By Lance Cpl. Ray Lewis
Regimental Combat Team 5

Staff Sgt. Carroll R. Williams III, a 34-year-old infantry unit leader, gives a brief to his Marines with Weapons Company, 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment before a mounted-vehicle patrol. Department of Defense photo by Lance Cpl. Ray Lewis, Regimental Combat Team-5, 1st Marine Division Public Affairs.

But rather than clearing garbage and leaves, the Marines of Weapons Company, 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment conduct daily vehicle patrols to rid roads of improvised explosive devices and insurgents.

“We’re keeping the roads safe for fellow Americans and Iraqis,” said Pfc. Brandon S. Kyle, a 21-year-old from Angola, Ind., who drives a vehicle for the Combined Anti-Armor Team Platoon.

Kyle said his team has noticed progress since they started working under Regimental Combat Team 5 a couple months back.

“The more we patrol, the less likely someone will put something on the side of the road,” said Cpl. Daniel T. McGrath, a vehicle commander with B Section, CAAT Platoon.

McGrath and his crew regularly run the dusty roads in this area west of Habbaniyah, looking for insurgents along the way, but it’s not just windshield tours for the Marines on this duty. McGrath said his team once had to dismount a vehicle to chase down insurgents after a rocket-propelled grenade attack.

Despite the dangers of purposely seeking out the weapons insurgents try to use against them, many of the Marines say they’re happy to serve together, day after day.

Lance Cpl. Edwin A. Vera serves as a gunner for his vehicle. He is the “eyes” of the truck, responsible for spotting suspicious activity before danger presents itself.

Vera relishes the opportunity to support his fellow Marines. Of the work, he said simply, “It feels like I’m actually doing something productive."