Cpl. Ryan C. Heiser -- During my deployment as a military journalist with the Camp Pendleton, Calif.-based 1st Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, Regimental Combat Team 2, I have had the amazing opportunity to do everything from raids and patrols, to week-long operations, to riding for hours sticking out the top of a light armored vehicle (LAV) speeding across the Iraqi sands in the western Euphrates River valley.
While serving with the mobile “Highlanders,” I was afforded several opportunities to speak with grunts (infantrymen) and LAV crewmen about their past deployments, their family, their opinions on what they do everyday, and what keeps them coming back for more.
I asked two Marines I have spent a lot of time with to talk about the War, their experiences, and opinions as Marines on the front lines.
Cpl. Tyler L. Cosgray, a 21-year-old squad leader and light armored vehicle commander with 2nd platoon from Montecello, In., deployed last year with the battalion, and is currently serving on his second tour of duty with Company D.
Lance Cpl. Christopher R. Rodarte, an infantryman and squad leader with Weapons Platoon from La Puente, Calif., is also serving his second tour in Iraq with the company.
During a re-supply stop on Combat Outpost Rawah, Iraq, we sat down to talk about the differences between infantrymen and crewman, how they affect the Iraqi citizens, and how they manage to make it from one day to the next.
What made you decide to be a regular infantryman or an LAV crewman?
Cosgray – (laughs) I was told I wouldn’t have to hike as much. That made the decision right then and there; I’d get to drive around instead of walk around. I hate hiking.
Rodarte – I always wanted to be a grunt. When I joined there was no question, I was going to be on the front lines with the guys that made history. It was never a choice for me; I had already made the decision.
What are some of the differences you see between this deployment and your last one?
Rodarte – Most of our company’s job now is to patrol the city (of Rawah, Iraq). It’s more of a straight-leg grunt-type mission. The other companies do other things, but I guess it’s a good change of pace.
How does this affect the new Marines in your squads who have never deployed before?
Cosgray – It’s good and bad for the crewman. They don’t get as much time in the vehicle as they would if we were doing something else, but on the other hand they get to experience what the regular infantry guys do everyday.
Rodarte – Yeah, I agree. The 11s (infantrymen) like it because they get plenty of experience leading patrols and doing what they wanted to do when they joined.
How has your company affected the area and the city?
Cosgray – There are a lot less potshots at us. We still get the occasional IED (improvised explosive device) but only every now and then, other than that our area is pretty calm. I can’t even remember the last time the insurgents attacked our position in the city.
Rodarte – I think we are definitely closer to the local populace. The kids love us, and everyone comes out when we go on patrols. Our interpreter says the locals tell him they feel safer because of our presence in the city. We even had two IED manufacturers just turn themselves in.
Cosgray – Oh yeah! They just walked in and said, “We can’t take it anymore, we quit.” That was awesome. We are definitely getting the job done here.
How do you think 1st LAR has done so far on the deployment?
Cosgray – Outstanding. We are a mobile unit, and we have taken a city and made it safe, sticking to the more grunt-type mission. We showed everyone that LAR can adapt to any situation, any type of mission. We can do the mobile thing, or we can set up and do ground patrols. LAR is versatile, and it makes us a huge asset. We have done a great job so far.
Rodarte – People don’t see us as a ‘powerhouse’ unit, but I beg to differ. We have proved that we are capable of anything, and we will continue to turn heads with our success.
What do you think about the debate to pull out or stay in Iraq?
Cosgray – I don’t understand why our job gets highlighted like that. I signed on for four years, and I’m doing my job, just like every other guy who signed on. Does anyone ask the garbage man if he likes his job? Why? Because it doesn’t matter, what matters is the job gets done.
Rodarte – I couldn’t care less really. I came here with my buddies, and I plan on leaving with my buddies. The man on your left and right, that’s what is important.
What is the most difficult thing about being here in Iraq?
Cosgray – This is going to make some people mad. We ran out of hot pockets and pizza a few times (laughs). Seriously though, I don’t know. We get good food and sleep, so we can’t really complain.
Rodarte – Man, that’s a hard question. Actually I would say laundry is the hardest thing. But if that’s the worst I guess we have it pretty good. No wait. Adapting to the heat was pretty tough too. We are constantly on patrol and it’s hard to get used to.
Cosgray – I second that one, can I change mine?
How do you make it from one day to the next in the Iraqi desert, so far from home?
Cosgray – This guy right here (points to Rodarte). He makes us all laugh.
Rodarte – It’s all about your buddies. We have the internet and phone center, so we can speak with our families. And a good gym, so we can relieve stress and work out.
Cosgray – Yeah the phones are nice. . .yeah, how do we do it?
Rodarte – I think we realize we have it much better than last year, and much better than a lot of other guys out there.
What are some of the good times that you will remember years from now?
Cosgray – Oh wow, I got one. We stole our buddy’s boot on his birthday. He was on standby for the quick reaction force (QRF) and was sleeping between patrols. We yelled and told him that something happened and QRF was up, so he jumped up and started screaming, “Where’s my boot, where’s my boot,” in this thick southern drawl. It was so funny. Then he says screw it, throws on a sandal and went outside all geared up, flak and Kevlar and everything. When he came outside we all yelled, “Happy Birthday,” and gave him his boot for his present.
When you get home, what will you say when people ask what it was like?
Cosgray – It was hot everyday. We had a few shots taken at us and some IEDs. Not really much to say, it isn’t exactly a thing you try to remember in detail, so you can tell your friends.
Rodarte – Yeah, you can’t really ever explain something like this to anyone who never experienced it themselves. And if they did, then they wouldn’t ask. They’d know.
What are some Iraq Myths you have heard that you would like to dispel for the guys on their way over for the first time?
Cosgray – When I came over I thought IEDs were everywhere. Every time I saw trash I thought I was going to die. After a few months I relaxed and realized that you could dodge everything and still get hit. Don’t get complacent, but you have to learn how to react and prepare for the worst without driving yourself insane.
Rodarte – Yeah, the bottom line is: if it’s your day, then it’s your day. The best you can do is rely on each other and hope the enemy knows better than to mess with you.
Cosgray – You hear on the news how many people are dying and hurt and stuff, so you envision a place where you are in a never-ending firefight and everyone around you is dying. The truth is, it just isn’t that type of war here.
Rodarte – Knock on wood. Oh, and camel spiders aren’t as big as basketballs, softballs maybe.
What are you looking forward to when you go home?
Cosgray – This is going to sound weird, but I want to buy a new pair of cowboy boots. I’m into them now and I can’t explain why. Of courseI want to see my family and relax without worrying about a patrol and stuff like that, but I really want those boots.
Rodarte – The same I guess, except for the boots (laughs). I really miss my daughter. I can’t wait to see my family and eat mom’s cooking.
If you could say anything to the people back home, what would it be?
Cosgray – I hate when I hear, ‘What about the troops..?’ We volunteered to do this and it isn’t anyone’s right to deny us the opportunity to come to Iraq, or anywhere, and do our job. That really makes me mad when they try to use us to make people sympathize with anti-war beliefs. The troops are fine, we wanted to be here. And mom and dad I love you. Oh, and Alex, your brother wants his money back.
Rodarte – I don’t do this for people back home anymore. I do it for him (points at Cosgray). I do it for my buddy who still hasn’t seen his newborn child yet. I do it for my brothers. If I could say one thing to the American public it would be simple: You’re welcome.