3/2/2023 0 Comments Iron marines twitter![]() The tests will grow increasingly more challenging to gauge the system’s “proficiency and potential.” The first round of tests is part of a series of live-fire events scheduled for fiscal 2022, Seapower Magazine reported. The unit is dedicated to securing the Afghan people, defeating insurgent forces and enabling ANSF assumption of security responsibilities within its area of operations in order to support the expansion of stability, development and legitimate governance.The US Marines live-tested its Medium-Range Intercept Capability prototype last week at White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico. “Staying fit is what we do, that’s why we’re Marines.”Įditor’s note: First Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion is part of Regimental Combat Team 5, 1st Marine Division (Forward), which works in partnership with the Afghan National Security Forces and the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan to conduct counterinsurgency operations. “We’re not done here until we’re gone,” said Aguilera. plan to continue pumping iron until their deployment comes to an end. “Cardio takes care of itself, you get used to the conditions when you go out on patrol.” “The workouts that we do focus on keeping the upper body strong,” said Aguilera. ![]() If they see me work out, they get on the wagon too and start raising their (fitness) level.”ĭespite the spartan conditions and limited equipment, the platoon finds ways to vary their workouts and push their limits. “Part of that is upholding the fitness standards and setting the example for my Marines. “Being a Marine gives me a rush,” said Aguilera. It also provides them the motivation to maintain the Marine Corps’ fitness standards, even while deployed in an austere environment. “I’m planning on going to college and trying out for the football team when I get out, so it helps me with my goals.” “I’ve always been an athletic person, staying fit has never been a problem” said Liserio. The platoon’s mobile gym, which sometimes sports a makeshift weight bench made out of a box and a plank of plywood, provides a small but welcome relief from the daily grind of patrolling and vehicle checkpoints. “I try to do as much as I can, but sometimes you kind of have to make your own tools too.” Joshua Liserio, a light armored vehicle crewman with Blue Plt. “I can pretty much do what I do in a gym with what we have,” said Cpl. Weights litter the ground, waiting for a lift. The vehicle is unrecognizable, as a makeshift pull-up bar protrudes from the rear, and portable suspension training equipment and resistance bands hang from various hooks and handles. “I just had to find a safe spot on the vehicle to put them in, so they won’t go flying everywhere in case we hit an improvised explosive device.” “Our first sergeant let us sign them out,” said Aguilera. Barbells and weights usually seen in an air-conditioned gym hit the warm desert sand, as they’re unloaded from a mine resistant ambush protected vehicle. ![]() Upon settling at their overnight post, the Marines begin setting up their mobile gym. “All of the deployments I’ve done have been like this, so it feels normal now.” “Living out of a vehicle is normal, because that’s what we do in 1st LAR,” said Aguilera. to live on the road, only returning to their home base, Combat Outpost South Station, to resupply and refuel. Since October 2011, Aguilera and his Marines have been charged with keeping the road secure and insurgent free for Khan Neshin locals and coalition forces. “We watch out for insurgents emplacing improvised explosive devices.” Carlos Aguilera, the platoon sergeant for Blue Platoon and a 31-year-old native of Los Angeles. “Our main mission is to provide overwatch on a main resupply route,” said Gunnery Sgt. Iron moves rhythmically through the air, synchronized to the bass lines flowing from a portable speaker system.īlood moves frantically from a Marine’s heart, through his pulsing veins, and pumps oxygen into muscles, gasping for a break.Īs the setting sun’s light faded from the glowing sand dunes, Marines and sailors with Blue Platoon, Echo Company, 1st Light Armored Reconnaissance, were hard at work, pumping iron and staying fit.Īfter a day’s labor, the platoon sets up a defensive coil near a well-travelled road, and known smuggler’s route between Khan Neshin district and Pakistan. KHAN NESHIN DISTRICT, Afghanistan – Brows soak in hard earned sweat.
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