New documentary looking to be released in Oct. – Patrol Base Jaker
PATROL BASE JAKER, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan — When 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment’s Headquarters and Services Co. arrived at this location in mid-June, 40 British soldiers were harassed daily by insurgent gunfire. It was nothing more than a “hot LZ” according to some of the Marines here. Within a few days of their arrival, the Marines increased their numbers with elements of the battalion’s B and C Companies. With stronger numbers and more firepower, the insurgents slowly began to get the point. Now, there hasn’t been a firefight in the vicinity of the base since June 21, 2009. That was one week prior to the July 2 kickoff of Operation Khanjar, a major in which Marines spread across the Helmand River valley to deny insurgents freedom of movement and provide security for the people in the region.
Today, this small outpost consisting of only enough room for the few British and Afghan National Army soldiers and the reinforced company of Marines is getting a face lift. Marines with 1st Combat Engineer Battalion, along with heavy equipment operators from Combat Logistics Battalion 8, have been working day and night since July 29 to expand PB Jaker, building barriers and observation posts and improving overall security.
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