Showing 30 posts tagged mortar

Three officers dismissed in wake of Hawthorne incident

Three Marine officers, including a battalion commander, were removed from their jobs Wednesday in the wake of a disastrous training accident in Nevada that killed seven Marines and wounded eight other troops, Marine Corps Times has learned.

fuckkyeahafghanistann: —————————— I Wish I Died in Iraq Sometimes, I wish I had died in Iraq. I would have been a hero - died for a cause, instead now - I’ll die a relatively wealthy man sucking the teat of the contracting world. Sometimes, I wish I had died in Iraq. I would never have known my wife cheated on me. I would have died a loving husband, a proud father. Sometimes, I wish I had died in Iraq. I would be happy - died living normal life, the American dream. Now I torture my mind on a daily basis - the war in my head is worse than any battle man has seen. Sometimes, I wish I had died in Iraq. You wouldn’t worry about money anymore, obviously I wouldn’t either. Our daughter could go to college - you could too. Sometimes, I wish I had died in Iraq. The soul-crushing demoralization of starting my life over is too much sometimes. What happened? Who am I? How am I supposed to deal with this? This isn’t my life. Sometimes I wish that mortar wasn’t a dud. High-res

fuckkyeahafghanistann:

——————————

I Wish I Died in Iraq

Sometimes, I wish I had died in Iraq.
I would have been a hero - died for a cause, instead now - I’ll die a relatively wealthy man sucking the teat of the contracting world.

Sometimes, I wish I had died in Iraq.
I would never have known my wife cheated on me. I would have died a loving husband, a proud father.

Sometimes, I wish I had died in Iraq.
I would be happy - died living normal life, the American dream. Now I torture my mind on a daily basis - the war in my head is worse than any battle man has seen.

Sometimes, I wish I had died in Iraq.
You wouldn’t worry about money anymore, obviously I wouldn’t either. Our daughter could go to college - you could too.

Sometimes, I wish I had died in Iraq.
The soul-crushing demoralization of starting my life over is too much sometimes.

What happened? Who am I? How am I supposed to deal with this? This isn’t my life.

Sometimes I wish that mortar wasn’t a dud.

(via fuckyeahhafghanistann-deactivat)

Fallen Marines of Hawthorne incident.

Seven Marines with 1st Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, were killed and eight others were injured, which includes a Navy Corpsman, in an explosion during a live-fire training exercise at Hawthorne Army Depot, Nev., shortly before 10 p.m. on Monday, March 18, 2013.

Our fallen warriors:

[Top left] Private First Class Joshua M. Martino, 19, of Clearfield, Pa., served as a mortarman assigned to 1st Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment. He joined the Marine Corps in July 2012. Martino’s awards include the National Defense Service Medal and Global War on Terrorism Service Medal.

[Top right] Lance Cpl. David P. Fenn II, 20, of Polk City, Fla., was a mortarman assigned to 1st Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment. He joined the Marine Corps in June 2010 and was promoted to his current rank in March 2011. Fenn’s awards include the Combat Action Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, and NATO Medal-ISAF Afghanistan. He was most recently deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in 2011.

[Middle left] Lance Cpl. Roger W. Muchnick Jr., 23, of Fairfield, Conn., was a mortarman assigned to 1st Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment. He joined the Marine Corps in June 2010 and was promoted to his current rank in May 2011. Muchnick’s awards include the Combat Action Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, and NATO Medal-ISAF Afghanistan. He was most recently deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in 2011.

[Middle center] Lance Cpl. Joshua C. Taylor, 21, of Marietta, Ohio, was a mortarman assigned to 1st Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment. He joined the Marine Corps in June 2010 and was promoted to his current rank in August 2011. Taylor’s awards include the Combat Action Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, and NATO Medal-ISAF Afghanistan. He was most recently deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in 2011.

[Middle right] Lance Cpl. Mason J. Vanderwork, 21, of Hickory, N.C., was a mortarman assigned to 1st Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment. He joined the Marine Corps in June 2010 and was promoted to his current rank in August 2011. Vanderwork’s awards include the National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, and NATO Medal-ISAF Afghanistan. He was most recently deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in 2011.

