1/25 guards train with 24/7 security

[thedrifter]

1/25 guards train with 24/7 security
Submitted by: MCB Camp Butler
Story Identification Number: 2003115211412
Story by Cpl. Ryan J. Skaggs



CAMP COBRA, Zamboanga, Philippines(Nov. 01, 2003) -- "We sleep safely at night only because rough men stand ready to visit violence on those who would harm us." Although this is merely a quote on shirts sold by the Filipino locals, the reality of the situation described is one lived daily by those of the Marine Security Element here.

Reserve Marines with Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 25th Marines, currently attached to 4th Marine Regiment, make up what is the MSE of the Joint Special Operations Task Force Philippines (JSOTF-P) located on Edwin Andrews Air Base here.

"Anywhere a terrorist organization is trying to inflict harm it's necessary to have solid security for a mission to be accomplished," said Maj. Ro T. Milanette, commanding officer, MSE. "The JSOTF-P has a particular mission to accomplish and we keep them secure so they can focus on their goal at hand."

As of Oct. 30, 2002, the Republic of the Philippines was declared an imminent danger zone with a high terrorist and criminal threat. The mission of the JSOTF-P is to conduct military operations in the Philippines in support of the Global War on Terrorism. The JSOTF-P advises the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) whose tasks combined are to conduct operations/intelligence fusion, humanitarian assistance, and provide continued coordination for security assistance. The MSE provides the security blanket for the accomplishment of these tasks.

"The MSE plays a crucial role here on the facility and the base," said Sgt. Ken J. Murphy, sergeant of the guard, MSE. "Security is paramount. It is a pivotal point in a mission."

Zamboanga contains a high concentration of terrorist intent. Although the surrounding communities are those of a disease and poverty-stricken society, the threat to U.S. Forces, AFP and their efforts is not underestimated. In the three months Bravo Co. has taken the role as MSE, they have allowed zero incidents to hindering the forward progression of the JSOTF-P.

"We added numerous measures at various levels that helped sustain the mission's success," said Murphy. "For three months non-stop, the Marines had a rigorous work schedule but were dedicated to their job. They really wanted to do the best they could, and it showed throughout the unit."

According to Milanette, Bravo Co. implemented new security measures that have hardened the facility against terrorist action. They also integrated the AFP into more operations to purposely strengthen the relationship with the Filipino Marines.

"The unit we relieved improved the system for us, and now we improved the system for the next unit," said 1st Sgt. Gary A. Hubbard, company first sergeant, MSE. "That's how Marines are. We do the best jobs we can as one big team throughout the world."

Bravo Co. is scheduled to depart from Camp Cobra in Nov., and will rejoin the other Marines of 1st Bn., 25th Marines at Camp Schwab, Okinawa, Japan, for the remainder of their Unit Deployment Program scheduled to conclude in Dec. The unit was activated in Jan. in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/mcn20...7?opendocument


Sempers,

Roger