News From the Front

Joint effort secures city for key leader engagement

Capt. Paul L. Greenberg

COMBAT OUTPOST RUTBAH, Iraq— Coalition and Iraqi Security Forces put together what was truly a joint effort to provide a safe venue for the first regional security meeting held in the city of Rutbah, Iraq, Jan. 2. Despite the frigid temp...

[Submitted On: 01/09/2009]Read More

Echo Marines conduct atmospherics

Capt. Paul L. Greenberg

COMBAT OUTPOST RUTBAH, Iraq — Marines from Echo Company, 2nd Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 5, conducted "atmospherics" on a security patrol in Rutbah, Dec. 29, in conjunction with their Iraqi Police counterparts. ...

[Submitted On: 01/06/2009]Read More

1/2 conducts assessment in Rawah, Iraq

Lance Cpl. Scott Schmidt

RAWAH, Iraq (Dec. 23, 2008) - When Task Force 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 5 arrived in Rawah, Iraq, an assessment of security and governance capabilities began. Marines with Company C, 1st Bn., 2nd Marines attend...

[Submitted On: 01/03/2009]Read More

Marines Keep Combined Arms Skills Honed in Iraq

by Capt. Paul Greenberg

CAMP KOREAN VILLAGE, Iraq.— Reservists from 2nd Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 5, and Marines from 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, RCT-5, linked up here for a Tactical Air Control Party live-fire exercise at a re...

[Submitted On: 01/02/2009]Read More

Marines empower Iraqi Police to help Iraqi citizens

by Capt. Paul Greenberg

CAMP KOREAN VILLAGE, Iraq — Marines from 2nd Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 5 and Police Transition Team 4 teamed up Dec. 26 to help Iraqi Police from the Port of Waleed to form good relationships with their new neig...

[Submitted On: 01/02/2009]Read More

Midwest residents send holiday cheer to Iraqi students

by Capt. Paul Greenberg

RUTBAH, Iraq — Marines from 2nd Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 5 based here brought toys, snacks and holiday cheer to Iraqi children at Mekasid Primary School in Rutbah, Iraq, on the morning of Dec. 23. This is t...

[Submitted On: 12/29/2008]Read More

Marines are ‘family’ away from home during holidays

by Cpl. Sean Cummins

COMBAT OUTPOST UBAYDI, Iraq - Snowstorms and sleigh bells were replaced by sandstorms and radio chatter here this holiday season. Marines with Task Force 3rd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 5 strung lights and hung ...

[Submitted On: 12/30/2008]Read More

Al-Anbar Iraqi River Police ready take over beat

by Cpl. Shawn Coolman

LAKE THAR THAR, Iraq - Al-Anbar Iraqi River Police officers aced their final exam. Select Iraqi policemen here with the al-Anbar Iraqi River Police force, which was established to patrol the local waterways independently from Coalition forces...

[Submitted On: 12/27/2008]Read More

Engineers practice detonations

Cpl. Sean P. Cummins

RAWAH, Iraq - Smoke filled the sky and shrapnel pierced targets as Marines with 1st Combat Engineer Battalion, Regimental Combat Team 5 detonated various explosives on a range near Combat Outpost Rawah December 17. The range gave the comb...

[Submitted On: 12/23/2008]Read More

Comm Marines keep 3/7 talking

by Cpl. Sean P. Cummins

COMBAT OUTPOST UBAYDI, Iraq - With Marines deployed in cities located up and down the Euphrates River in western al-Anbar province, communication becomes an important asset in more ways than one. The communications Marines of Headquarters...

[Submitted On: 12/23/2008]Read More

Marines Facilitate Regional Security Meeting

Capt. Paul Greenberg

CAMP KOREAN VILLAGE, Iraq — Reserve Marines from 2nd Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 5 based here worked with local Iraqi leadership to hold the first-ever regional security meeting for the Rutbah district Dec. 20. ...

[Submitted On: 12/23/2008]Read More

Engineers provide ISF with quarters

by Lance Cpl. Paul Torres

HAQLANIYAH, Iraq - The sun had barley crested the horizon when Marines with General Support Platoon, Company B, 1st Combat Engineer Battalion, Regimental Combat Team 5 started work Dec 14. "Our mission consisted of building two wooden huts at...

