Marines On The Move: The Resurgence Of Afghanistan Deployments

In August 2021, over 2,000 US Marines were deployed to Afghanistan to assist in evacuation operations and security. The Marines were sent to Kabul to secure the evacuation of tens of thousands of Americans and at-risk allies as the Taliban took control of the country. The Marines were involved in processing evacuees at Hamid Karzai International Airport and providing security at the airport perimeter. They also provided medical care and stabilisation for those who were injured.

2,000 Marines were deployed to Afghanistan to assist with evacuations in 2021

In August 2021, as the Taliban advanced across Afghanistan, the Pentagon deployed 3,000 troops, including two Marine Corps battalions, to support the evacuation of the U.S. Embassy in Kabul. The decision was made as the Taliban seized control of multiple Afghan cities, causing the Biden administration to accelerate plans to get Americans out of the country.

The 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), based at Camp Lejeune, N.C., including 1st Battalion, 8th Marines, was one of the first units to arrive in Kabul. They were joined by the Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force-Crisis Response-Central Command, which included 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment from Camp Pendleton, Calif.

About 50 Marines from the Task Force 51/5 in Bahrain were the first to arrive in Kabul, providing initial headquarters and command-and-control capability to the Joint Task Force-Crisis Response forces at the Kabul airport. They were followed by around 1,200 Marines from 1/8 and Combat Logistics Battalion 24 from Camp Lejeune, and later by approximately 800 Marines from the SPMAGTF. In total, more than 2,000 Marines were supporting evacuation operations and security in Afghanistan.

The Marines' primary missions at the Kabul airport were the evacuation control centers, where they processed individuals for evacuation, and providing security for those sites. They also participated in perimeter security at the airport, led by the Army's 82nd Airborne Division. The Marines faced a challenging situation as thousands of Afghans rushed towards the airport after Taliban forces took control of the capital city. Despite the challenges, they were able to reestablish the perimeter and maintain a stable environment for evacuation operations.

Marines in Afghanistan have to live expeditionary, with limited access to supplies, food, water, and ammunition

The living conditions for Marines in Afghanistan can vary significantly depending on their location and whether they are operating inside or outside the wire. "Inside the wire" facilities are available for downtime in some areas, but missions are carried out throughout the country outside the wire. This can involve operating in harsh and remote environments, such as the frigid arctic or desert heat, which further strains their limited resources.

Communication with loved ones back home can also be challenging due to scarce access to email or phones. This lack of communication should not be a cause for worry, as it is often due to the scarcity of these amenities in the deployed areas. It is important to respect operational security (OPSEC) and refrain from sharing or asking about the Marine's exact location. Instead, focus on understanding the amenities available to them to determine what items to send in care packages.

The unpredictable nature of their missions and the dynamic security situation in Afghanistan require Marines to be adaptable and resilient. They must be prepared to face a range of challenges, from intense guerrilla warfare to providing assistance during evacuations or natural disasters. Their ability to live and operate in these challenging conditions showcases the dedication and versatility of the Marine Corps.

Overall, the living conditions for Marines in Afghanistan are characterized by limited access to resources and a need to be resourceful and resilient in the face of challenging environments and situations.

Marines in Afghanistan face challenges in communicating with their families back home

Marines in Afghanistan face significant challenges in maintaining communication with their families back home. The nature of their deployment in remote and hostile regions, often without access to basic amenities, makes regular contact difficult. Here are some of the key challenges they encounter:

Limited Access to Communication Means:

Marines deployed in Afghanistan often have scarce access to phones or emails. The lack of reliable communication infrastructure in the region poses a significant hurdle. As advised by MarineParents.com, family members back home should not be alarmed by the lack of frequent communication, understanding that such amenities are simply not readily available.

Operational Security Concerns:

To ensure operational security, or OPSEC, Marines are advised against sharing their exact locations with their families. This can create a sense of uncertainty and worry for loved ones, who are naturally curious about their Marine's whereabouts. Instead, family members are encouraged to inquire about the amenities available to their Marine to determine what items to send in care packages.

