Article December 2, 2002 Issue

How a Marine is preparing for possible deployment

BY Scott Wallace

AT THIS TIME (I'm writing this on November 12), my unit, the 5th Marine Engineer Support Battalion, a reserve unit, has not been called to active duty, in spite of the potential US conflict with Iraq. There is still a strong possibility, though, that we will be called up. Our unit has been undergoing more training than is mandatory in areas such as chemical warefare, so that we'll be prepared.

I'm a corporal in "combat service support operations." My job is to supply gear, food, and equipment to Marines on the front lines. Right now my prayers are for those soldiers who are already involved in setting up operations in the Middle East. I've also been thinking a lot about the innocent people of Baghdad and their families, who may be facing an invasion.