Would you volunteer to do convoy ops in Iraq? That might be what I just volunteered for. I dont care but I want to know other opinions. Through experiance only please. I am in the Marine Corps. Yes i volunteered.....
2006-12-28 06:51:12 · 6 answers · asked by fidelis 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Military
I, personally would, but I am a Marine!
It all depends upon what area of "convoy ops" you "think" you volunteered for!
Convoy ops "support" is for highly skilled fighters and marksmen.
Are you assigned to 2nd Marine Expeditionary Force or any other forward unit, such as Recon? Are you being trained at Marine Corps Air, Ground Combat Center in Twentynine Palms Cal.?
I am assuming that you are a grunt at this point, you just need to do as any Marine would do, stay the course, do as you are ordered, protect your brother's backs and remember why you joined the most feared fighting men in history...The United States Marine Corps!
Anyone who watches the nightly news knows that running convoys and convoy support in Iraq is dangerous business. They have become a favorite target of terrorists and insurgents using small arms, rocket propelled grenades and improvised explosive devices to inflict damage and death on those working to rebuild Iraq.
You never know if a fellow Marine is waiting for a certain piece of gear and if you don't give him what he needs, he might die out there.
After 30 years as an active Marine , fighting in three wars, Vietnam, Granada and the Gulf War, I can only say I, as a Marine salute you for your doing what most men will not!
Remember, "Once a Marine, Always a Marine"
Semper Fi Brother
"Good night Chesty, where ever you are"
CJ, Col, USMC (ret) Scout Sniper Platoon commander for 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment
2006-12-28 07:37:24 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
During OIF I, I was deployed to Iraq as an MP with the US Army; I did a few convoy escorts from Camp Scania up to BIAP through MSR Tampa and Route Irish and back; never got shot at with the exception of a couple of puck shots and maybe a stone or two from the local rugrats.
Is hair raising at times, but if you know the drill and you have situational awareness all the time, you'll de okay. Keep your turret moving at all times, specially under overpasses; early on we had an insurgent throw a grenade at our convoy from an overpass, but the grenade bounced off the hood of one of our humvees and explode harmlessly on the curve; it scared the **** out of us, but we drove on without a single injury.
Always look at both sides of the road for unusual stuff (freshly dug up dirt, boxes, carcasses, abandoned cars and the like) and try to alternate your positions, do not take the same route twice and always map out alternate routes during pre-op meetings.
Also, invest in some binos and keep your eyes peeled for people with a camera in their hands, odds are, he's an insurgent cameraman waiting for their group's next propaganda film; give them a good spray from your M240G.
Take care and SEMPER FI!!!
2006-12-28 17:02:52 · answer #2 · answered by tercelclub 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My husband was in the Army and was in Iraq with 3ID. Each and every person that we know that was injured or killed was done son on convoy ops. They all of course volunteered to go and sometimes they came back just fine but like I said each person that we know that was wounded or killed was on a convoy op. Good luck, be safe, be watchful, and please know that even though people protest this war, my family and I are thankful for soldiers like you who take pride in serving their country. Thank you so much!
2006-12-28 15:01:51 · answer #3 · answered by freakyallweeky 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I am an MP, recently back from the baghdad area and that was my entire job, convoys. I can't even count how many i did. The first one sucks, as does the second and third and all the rest, but once you train up, you know what to do and you do it. Keep your eyes open and follow your orders and you will be alright.
2006-12-28 17:18:01 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
i was a prison guard at camp bucca. i only volunteered for one convoy. we would take busloads of detainees to baghdad and back. nope the busses weren't armored. after the first convoy, i never volunteered again. i was never attacked exceot for a few pot shots, but if your job dosen't require going into danger, dont. however i recommend going on at least one,like me. it really is an interesting and adrenaline pumping experience!
2006-12-28 15:27:14 · answer #5 · answered by wilrycar 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yeaa id volunteer, i got someone in the corps and he tells me that he sits in a humvee and they patrol aan area, the main danger from convoy ops is roadside bombs
2006-12-28 14:55:00 · answer #6 · answered by Aldin 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