[Submitted On: 12/20/2008]Read More

Swing batter, batter

by Cpl. Sean P. Cummins

COMBAT OUTPOST UBAYDI, Iraq - Baseball, America's pastime, has helped Marines and sailors stay connected to home for years, no matter where they are in the world. The Seabees of Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 27 have brought a touch of ho...

[Submitted On: 12/18/2008]Read More

Squad excels on isolation duty

Sgt. M. Trent Lowry

RAWAH, Iraq - Members of 3rd Squad, Provisional Rifle Platoon 3, Regimental Combat Team 5 recently completed an assignment maintaining security on the southernmost traffic control point near Rawah, Iraq. The squad of Marines, most of whom are...

[Submitted On: 12/15/2008]Read More

K9s take a bite out of insurgents

by Cpl. Sean P. Cummins

RAWAH, Iraq - Dogs have accompanied warriors into combat since the Romans outfitted large mastiffs with armored collars. The large dogs would attack the legs of their opponents, forcing them to lower their shields and expose the rest of their...

[Submitted On: 12/08/2008]Read More

Ghanaian sailor hopes to build better future

by Cpl. Sean P. Cummins

UBAYDI, Iraq - People of all backgrounds have helped build the branches of the military into what they are today, and some hope to help build what they will become tomorrow. One corpsman attached to Task Force 3rd Battalion, 7th Marine Re...

[Submitted On: 12/08/2008]Read More

Losing pounds to earn title of Marine

by Sgt. M. Trent Lowry

RAWAH, Iraq - Before Lance Cpl. Allan Desruisseaux could become a Marine, he had to become a big loser. Weighing in at more than 300 pounds, Desruisseaux lost more than 100 pounds between his first visit to a Marine Corps recruiting substatio...

[Submitted On: 12/07/2008]Read More

Small country, big mission; Azerbaijanis complete tour in Iraq

By Gunnery Sgt. Jason Bortz

CAMP RIPPER, AL ASAD AIRBASE, Iraq -- For the past five years, service members from a small country approximately the size of South Carolina have been providing vital security for one of Iraq's major source of power, the Haditha Dam. On Dec. ...

[Submitted On: 12/03/2008]Read More

Students treated by Marines

by Sgt. M. Trent Lowry

RAWAH, Iraq -- Like children anywhere, Iraqi students have a bit of a sweet tooth. To satisfy that sweet tooth, Marines from Provisional Rifle Platoon 3, Regimental Combat Team 5 took a variety of treats to an elementary school here to share...

[Submitted On: 12/01/2008]Read More

Thanksgiving day, the Marine Corps way

by Lance Cpl. Paul Torres

RAWA, Iraq -- Deployments are hardest during the holiday season. Marines with Civil Affairs Team 5, Detachment 1, 2nd Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 5 decided to make an extra effort to celebrate Thanksgiving with all...

[Submitted On: 12/05/2008]Read More

Secretary of the Navy visits RCT-5

by Cpl. Shawn Coolman

The Honorable Donald C. Winter, 74th secretary of the Navy, addresses Marines and sailors assigned to Regimental Combat Team 5 during a visit to Camp Ripper, Iraq, Nov. 26. Mr. Winter reenlisted several Marines, awarded a Navy and Marine Corps Ach...

[Submitted On: 11/28/2008]Read More

Reserve Marines encourage community policing

by Capt. Paul Greenberg

CAMP KOREAN VILLAGE, Iraq— Reserve Marines based here teamed up with Iraqi Police Nov. 21 to visit Ma'an Primary School in Rutbah, Iraq, to provide a venue for the police officers to begin mentoring children at one of the town's poorest scho...

[Submitted On: 11/28/2008]Read More

IP, IA compete at COP Rawah

by Cpl. Sean Cummins

RAWAH, Iraq - Iraqi Army and Iraqi Police fought tooth and nail, emptying magazines, assessing casualties and sprinting over berms at Combat Outpost Rawah Nov. 12. This wasn't a battle against insurgents, but the first ever Anbar Province...

