Regimental Combat Team 1's personnel security detachment; sentinels to commanding officer

Photo By Sgt. Nathaniel Leblanc | Cpl. Manuel Favila, an infantryman with Personnel Security Detachment, Regimental Combat Team 1, and native to Guymon, Okla., scans the surrounding area and covers the rear security of the convoy as the RCT-1 commanding officer meets with Marines of 2nd Battalion, 24th Marine Regiment at an outpost near Saqulawiyah, Iraq. Favila has seen two combat tours and he is currently on his third with RCT-1. He was deployed to Abu Ghraib, Iraq during his first deployment and participated in Operation Phantom Fury into the city of Fallujah. His second deployment was during OIF 3 where he and his unit were in Haditha and supported the elections.  

FALLUJAH, IRAQ

02.28.2008

Story by Sgt. Nathaniel Leblanc 

I Marine Expeditionary Force

By Sgt. Nathaniel C. LeBlanc
Regimental Combat Team 1

CAMP FALLUJAH, Iraq – Some of the most battle-hardened, seasoned veterans of war can be found in a personnel security detachment; Marines who have deployed several times, fought in numerous battles and even some who have been wounded in action. Experience and the knowledge of combat are essential when it comes to protecting the commanding officer and VIPs.

The sentinels of Regimental Combat Team 1's PSD are Marines who have proven to be of this caliber on the battlefield. They provide security as Col. Lewis A. Craparotta, commanding officer of RCT-1, and Sgt. Maj. Don W. Gallagher, sergeant major of RCT-1, tour the battlespace and meet with subordinate unit commands throughout the area of operations.

• Date Taken: 02.28.2008
• Date Posted: 02.29.2008 09:18
• Story ID: 16821
• Location: FALLUJAH, IQ