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Middle East
Fighting the Global War on Terrorism
The Middle East is the front line of the War on Terrorism, and the Marine Corps supports this effort with a number of operations. While most deployments in the region are combat- or security-related, Marines participate in a number of roles. A Marine deployed in the Middle East may be called upon to act as a protector, instructor, leader, ambassador or all of the above.
Afghanistan: As part of Operation Enduring Freedom, multiple Marine training teams are embedded with the Afghan National Army, to train and mentor the force. They also engage in combat with insurgents as circumstances require.
Iraq: In support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Marine units maintain a combat-ready state of forward deployment. Marines have been called upon for various missions, including training local law enforcement, supporting humanitarian efforts and protecting supply routes. Iraq continues to be a critical location in the War on Terrorism. Marines assist and train the Iraqi Security Force and Provincial Police teams in artillery, logistics, communications and intelligence, with the goal of enabling Iraqi forces to provide their nation's own security.
Deployments: Middle East
Alberto Andino:
"My name is Corporal Andino. I´m part of the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit. We did humanitarian service in Iraq and just, uh, helping the Iraqi population.
We're fighting a different type of war. It's not like, uh, small armed fire every time, or getting in fire fights now. It's all about keeping the security that's right now in Iraq, so they can become a successful nation."
Nick Pool:
"A lot of what the Marines are doing out there is keeping the country safe for the Iraqis there. Rooting out terrorists as we´ve been employed to do. And trying to establish the new government."
Tondrel Birgans:
"I did a tour in, uh, Iraq, with the, uh, 13th Expeditionary Unit, and also did one with the, uh, 9th Com Battalion. It was pretty interesting, um, situation in Iraq, I think it´s, it´s going very well. We´re helping a lot of people there. Having the opportunity to be over there and kind of do what we´ve been training to do was, was a great pleasure of mine. I enjoyed it. And, uh, I enjoyed it, I enjoy what we´re doing. We´re trying to help another, another group of people trying to get to where we are. `Cause we have, we have a great country."
Deployments: Middle East
