Marines Love Helmand Night Life

Photo By Sgt. Marco Mancha | COMBAT OUTPOST OUELLETTE, Helmand province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan – A Marine plays a game on his portable media player as the moon rises over the horizon behind the Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicle. The Marines and sailors say it’s a treat to sleep outside because they get to see a sky that’s untainted by artificial light. They stay pretty busy during the day, so at night, when all becomes calm, the Marines try to unwind by playing video games or cards and sleeping after a hard day’s work.  

COMBAT OUTPOST OUELLETTE, HELMAND PROVINCE, ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF, AFGHANISTAN

05.07.2011

Story by Cpl. Marco Mancha 

II Marine Expeditionary Force   

COMBAT OUTPOST OUELLETTE, Helmand province, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan – The night sky is filled with more stars than a Marine can count, unobstructed by light pollution, and a moon that lights up the hills of Afghanistan. The nights are a time of relaxation and recuperation for the hard-working warriors.

Days here run like a well-oiled machine as Marines and sailors with 1st Tank Battalion and 3rd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, work tirelessly to accomplish their daily missions. But when the sun goes down, the post comes alive with a night life unique to service members in Helmand.

The two battalions are currently assigned to Regimental Combat Team 8, 2nd Marine Division (Forward). The division heads Task Force Leatherneck, the ground combat element of Regional Command (Southwest), and works in partnership with the Afghan national security forces and the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan.

The battalions support the task force’s mission conducting counterinsurgency operations to secure the Afghan people, defeat insurgent forces, and enable ANSF assumption of security responsibilities within its area of operations in order to support the expansion of stability, development and legitimate governance.

Days filled with patrols, providing security and vehicle maintenance under the hot Afghan sun in temperatures that reach into the hundreds make for long hours. Vehicles constantly enter and exit through the entry control point, while tankers conduct maintenance on their massive mobile weapons, and Marines prepare their gear and equipment for their next mission.

It’s no wonder why Marines spend the nights relaxing after a hard day’s work. It’s a way to pass the time when they’re not out and about fighting insurgents and working to help the Afghan people build a brighter tomorrow.

• Date Taken: 05.07.2011
• Date Posted: 05.08.2011 11:55
• Story ID: 70067
• Location: COMBAT OUTPOST OUELLETTE, HELMAND PROVINCE, ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF, AF