06 0001C FEB 08
Dear Family and Friends of TF Mayhem,
Just a few minutes ago, 2d Bn, 24th Marines, TF Mayhem completed the transition of authority (TOA) with 1st Bn, 1st Marines, TF Chromite. We have officially relieved TF Chromite of their responsibility for the Area of Operations.
During, the past several weeks we have been in the process of assuming the ground that 1/1 has been operating for the past several months. The turnover with TF Chromite has been the smoothest I have ever seen or experienced in my previous deployments to Iraq. The Marines and Sailors of 1/1 have done a superb job and will shortly head back home to see their families. I wish them God Speed and a safe return home.
For the Marines and Sailors of TF Mayhem we are executing the mission we have spent many months training for. Over the course of the next several months your Marines and Sailors will be challenged in many ways. The challenges are different than what many of them experienced in their last deployment. But, your Marines and Sailors are up to the task.
Your Marines and Sailors are occupying Combat Out Posts (COPS), Patrol Bases (PB’s) and Joint Security Stations (JSS’s). In many cases, your Marines and Sailors are living and working side by side with Iraqi Police (IP) and what are called the Provincial Security Forces (PSF). Some Marines are operating on Police Transition Teams, which embed at Iraqi Police Stations and others are partnered with IP and PSF units at the JSS’s. The majority of the Marines are operating out of COP’s in support of the IP, PSF and another group called the CLC or Concerned Local Citizens (CLC). The CLC are Iraqi’s that are standing at checkpoints in their communities, they are very much like the neighborhood watch but, they stand out at a checkpoint for hours at a time and keep the likes of Al Queda, Iraq away. The reason that AQI has been neutralized is because the Iraqis who are part of the IP, PSF and CLC have stood up and taken their communities back. Our mission is assist the IP, PSF, and CLC assume a greater role in the security of there homes, neighborhoods and towns.
I get to visit with the Marines and Sailors every day as part of my duties of working with the Shiekhs, Local civic leaders, the IP, CLC and PSF leadership. Your Marines and Sailors are motivated and many of them have really adapted to working with the Iraqis. Some of them have grown mustaches and have developed a taste for the local cuisine. Many of the IP, PSF, and CLC stood up and fought with us during some of the more dangerous times. Many of them have lost family members to the outrages of AQI. I am amazed at the level of cultural awareness and Arabic language ability of many of the Marines.
You all have much to be proud of; this is a difficult mission and is not without risk. Last week, for example a vehicle carrying Marines to one of the COP’s was struck by an Improvised Explosive Device (IED). The IED caused some damage to the truck they were riding in but, there were no reported injuries. This is a testament to the quality of the equipment we are being issued. Many of the Up Armored Hummers (UAH) are being replaced by the new Mine Resistant Armored Protected (MRAP) vehicles.
I hope that you have heard from your Marine or Sailor since we have arrived. Most of them have indicated that they have called or written home at least once. These are some terrific young Americans doing a very difficult and, often times, dangerous job. They are well trained and are ready to do great things. Thanks for your support. Semper Fi and God Bless…..From AO Mayhem. FWC
SgtMaj Anthony C. Carter
I&I Sergeant Major
2nd Battalion, 24th Marines
"Chicago Marines"
