Compass Points - Courage

Step off into the unknown

Compass Points - Courage

Step off into the unknown

November 5, 2024

.

Early in the morning, nearly two decades ago, on today's date, November 5, 2005, Marines loaded up their gear and stepped off once again into the unknown.

.

===================

.

On November 5, 2005 in the western region of Al Anbar approximately 2,500 Marines, Sailors and Soldiers from Regimental Combat Team-2 along with 1,000 additional Iraqi Army Soldiers initiated Operation Steel Curtain, or Al Hajip Elfulathi in Arabic. Due to the increased combat capability of Iraqi forces in the Al Anbar province, this operation marked the first large-scale deployment of multiple battalion-sized units of Iraqi Army forces in combined operations with Coalition Forces in al Anbar during that year. Specially recruited soldiers from the Iraqi scout platoons from the al Qaim region were embedded along with US and Iraqi forces in order to identify terrorist strong points and areas containing improvised explosive devices.

As part of the larger Operation Hunter, Steel Curtain was designed to pursue the goals established by the earlier operations of Iron Fist and River Gate by asserting control and security along the Iraqi-Syrian border and attacking the insurgent networks operating in Husaybah. Iraq's border with Syrian functioned as a conduit for smuggling in foreign fighters, money and equipment used in attacking Coalition Forces.

-- Global Security

.

===================

.

Every Marine wore the same uniform, each carried much the same equipment, and had been through the same training. But more important than the gear each Marine carried was what each Marine carried inside: courage.

How important is courage? Author C.S. Lewis in his satirical novel,  "The Screwtape Letters" said courage was the virtue above all virtues.

.

===================

.

Courage is not simply one of the virtues but the form of every virtue at the testing point, which means at the point of highest reality.

-- C.S. Lewis

.

===================

.

It is the virtues and values that Marines carry inside them that are the real source of Marine strength. As General Carl Mundy the 30th Commandant of the Marine Corps explained:

.

===================

.

Generation after generation of American men and women have given special meaning to the term United States Marine. They have done so by their performance on and off the battlefield. Feared by enemies, respected by allies, and loved by the American people, Marines are a “special breed.” This reputation was gained and is maintained by a set of enduring Core Values. These values form the cornerstone, the bedrock, and the heart of our character. They are the guiding beliefs and principles that give us strength, influence our attitudes, and regulate our behavior. They bond our Marine Family into a total force that can meet any challenge.

-- Gen Mundy - Statement on Core Values of the United States Marine Corps

.

===================

.

General Mundy described courage:

.

===================

.

COURAGE: The heart of our Core Values, courage is the mental, moral, and physical strength ingrained in Marines to carry them through the challenges of combat and the mastery of fear; to do what is right; to adhere to a higher standard of personal conduct; to lead by example, and to make tough decisions under stress and pressure. It is the inner strength that enables a Marine to take that extra step.

-- Gen Mundy - Statement on Core Values of the United States Marine Corps

.

===================

.

Operation Steel Curtain lasted 17 days. More than a dozen Marines were killed or seriously injured. The enemy forces were routed, and permanent bases were established in the cities of Husaybah, Karabilah, and Ubaydi. More than equipment and more than training, Marines overcame every obstacle and every danger with courage.

Compass Points salutes the Marines of Regimental Combat Team - 2. On the morning of November 5, 2005, the Marines geared up and stepped off into the unknown. Today, the US is facing dangers all over the world. Soon, very soon, Marines will once again step off into danger. No matter what the future holds for the US or for the Marine Corps, everyone needs to hold fast to their courage.

.

- - - - -

.

Global Security

Operation Steel Curtain, Al Hajip Elfulathi

November 5, 2005

https://www.globalsecurity.org/military/ops/oif-steel-curtain.htm