[Submitted On: 11/24/2008]Read More

Love for country music keeps Marine in spotlight

by Sgt. M. Trent Lowry

CAMP RIPPER, Iraq - Some popular country music artists have made their appreciation for the military known by playing USO shows in the Middle East. Despite their support, however, not many of the musicians can say they've actually ...

[Submitted On: 11/21/2008]Read More

News From the Front

Iraqi Police assume control of parolees

Lance Cpl. Scott Schmidt

RAWAH, Iraq (December 28, 2008) - Iraqi Police in Rawah assumed responsibility for the parole of nine former Coalition Force detainees Dec. 28. Marines with 4th Platoon, Company C, Task Force 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, Regimental Comb...

[Submitted On: 01/06/2009]Read More

Tanks Marines work hard, stay on track

by Cpl. Sean P. Cummins

UBAYDI, Iraq - Heaving heavy tanks over miles of miles of rough terrain means that the tankers and tank mechanics in western al-Anbar province, Iraq, have their work cut out for them when it comes to keeping their vehicles running. The Ma...

[Submitted On: 01/02/2009]Read More

Commandant of the Marine Corps visits 3rd Bn., 7th Marines

Cpl. Sean P. Cummins

General James T. Conway, commandant of the Marine Corps, visits the Marines of Task Force 3rd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 5 at Combat Outpost Ubaydi, Iraq, Dec. 27. General Conway and Sgt. Maj. Carlton Kent, sergeant maj...

[Submitted On: 12/28/2008]Read More

Battalion takes root in new area of operations

by Lance Cpl. Scott Schmidt

RAWAH, Iraq - The expeditionary nature of the Marine Corps requires a responsive and capable force able to adapt to the ever-changing mission of the Global War on Terror and operations in Iraq. Marines and sailors with Task Force 1st Battali...

[Submitted On: 12/27/2008]Read More

Scout snipers demonstrate proficiency, adapt to climate change

by Lance Cpl. Scott Schmidt

COMBAT OUTPOST RAWAH, Iraq - A shot is fired and it resonates across the open desert. Through his high powered scope, a scout sniper confirms a hit. Snipers with Scout Sniper Platoon, Task Force 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, Regimental ...

[Submitted On: 12/24/2008]Read More

3rd Bn., 7th Marines visit ISF on border

by Cpl. Sean P. Cummins

UBAYDI, Iraq - Now that Iraqi Security Forces have minimized insurgent activity within Iraq's borders, they are working to keep it that way with the help of the Marine Corps. M1A1 Abrams Main Battle Tanks and humvees with Task Force 3rd...

[Submitted On: 12/23/2008]Read More

Stockings for deployed Marines presented with care

by Sgt. M. Trent Lowry

CAMP RIPPER, Iraq - Marines and sailors deployed with Regimental Combat Team 5 are among the service members benefiting from the altruism of generous individuals and organizations this holiday season. Seasonal snacks, warm socks and games are ...

[Submitted On: 12/23/2008]Read More

USO show ‘Rocks’ Al Asad

by Lance Cpl. Paul Torres

AL ASAD AIRBASE, Iraq - Service members here had the opportunity to laugh and rock out to comedians Lewis Black, Kathleen Madigan, John Bowman and musicians Tichina Arnold, Zac Brown, Kellie Pickler and Kid Rock Dec. 19. This is the seventh st...

[Submitted On: 12/20/2008]Read More

Iraqi general inspects river craft

by Sgt. M. Trent Lowry

AL ASAD AIR BASE, Iraq - Sailors from Riverine Squadron 1, Regimental Combat Team 5 hosted an inspection of small-river craft Dec. 16 by Staff Maj. Gen. Abdullah Mohammed Badir, commanding general of the 7th Iraqi Army Division. The Iraqi Secu...

[Submitted On: 12/18/2008]Read More

Task Force Mech makes tracks through al-Anbar

by Cpl. Shawn Coolman

AL ANBAR PROVINCE, Iraq- Marines and sailors assigned to Task Force Mech, Regimental Combat team 5 are conducting various operations here to improve the securityand to assist the Iraqi people where needed. Task Force Mech consists of Marines ...

