2009-05-27 10:58:00 Iraqi Security Forces search and detain a suspected insurgent during a Tactical Sight Exploitation course aboard Combat Outpost Rawah, Iraq, May 27, 2009. International Police Advisors and Marines with Golf Company, 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 8, helped advise and role-play insurgents for ISF instructors during the three-day TSE course.
Unit: Regimental Combat Team 8
Byline: Sgt. Eric C. Schwartz
Date: 2009-05-27 11:05:00 Iraqi Security Forces search the home of a suspected insurgent during an exercise during a Tactical Sight Exploitation Course aboard Combat Outpost Rawah, Iraq, May 27, 2009. International Police Advisors and Marines with Golf Company, 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 8, helped advise and role-play insurgents for ISF instructors during the three-day TSE course.
Unit: Regimental Combat Team 8
Byline: Sgt. Eric C. Schwartz
Date: 2009-05-27 11:13:00 An Iraqi soldier photographs two role players along with evidence of a mock crime scene during a Tactical Sight Exploitation Course aboard Combat Outpost Rawah, Iraq, May 27, 2009. International Police Advisors and Marines with Golf Company, 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 8, helped advise and role-play insurgents for ISF instructors during the three-day TSE course. (Official Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Eric C. Schwartz)
Unit: Regimental Combat Team 8
Byline: Cpl. Alan Addison
Date: 2009-05-23 10:56:00 Iraqi soldiers assemble a radio antenna during the practical application portion of their radio class aboard Al Asad Air Base, Iraq, May 23, 2009. The radio class was given by Marines from Regimental Combat Team 8’s communication section.
Unit: Regimental Combat Team 8
Byline: Cpl. Alan Addison
Date: 2009-05-23 08:59:00 Sgt. Jaime Osornio, a radio operator with Regimental Combat Team 8’s communications section, assists two Iraqi soldiers during a class pertaining to radio operations and functions aboard Al Asad Air Base, Iraq, May 23, 2009. During the class, Osornio along with Cpl Jonathan Matias instructed the Iraqi’s in radio wave transmission, antenna fundamentals and antenna assembly
Unit: Regimental Combat Team 8
Byline: Cpl Alan Addison
Date: 2009-04-24 19:13:00 1st Lt. Blaine Barby, a platoon commander with 3rd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, talks to Iraqi police during a visit to Nofali, Iraq, April 25, 2009. During visits such as this, 3rd LAR Marines can better prepare themselves for any problems that may arise within their sector of the Ninewa province.
Unit: Regimental Combat Team 8
Byline: Cpl Alan Addison
Date: 2009-04-25 14:30:00 1st Lt. Blaine Barby, a platoon commander with 3rd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, talks with Kurdish soldiers during a visit to Rafiyah, Iraq, April 25, 2009. Barby says that his platoon tries to get to know the people living in the areas where they conduct most of their operations.
Unit: Regimental Combat Team 8
Byline: Sgt. Eric C. Schwartz
Date: 2009-05-11 16:01:00 Sergeant Juan Valdez, a vehicle commander with Mobile Security Detachment, Headquarters Company, Regimental Combat Team 8, swears in an oath of enlistment during his meritorious sergeant promotion ceremony. Valdez sustained wounds in combat during his last deployment, and not unlike fellow wounded service members, has felt personal guilt for having to leave his fellow Marines during that time.
Unit: Regimental Combat Team 8
Byline: Sgt. Eric C. Schwartz
Date: 2009-05-09 13:58:00 Sergeant Juan Valdez, a vehicle commander with Mobile Security Detachment, Headquarters Company, Regimental Combat Team 8, poses by near the MSD’s Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles before a patrol. Valdez sustained wounds in combat during his last deployment, and not unlike fellow wounded service members, has felt personal guilt for having to leave his fellow Marines during that time.
Unit: Regimental Combat Team 8
Byline: Sgt. Eric C. Schwartz
Date: 2009-04-30 15:37:00 Sergeant Juan Valdez, a vehicle commander with Mobile Security Detachment, Headquarters Company, Regimental Combat Team 8, gives a patrol brief to his section while acting as patrol leader. Valdez sustained wounds in combat during his last deployment, and not unlike fellow wounded service members, has felt personal guilt for having to leave his fellow Marines during that time.
Unit: Regimental Combat Team 8
Byline: Sgt. Eric C. Schwartz
Date: 2009-05-11 18:48:00 Sergeant Juan Valdez, a vehicle commander with Mobile Security Detachment, Headquarters Company, Regimental Combat Team 8, was wounded during his second deployment to Iraq in 2006 while with 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment. After sustaining a bullet wound through sniper fire and being sent home for recoupment, Valdez felt a strong guilt for being away from his fellow Marine brothers and hopes his current deployment will ease his guilt.
Unit: Regimental Combat Team 8
Byline: Cpl Addison
Date: 2009-04-26 21:28:00 Marines from 3rd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, Regimental Combat Team 8 conduct a live-fire exercise using their new Mark-12 designated marksman rifle at Sahl Sinjar, Iraq, April 27, 2009. Although the Mark-12 looks a lot like an M-4 carbine or an M-16 variant, it has advanced features such as a suppressor, medium tactical scope and an adjustable bipod.
Unit: Regimental Combat Team 8
Byline: Cpl Alan Addison
Date: 2009-04-26 22:11:00 Sgt. Robert Montanaro, from 3rd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, readjusts his sights on a Mark-12 designated marksman rifle during a live-fire exercise at Sahl Sinjar, Iraq, April 27, 2009. Montanaro says he likes the addition of the suppressor, because of its ability to make shooters stealthier.
Unit: Regimental Combat Team 8
Byline: Cpl. Alan Addison
Date: 2009-04-26 21:07:00 Chief Warrant Officer Christian Wade, battalion gunner for 3rd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion adjusts the scope on a Mark-12 designated marksman rifle during a live-fire exercise at Sahl Sinjar, Iraq, April 27, 2009. Wade says the medium tactical scope is a key factor in making the Mark-12 such an accurate weapon.
Unit: Regimental Combat Team 8
Byline: Cpl Alan Addison
Date: 2009-04-29 17:19:00 Chief Warrant Officer Matthew Lovely, officer-in-charge of Civil Affairs Team 6 Detachment West, Civil Affairs Group, Regimental Combat Team 8, talks with the sub-Mayor of Tallabtah, Abdulrhman Khaled, during a visit to Khabbaza Village, Iraq, April 29, 2009. The Civil Affairs Group was at the Khabbazza Village to celebrate the re-opening of the village’s primary school.
Unit: Regimental Combat Team 8
Byline: Cpl Alan Addison
Date: 2009-04-29 18:56:00 Chief Warrant Officer Matthew Lovely, officer-in-charge of Civil Affairs Team 6 Detachment West, Civil Affairs Group, Regimental Combat Team 8, talks with the sub-Mayor of Tallabtah, Abdulrhman Khaled, and the Khabbaza village official, Jamal Dham Muhammad, about the results of a school renovation in Khabbaz, Iraq April 29, 2009. Marines along with the Iraqi people helped to bring much needed renovations to the school.
Unit: Regimental Combat Team 8
Byline: Sgt. Eric C. Schwartz
Date: 2009-05-04 16:12:00 From left to right; Rawah’s town mayor; Hamid Khaleel Ibrahim; Rawah’s city engineering supervisor; Husam Rushid Muhsen; and Rawah’s city council chairman Isam Khamid Theb discuss plans for their city’s future at the Civic Leaders Conference held at Al Asad Air Base; May 4; 2009. City leaders from Western Al Anbar gathered to discuss ways to overcome their cities’ problems. |