[Bottom left] Lance Cpl. William T. Wild IV, 21, of Anne Arundel, Md., was a mortarman assigned to 1st Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment. He joined the Marine Corps in October 2010 and was promoted to his current rank in December 2011. Wild’s awards include the Combat Action Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, and NATO Medal-ISAF Afghanistan. He was most recently deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in 2011.

[Bottom right] Corporal Aaron J. Ripperda, 26, of Madison, Ill., was an anti-tank missileman assigned to 1st Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment. He joined the Marine Corps in September 2008 and was promoted to his current rank in April 2011. Ripperda’s awards include the Combat Action Ribbon, Navy Unit Commendation, Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, and NATO Medal-ISAF Afghanistan. He was most recently deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in 2011.

The injured were transported to Renown Regional Medical Center in Reno, Nevada for treatment and further evaluation. The Navy Corpsman is considered very seriously injured; five others are seriously injured and two Marines have been treated for minor injuries and released. Status updates of those injured will be provided as it becomes available.

“We send our prayers and condolences to the families of the Marines and sailors who have been killed and injured in this tragic accident,” said Brig. Gen. Jim Lukeman, 2nd Marine Division Commanding General. “Our first priority is to provide them with the support they need during this very difficult time, and we’re doing that right now.”

Currently, there is an employment suspension of the 60mm mortar system across the Marine Corps. All units using the system have been directed to immediately discontinue using the mortar system until further notice.

A boom with a view. Lance Cpl. Austin J. Lapierre fires an M777 A2 155 mm howitzer Jan. 30 during Exercise Fire Dragon 13-2 in the East Fuji Maneuver Area. The live-fire portion of Fire Dragon provides Marines the opportunity to enhance their mission capabilities in artillery operations. Lapierre is a field artillery cannoneer with 1st Battalion, 12th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force. (Photo by Cpl. Carl G. Payne, 30 JAN 2013. Source.) High-res

A boom with a view.

Lance Cpl. Austin J. Lapierre fires an M777 A2 155 mm howitzer Jan. 30 during Exercise Fire Dragon 13-2 in the East Fuji Maneuver Area. The live-fire portion of Fire Dragon provides Marines the opportunity to enhance their mission capabilities in artillery operations. Lapierre is a field artillery cannoneer with 1st Battalion, 12th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine Expeditionary Force.

(Photo by Cpl. Carl G. Payne, 30 JAN 2013. Source.)

Late Night Nookie #soldierporn: Fire for effect. U.S. Army Soldiers from C Troop, 371 Cavalry, 3/10th Mountain Division located on Cherokee Base in Kherwar, Afghanistan, prepare to fire mortars at enemy targets. (Photo by Specialist Richard Jones, 29 JUL 2009.) High-res

Late Night Nookie #soldierporn: Fire for effect.

U.S. Army Soldiers from C Troop, 371 Cavalry, 3/10th Mountain Division located on Cherokee Base in Kherwar, Afghanistan, prepare to fire mortars at enemy targets.

(Photo by Specialist Richard Jones, 29 JUL 2009.)

The student’s prowess gives a measure of the teacher’s worth. Soldiers from the Afghan National Army, 1st Brigade, 203rd Corps, effectively fire their 82mm mortar system during a live-fire exercise that marked the conclusion of a two-week mortarmen course at the Fires Center of Excellence, Camp Parsa, Afghanistan. Once they have completed the required training, the trainees must exhibit their abilities to successfully employ and utilize their weapon system. The FCOE, a school developed and mentored by soldiers from 3rd Battalion, 320th Field Artillery Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team “Rakkasans,” 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), is designed to teach sustainable practices and methods that will allow the ANA to engage the enemy effectively with improved capabilities. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Abram Pinnington, TF 3/101 Public Affairs, 3 JAN 2013.) High-res

The student’s prowess gives a measure of the teacher’s worth.

