Wednesday, January 25, 2006

Of Quasimoto, Dogs, Death and God









Out on the battlefield communication is important on many levels. Company commanders follow closely behind their Marines as they press forward through a maze of walled courtyards and Byzantine streets. With a radio handset pressed into one ear and a strangle hold on a well worn map these seasoned professionals orchestrate a deadly game of cat and mouse. Geometry of fire is the watchword of the day as they regulate the movement of their platoons trying to stay on line with flanking sister units while maintaining aggressive contact to the front. Often the only things these captains have to go on are the tin can garble of radio traffic, the sound of gunfire, and rising plumes of smoke. They ultimately have to trust their own experience and intuition. Most will tell you what a challenge it is to restrain a company of Marines once their blood is up, the scent fresh and the chase is afoot. With their personal entourage of radiomen in tow they leapfrog forward through gaping holes sledge hammered and blasted into walls by the advancing squads. Identifying the Iraqi home with the highest roof, a temporary command post and overwatch is set up, and the advance to the next phase line intitiated. The radiomen set up their gear and collapse into shady corners. These hybrid grunts,loaded down with personal gear, weapons, ammo, radio and extra batteries, carry more than anyone on the battlefield. Often they have to sprint to the next position over walls and down exposed alleyways. A common sight is a RO (radio operator)bent over Quasimoto-like, leaning heavily on his rifle and leashed by a corkscrewing handset cord to an officer.

Another form of communication on the battlefield is more intimate and basic. It's the communication between the military working dog handlers and their canine charges. These Marines, with their explosives sniffing assistants, dart from one IED or weapons cache' site to another. Marine and dog are inseperable day and night. With subtle hand signals and firm commands the handler manages his dog. With kind words, pats on the head, close body contact and treats he keeps his buddy's morale up. Most dog handlers I've spoken with will quickly tell you how sensitive their dogs are to the stress of combat. They are very attuned to signs, like listlessness and weight loss, that suggest PTSD is starting to affect their partner.

Somewhere unseen in the battle space are the snipers. From their "hides" they send out final death notices sealed in 173 grains of 7.62mm lead. On the shoulders of these highly trained marksmen rests a weight of divine proportion. Unseen and with mythic skill they protect their fellow Marines from afar, and are the last person to see the unwary insurgent take his final earthly breath.

Communication to the Man Upstairs is also addressed out among the sound of gunfire and the acrid smell of cordite. Chaplains and religious program specialists roam the battlefield offering words of encouragement and listening ears. The portrait accompanying this post is of "padre" Lieutenant Bryan Crittendon USN. I traveled with him in the back of a amphibious assault vehicle out into the mean streets of Husayba, Iraq. His tired worldly eyes sparkled with a special infectious light; the personification of enthusiasm. Enthusiasm is an interesting and appropriate word in this case. It comes from the Greek, entheos, which means God within, and this chaplain, a former Marine helicopter pilot, was fully possessed of it.

13 comments:

Anonymous said...

Such amazing talent.

Anonymous said...

Again, a multifaceted education.
"The other side of Exhausted" was a perfect description for that last drawing. Actually, the majority of them. How DO you all do it!?! Including the heavy, HEAVY loads of gear - A helping hand from 'God within' might just explain it...

So many pictures; lots to study!
You're a gift to us here stateside, MD Fay.

Samantha West said...

Incredible, as always!

Sam
.
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Joyce from NJ said...

Really enjoy your work--photographs, drawings, paintings and commentary. Thanks especially for focusing on the individual Marines to show us who they really are. Praying for them

Joyce from NJ said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
GunnNutt said...

I hope you don't get tired of hearing this, but Thank You!

Your work is simply awesome. Semper Gratus!

Craig C said...

Excellent work SSgt. Just what the hell does one do to get the job title "Marine Corps Combat Artist"!?

Keep the sand out...and come home soon.

2/2 BLT attached 6th Marines
Operation Desert Storm

Quilting Goddess said...

Those are the best drawings so far & thank you for sharing. I really enjoy your writing too.

Tiger said...

Superb! Absolutely superb.

Even RANGERS love ya, Sarge.

Anonymous said...

These drawings were so descriptive,and stand alone telling their story.... however,the accompanying acount of the communications needed and used added even more to the artwork. Excellant work.

Papa Ray said...

More than outstanding. More than impressive.
More than wonderful.
More than words can convey.

Continue the Mission.

Papa Ray
West Texas
USA

John said...

Thank you. I'm looking forward to the next installment.

Anonymous said...

your work is so beautiful.