Impact of Deployment on Families:

Deployment takes a toll on the mental health and well-being of both the Marines and their families. The stress of separation, coupled with concerns for their loved one's safety, can lead to anxiety, worry, and even detachment for those left behind. Additionally, the returning Marine faces the challenge of readjusting to family life, with children having grown and relationships requiring renewed effort to flourish.

Frequent Relocation and Harsh Living Conditions:

Marines in Afghanistan often face harsh living conditions, with many areas lacking basic facilities. They may be required to relocate frequently, making it challenging for families to send care packages. This transience can also hinder the establishment of stable communication routines.

High-Risk Environments and Demanding Missions:

The nature of their missions in Afghanistan, often involving combat and high-risk situations, leaves little room for Marines to focus on consistent communication with their families. The demanding nature of their work and the need to maintain operational security can result in prolonged periods without contact, causing concern for families back home.

Time Zone Differences:

With Afghanistan located in South-Central Asia, there is a significant time zone difference with the United States. This discrepancy can make coordinating calls or video chats challenging, further hindering regular communication between Marines and their families.

These challenges underscore the difficulties faced by Marines and their families during deployments to regions like Afghanistan. It highlights the need for resilience, adaptability, and understanding on both sides to navigate the complexities of staying connected during such demanding and dangerous assignments.

Marines were involved in providing security and controlling the chaos at the Kabul airport during evacuations

The Marines were also involved in providing security at the airport, which was led by the Army's 82nd Airborne Division. They worked to reestablish the perimeter at the airport and clear the airfield to enable additional forces to flow in. This provided a safer environment for the operation of evacuation control centres, which were key to getting people cleared for outgoing flights.

The Marines faced a challenging situation on the ground, with thousands of Afghans rushing towards the airport after the Taliban took control of the capital city. Despite the chaos, they were able to maintain a stable perimeter and facilitate the evacuation process.

During the evacuation, there were tragic attacks on the Kabul airport by the Islamic State group, resulting in the deaths of U.S. service members and dozens of Afghans. The Marines, along with other U.S. and coalition forces, continued the evacuation efforts despite the threats, ensuring that those seeking to flee Afghanistan could do so safely.

The US Marine Corps is shifting its focus from Afghanistan to address emerging threats from Chinese and Russian militaries

The US Marine Corps is undergoing a significant shift in focus, moving away from Afghanistan and the "old wars" to address the emerging threats posed by the Chinese and Russian militaries. This realignment reflects a broader change in US military strategy, which has been directed by the White House to shift its attention from counterinsurgency campaigns to "great-power competition" with Russia and China.

The Marine Corps' new strategy involves a return to its naval roots, emphasizing maritime warfare and the ability to operate within the adversary's "bubble of air, missile, and naval power." This shift entails divesting itself of certain traditional capabilities, such as tanks and counterinsurgency expertise, and acquiring new capabilities to counter the challenges posed by China and Russia.

One key aspect of the Marine Corps' transformation is the development of Marine Littoral Regiments, which will be equipped with shore-based anti-ship weapons to deny adversaries the use of seas near small islands or coastal outposts in the South and East China Seas. These regiments will also specialize in establishing and operating from small expeditionary bases, providing logistical support for aircraft, ships, and other units engaged in the region.

Another important change is the adoption of more naval-oriented platforms and weapons systems. The Marine Corps is investing in long-range precision weapons, such as anti-ship missiles and ground-launched versions of the Tomahawk cruise missile, which has a range of about 900 miles. They are also exploring the use of unmanned systems, including aerial, surface, and subsurface unmanned platforms, for reconnaissance, targeting, and logistics support.

The Marine Corps is also adapting its force structure to be lighter, more mobile, and more resilient. They will operate from diverse maritime platforms and allied partner ships, integrating into small naval task forces. This distributed approach will allow them to operate within the adversary's missile systems and contribute to sea-control and sea-denial missions.

To support these changes, the Marine Corps is modernizing its training and education programs, overhauling talent management processes, and prioritizing cybersecurity and information warfare capabilities.

The Marine Corps' shift in focus is part of a broader US military strategy to counter the growing capabilities of China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) and the evolving global security environment, which is characterized by increasing competition from Russia and China.

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