Soldiers from the Afghan National Army, 1st Brigade, 203rd Corps, effectively fire their 82mm mortar system during a live-fire exercise that marked the conclusion of a two-week mortarmen course at the Fires Center of Excellence, Camp Parsa, Afghanistan. Once they have completed the required training, the trainees must exhibit their abilities to successfully employ and utilize their weapon system.

The FCOE, a school developed and mentored by soldiers from 3rd Battalion, 320th Field Artillery Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team “Rakkasans,” 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), is designed to teach sustainable practices and methods that will allow the ANA to engage the enemy effectively with improved capabilities.

(U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Abram Pinnington, TF 3/101 Public Affairs, 3 JAN 2013.)

Pyros at heart. Afghan National Army soldiers serving with 201st Corps, 4th Brigade, 4th Combat Support Kandak, Artillery, fires a D-30 artillery weapon in Lagham province, Afghanistan. The Afghan National Army soldiers are working to certify on the 122mm howitzer. (Photo by Spc. Andrew Claire Baker, 16 DEC 2012.) High-res

Pyros at heart.

Afghan National Army soldiers serving with 201st Corps, 4th Brigade, 4th Combat Support Kandak, Artillery, fires a D-30 artillery weapon in Lagham province, Afghanistan. The Afghan National Army soldiers are working to certify on the 122mm howitzer.

(Photo by Spc. Andrew Claire Baker, 16 DEC 2012.)

All is calm, all is bright. ask-a-marine: Marines with Lima Battery, 3rd Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment, fire M777A2 Lightweight Howitzers aboard Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Calif., during Exercise Steel Knight. Steel Knight is a combined arms exercise conducted by 1st Marine Division Marines and sailors from all elements of the Marine Air Ground Task Force. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl Jason Morrison, 11 DEC 2012.) by United States Marine Corps Official Page http://flic.kr/p/dCRMxM High-res

All is calm, all is bright.

ask-a-marine:

Marines with Lima Battery, 3rd Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment, fire M777A2 Lightweight Howitzers aboard Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Calif., during Exercise Steel Knight. Steel Knight is a combined arms exercise conducted by 1st Marine Division Marines and sailors from all elements of the Marine Air Ground Task Force.

(U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl Jason Morrison, 11 DEC 2012.) by United States Marine Corps Official Page http://flic.kr/p/dCRMxM

(via josejalapeno352)

Artillery training. Soldiers with Alpha Battery, 2nd Battalion, 32 Field Artillery, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, observe the impact of artillery rounds fired from an Afghan D-30 howitzer during partnered training in eastern Afghanistan. 1st Infantry Division forward observers regularly train with their Afghan counterparts to ensure a successful handover of direct and indirect fire operations as the Afghan National Security Forces continue to assume responsibility for the security mission in Afghanistan. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Nicolas Morales, Task Force 4/1 Public Affairs, 21 NOV 2012. Source.) High-res

Artillery training.

Soldiers with Alpha Battery, 2nd Battalion, 32 Field Artillery, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, observe the impact of artillery rounds fired from an Afghan D-30 howitzer during partnered training in eastern Afghanistan. 1st Infantry Division forward observers regularly train with their Afghan counterparts to ensure a successful handover of direct and indirect fire operations as the Afghan National Security Forces continue to assume responsibility for the security mission in Afghanistan.

(Photo by Staff Sgt. Nicolas Morales, Task Force 4/1 Public Affairs, 21 NOV 2012. Source.)

(via fuckyeahusarmy)

Oh hey, it’s Shaggy. A coalition force member prepares a M120 mortar system for sustainment training in Farah province, Afghanistan. Coalition force members are deployed to Farah province to ensure Afghan National Security Forces have been taking the lead in security operations to bring security and stability to the people of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan. (Photo by Sgt. Pete Thibodeau, 20 NOV 2012.) High-res

Oh hey, it’s Shaggy.

A coalition force member prepares a M120 mortar system for sustainment training in Farah province, Afghanistan. Coalition force members are deployed to Farah province to ensure Afghan National Security Forces have been taking the lead in security operations to bring security and stability to the people of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan.

(Photo by Sgt. Pete Thibodeau, 20 NOV 2012.)