During the first few weeks of a seven-month deployment to Afghanistan, Okinawa-based Marines experienced additional stressors – extremely difficult terrain caused by severe weather.

The Marines, part of Combat Logistics Battalion 4, experienced these stressors while conducting a combat logistics patrol to resupply Regimental Combat Team 6 at forward operating bases in Helmand province, Afghanistan, Feb. 20-22.

The battalion is part of 3rd Marine Logistics Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force, while in garrison, but is currently assigned to 1st MLG (Forward) supporting combat operations.

Heavy rainfall in the days prior to the patrol presented new challenges for the CLB-4 Marines.

“The conditions were eye-opening for a lot of our Marines, especially since many of them are relatively (inexperienced),” said 2nd Lt. Jessica L. Ryan, platoon commander, Company B, CLB-4. “We have seen rough terrain before in Okinawa and at (Enhanced Mojave Viper), but this is a whole new type of beast.”

Water in the roadways was a major hurdle for the Marines. 

“The biggest challenge for the patrol was the flooding of the roads,” said Staff Sgt. Juan G. Camachomolina, platoon sergeant, Co. B. “The (vehicles) lose track discipline when they attempt to ford the (flooded areas) and can end up getting stuck.”

Vehicles in the patrol follow in the tracks of the first truck, which carries a mine roller, to ensure they are traveling in a cleared path, according to Sgt. John L. Cheek, motor transport operator, Co. B.

“When crossing flooded areas, following in the tracks of the front vehicle helps to ensure that no vehicle ventures into a deeper area of water or low-traction areas that could lead to a vehicle being stuck,” he added.

Heavy rainfall in the area is a seasonal occurrence marking the arrival of spring. Eventually the dry summer will bring an entirely new set of challenges, explained Staff Sgt. Cory Martin, air chief, CLB-4. This is Martin’s second deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

“There are always challenges,” said Camachomolina. “Right now it’s the mud and the water; in the summer we are going to be dealing with the ‘moon-dust.’”

The inclement weather also makes sharing the roadways more challenging.

“Due to the large size of the vehicles and the relatively narrow roads, sharing them with local drivers while successfully maneuvering through the mud and the water is much more difficult,” said Sgt. William G. Drake, the company’s security team leader.

Driving on treacherous roads is a skill that comes with time.

“Learning how to drive in these conditions takes experience, and the Marines are going to continue to get better at it,” said Drake. “Classes on the subject and working with the more experienced Marines are also important aspects of helping the Marines improve.”

The battalion completed its combat logistics patrol successfully despite the difficult conditions.

“The convoy went well; we maintained 100 percent accountability for our Marines and our gear, and we completed the mission,” said Drake. “Supporting (RCT-6) has always been the mission, and we will continue to execute.”