“Every combat deployment there reaches a point that you just don’t give a f*ck anymore. You don’t care about anything anymore except those in the shit next you. Morale is generally low, and everyone is in a constant state of hate and discontent, We were no different.

One of these miserable days, while I was COG I was making my rounds to the posts, providing Marines with water, and relieving them if they needed to take a piss or whatever. Our compound had 4 perimeter posts and 1 VCP. The VCP was outside the compound on this shit dirt road and the only way to reach it was from the post’s rear. While walking out there, the Marine on post was casually smoking a cigarette, helmet unstrapped, a few days passed a 5 o’clock shadow and a mismatched collection of clothes under his gear. He was every 1st Sgt’s worst nightmare. He wasn’t complacent but he just didn’t give a f*ck, nor did any of us.

As I approached, I was about to call his name as to not sneak up on him. Gun shot was heard and his only source of cover, a 4 foot sandbag wall was struck. Clearly aiming at him. This Marine didn’t grab his rifle, didn’t dive for cover, instead without putting out his cigarette, he grabbed a LAW we kept on the post and proceeded to “Return fire.” Once the rocket was gone he just leaned against the wall and continued to smoke, completely unaware I was there. It was the most majestic thing I have ever seen.

It was like watching a unicorn. I was in Awe. I just remember walking up to him and saying “Dude did you just return fire with a fuc*ing LAW?” And he just shrugged in the most carefree manner. I was amazed. My Plt Sgt and LT asked questions though but we got it sorted. The enlisted way”
– Anonymous Marine. 3rd Battalion 6th Marines. Marjah Afghanistan, 2010
—————
As we always say here at Battles and Beers (TM) Every soldier has a story, and every story deserves to be told.