[Submitted On: 12/18/2008]Read More

Exercise tests air and ground skills

by Cpl. Shawn Cummins

COMBAT OUTPOST RAWAH, Iraq - Two Marine Corps AH-1W Super Cobras moved to engage an unknown number of insurgents firing on Marines from a one-story building in open desert near here. The targets the helicopters engaged were actually on a ...

[Submitted On: 12/17/2008]Read More

Tanks supply area with medical attention

by Cpl. Shawn Coolman

AL ANBAR PROVINCE, Iraq- Amidst the array of Coalition force operations in the area, medical attention is still offered to the Iraqi populace by Task Force Mech, Regimental Combat Team 5. Task Force Mech is comprised of Marines and sailors wi...

[Submitted On: 12/17/2008]Read More

Platoon completes security mission in Rawah, Iraq

by Sgt. M. Trent Lowry

RAWAH, Iraq - Marines from Provisional Rifle Platoon 3, Regimental Combat Team 5 completed a two-month security mission at Traffic Control Points 3 and 4 here Dec. 9. The PRP-3 Marines turned the control of the TCPs over to a platoon from 1st ...

[Submitted On: 12/14/2008]Read More

Reserve Marines demonstrate Javelin proficiency

by Capt. Paul Greenberg

AL ASAD AIR BASE, Iraq— Reserve Marines from Weapons Company, 2nd Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 5 based at Camp Korean Village in western al-Anbar province traveled more than 120 miles to shoot their Javelin missile...

[Submitted On: 12/11/2008]Read More

Civil Affairs Team assesses water situation

by Lance Cpl. Paul Torres

ANAH, Iraq -- The sky was overcast as Marines with Civil Affairs Team 5, Detachment 1, 2nd Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 5 drove out to the banks of the Euphrates River Dec. 1 to evaluate plans to improve the water situat...

[Submitted On: 12/06/2008]Read More

Hassah School makes room

by Lance Cpl. Paul Torres

HASSAH, Iraq -- A proper education empowers the young. In the town of Hassah, Iraq, children run across a concrete slab to form up outside their classrooms. The once crowded facility is now equipped to provide over 500 students with a place wh...

[Submitted On: 12/06/2008]Read More

Doc keeps platoon combat ready

by Sgt. M. Trent Lowry

RAWAH, Iraq - The mission of Provincial Rifle Platoon 3, Regimental Combat Team 5 hasn't required the Marines to be in hostile situations, but that's no reason to discount the dedication of one service member dedicated to the health of the platoon...

[Submitted On: 12/05/2008]Read More

Government of Iraq takes control of Haditha Dam

by Lance Cpl. Paul Torres

HADITHA DAM, Iraq -- Marines with Regimental Combat Team 5 finished the final demilitarization of the Haditha Dam located along the Euphrates River. Major Gen. Martin Post, deputy commanding general for Multi-National Force-West, signed over ...

[Submitted On: 12/04/2008]Read More

Iraqi children receive an education

by Capt. Paul Greenberg

CAMP KOREAN VILLAGE, Iraq — A patrol of Reserve Marines, soldiers and sailors, led by Golf Company, 2nd Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 5, showed their support for local schools and introduced children to the role tha...

[Submitted On: 12/05/2008]Read More

Reserve Marines Host Distinguished

by Capt. Paul Greenberg

CAMP KOREAN VILLAGE, Iraq.— Reserve Marines from 2nd Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 5 based here received an honored guest at their remote desert outpost Nov. 26. The Honorable Donald C. Winter, the 74th secreta...

[Submitted On: 11/30/2008]Read More

Jimmy Kimmel Show supports deployed Marines

by Cpl. Shawn Coolman

AL ASAD AIR BASE, Iraq - To support the deployed Marines in the al-Anbar province, the Jimmy Kimmel Show spotlighted select Marines with 1st Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward) via satellite. Two Marines with Regimental Combat Team 5, Sgt. C...

[Submitted On: 11/27/2008]Read More

The History behind the French Fourragere

The Battle of Belleau Wood

The Fourragere is a combat decoration instituted by Napoleon for units that distinguished themselves in battle. It was originated by the Duke of Alva, a Spanish General of the 19th Century. After a unit of his Flemish troops had retreated...

[Submitted On: 03/05/2008]Read More