2/3 News: Message from the CO

11 September 2009
It has been too long since my last update and for that I apologize. Events here have been pretty fast and furious as your Marines and Sailors face and overcome all nature of challenges. Throughout our area of operations they have excelled across the full gamut of counter-insurgency; from kinetic combat to training of the local security forces, to interacting and assisting the local populace. To the west our ongoing road improvement project is well underway as we rebuild the connection of the people of Bakwa to their government. To the north the Marines of Fox and Echo have repeatedly beaten back the enemy to open Buji Bast Pass and clear the route to Golestan. To the East the Marines and Sailors of Golf have forged a relationship with the newly liberated people of Dahaneh and sit astride the enemy’s most vital supply route. And here in Delarem the Marines and Sailors of Echo Company have forged the strongest Afghan Police department in our area and expanded their influence further south in Delarem district than any other forces before.
In addition to the actions of your Marines and Sailors we have increased our partnership with civilian agencies working in our region, working closely with the representatives of the Department of State and USAID based out of the Farah Provincial Capitol. This week we were fortunate to have Agricultural experts from USAID touring Golestan and Bakwa districts to determine what programs would be most effective in assisting local farmers to increase their yields and find markets for their produce. While many assume that the only crop grown in Afghanistan is poppy that is far from the truth. In addition to produce such as melons and pomegranates, farmers here also grow high value crops such as saffron and cumin. This was, after all, at one point an important stop on the Spice Route. A critical aspect of increasing the region’s productivity is repair and rejuvenation of the irrigation system, which in many cases consists largely of Karez’s, underground irrigation tunnels that extend for miles. The Karez’s are hundreds of years old, traditionally maintained by specific families whose obligation it is to provide young men to crawl through the narrow tunnels thirty or forty feet below ground to clear accumulated silt and blockages. While combat and violence has disrupted this cycle and in many cases the Karez’s are failing, the structures remain sound and viable. I have included several photographs of a Karez entrance to illustrate this unique and amazing aspect of Afghan culture.
Undoubtedly you are aware of the recent incident involving a photograph of LCpl Joshua Bernard of Golf Company. The Secretary of Defense has clearly and succinctly stated all that needs to be stated in regards to the Associated Press’ decision to publish such exploitive photographs. However on behalf of the Battalion I do need to express to the family of this brave Marine my regret that because of this incident their tragedy is only deepened and made more painful. They have endured enough.
Our return dates have been distributed, though I would ask that you understand these dates remain “windows” until we are actually on the planes. Dates can shift as the available aircraft are identified and tasked to transport us.