\"Why Do You Like Them So Much?\"

"Because they stand upon a wall and say, 'Nothing's going to hurt you tonight, not on my watch.' "

Stand on a wall. 

I always think about the above quote when looking back at my 2.5 years spent overseas.  Stand on a wall.  That's literally what I did the first year + overseas.  6 months in Sicily, I stood guard at Post 3.  Post 3 was a walkway high up on an earth berm, between two reinforced concrete bunkers.  It was considered the shittiest post to walk, especially at night, as there was nothing out in front of you except an open field, and (2) sandbag bunkers where the Italians stood guard.

It was quite the guard compound really.  First line of defense were the Italians.  Not much of a defense, as they were all conscripts, and you could always see them lighting up joints at night and getting high.

The next line of defense was the outer fence.  A 12 ft. high chain link fence, topped with 3 strands of razor wire.  Right after that fence, on the ground, were the Microwave detectors.  They were "line of site" devices somewhat like a laser.  Also, underneath these, were pressure plates, that would also set off the alarm.  Looking down the enterior of this fence line, were cameras which covered every inch of the fence.

After the microwaves and pressure plates, was another 12 ft high chain link fence.  Also topped with 3 strands of razor wire.

After all that, there were 10 foot high earth berms, with reinforced concrete bunkers on both ends of the berms.  Walking these berms were Marines.

Now, if someone was good enough to get through all that, we had a Reaction Force inside the compound, which would disperse and reinforce the Marines at their posts.

But that wasn't all.  The final, last line of defense was the Reaction Force on base (The Compound was seperate of the base).  This consisted of a Platoon strength group who would roll to the compound full armed in armored "Peace Keeper" vehicles and LAVs.  If this group was needed, then the shit would have really hit the fan.

Some serious shit we were guarding.  "Items vital to the National Security of the United States".

Of course, being good Marines, we had certain orders we had to follow.  These were called "General Orders".  There are 11 of them, and we had to know them frontwards and back.  And yes, I still know them all.

1. To take charge of this post and all government property in view.
2. To walk my post in a military manner, keeping always on the alert, and observing everything that takes place within sight or hearing.
3. To report all violations of orders I am instructed to enforce.
4. To repeat all calls from posts more distant from the guardhouse than my own.
5. To quit my post only when properly relieved.
6. To recieve, obey, and pass on to the sentry who relieves me, all orders from the Commanding Oficer, Officer Of the Day, and officers, and noncomissioned officers of the guard only.
7. To talk to no one except in the line of duty.
8. To give the alarm in case of fire or disorder.
9. To call the corporal of the guard in any case not covered by instructions.
10. To salute all officers, and all colors and standards not cased.
11. To be especially watchful at night and, during the time for challenging, to challenge all persons on or near my post, and to allow no one to pass without proper authority.

And, General Order #12.  One that some good Marine out there came up with:
12.  To walk my post flank to flank, and take no shit from any rank.

#12, even though it wasn't an official order, was followed obsessively.  Case in point - The entry point to the compound was Post #2.  It was an inside post behind bullet proof glass and reinforced concrete.

Some higher ups decided that they needed to come to Sicily and inspect our outfit.  I honestly think they just used it as an excuse to take a trip to Italy, but whatever.  Anyways, when they came to inspect the Compound, all visitors must show (2) forms of identification, or you do not get in.  They also must be escorted by one of the unit's NCOs or Officers.

So the Battalion Commander and a 1-star General came up to Post #2 to come check out the compound.  Guess who didn't his ID with him?  The 1-star.  So the Marine at Post #2 refused him entry, as he controls all entry and exit into the compound via electric gate.

Our unit CO, 1st Sgt., and Gunny were with these VIPs.  And they start ordering the Marine to let the 1-star through.  The Marine refused.  The entry process applied to everyone, and no one got special consideration.

The Battalion CO starts in yelling at the Marine.  Nope.  No entry.  The Guard Officer of the Day in the compound comes out to Post #2, and the posse start in on him.  He refuses entry and backs his Marine up.  They maintain their poise and refuse entry to the 1-star.  Finally the VIP party leaves.

We find out later that the 1-star is very impressed with how the Marine handled the situation, and passed his approval on to the Battalion CO along with a recommendation.  The Marine who had been manning Post #2 is promoted less than a month later.  Good shit.

Damn, I was going to write another "Hazing / Ritual" incident, but this side tracked me.  Oh well, just gives me more stuff for tomorrow.