1st platoon, Kilo Company, an essential piece of Operation Sulaiman

Photo By Sgt. Megan Sindelar | Lance Cpl. Craig A. Bennett, from Warren, Ohio, an automatic rifleman with 1st platoon, Kilo Company, 3rd Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, provides security at a blocking position during Operation Sulaiman, Feb. 17.  

MARJAH, AFGHANISTAN

02.24.2011

Story by Cpl. Megan Sindelar 

Regional Command Southwest

MARJAH, Afghanistan – Marines with 1st platoon, Kilo Company, 3rd Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment were an essential part of Operation Sulaiman, Feb. 16-18.

The platoon operated along main roads in Marjah to allow India Company to set up a new patrol base and rid the area of weapons caches and improvised explosive device materials.

“First platoon’s role in this operation was to provide blocking positions to help the rest of the company perform clearing operations out in the ten blocks of Marjah,” said Sgt. Robert T. Bass, a squad leader with 1st platoon, Kilo Company, 3rd Bn., 9th Marines.

Bass, from Indian Head, Md., said during the operation the platoon found a couple of caches, ammunition, money and ammonium nitrate, which the Taliban uses to make IEDs.

The first day, the squad from 1st platoon spent the day on the corner of two main roads creating a blocking position with the Afghan National Civil Order Police, Afghan Uniformed Police and the Interim Security Critical Infrastructure to search all villagers and vehicles going through the checkpoint.

“During the blocking positions, we definitely disrupted the enemy’s egress routes,” said Bass. “We denied them movement to try and escape when the other companies cleared their portion of the area of operation.”

Lance Cpl. Craig R. Misajet, a team leader with 1st platoon, Kilo Company, 3rd Bn., 9th Marines said the squad’s blocking position was a success because local nationals around the area don’t see the Marines up there often, and by spending the day working with their Afghan partners, it established a good presence in the area.

After completing the blocking positions, the squad was tasked to clear a section of their area of operation.

“We found a couple spots where it looked like they were using materials to make IEDs, a few boxes of ammunition for the AK-47 and some old money that ended up being from back in the 70’s,” said Misajet.

The materials found and the execution of the blocking positions made the operation a success.

“Overall, I think 1st platoon performed excellent,” said Bass. “Between us and our counterparts out here, we got a lot accomplished; we worked well together and completed the mission.”

• Date Taken: 02.24.2011
• Date Posted: 02.24.2011 11:17
• Story ID: 66000
• Location: MARJAH, AF