The Mystery Of Marine Bases In Afghanistan: A Strategic Enclave?

Afghanistan is home to several US Marine bases, including Camp Dwyer in the Helmand River Valley and Camp Leatherneck in the Helmand Province. These bases were established as Forward Operating Bases (FOBs) to combat insurgent and Taliban activity in the region, with the former serving as an airfield and the latter accommodating thousands of troops. Bagram Air Base in Parvan Province is another notable military installation, jointly operated by the US Army and Air Force, with a presence of the Marine Corps among other forces. Shindand Air Base in Herat Province is yet another base in Afghanistan, shared by US and NATO countries.

Camp Dwyer Marine Base

Camp Dwyer is a United States Marine Corps installation and airfield located in the Garmsir district of the Helmand River Valley in Afghanistan. The base was originally established as a Forward Operating Base (FOB) to combat insurgent and Taliban activity in the Helmand Valley, a hotbed of terrorist activity.

The base is named after British Lance Bombardier James Dwyer of the 29th Commando Regiment Royal Artillery, who was killed in December 2006 when his vehicle struck an anti-tank mine while on patrol. The base was initially a temporary FOB, but its strategic value was quickly recognised, and it became a permanent installation through a mutual agreement between the US and Afghan governments.

Camp Dwyer is a fully functioning Marine Corps outpost that works alongside Afghan security forces to patrol the dangerous Helmand River Valley. The area is known for its extreme weather conditions, with summer temperatures exceeding 120 degrees Fahrenheit, as well as sudden and severe sandstorms. The harsh climate and rugged terrain make the area relatively uninhabited, making it a preferred location for insurgent forces.

The primary mission of Camp Dwyer is to secure the southern Helmand Province from Taliban and insurgent activities. Marines at the base are also responsible for providing logistical, air, ground, and communication support to US, Coalition, and Afghan forces in the area. They also play a role in countering drug and child trafficking operations, which puts them directly in harm's way. The base has experienced over 400 casualties throughout the war.

Despite the desolate location, Camp Dwyer provides some amenities for its Marines, including air-conditioned tents and trailers, satellite internet access, laundry facilities, showers, and a gym. The base also has a small post office, allowing Marines to stay connected with the outside world through mail correspondence.

Camp Leatherneck

The base was built in a modular fashion to maximise the efficiency of construction locations and provide housing and workspace as surge forces flowed into the theatre. The base layout was designed in modular 'blocks', so the base could have forces on the ground as construction continued in adjacent compartments. All aspects of the design were focused on speed of construction and with the understanding that the number of troops was unknown.

The base was the main hub of Marine Corps operations across southern Afghanistan. Thousands of US troops, contractors, and civilian employees were deployed there, and tens of thousands more used it as a way station to get to smaller bases. The base was turned over to the Afghan military in its entirety in October 2014, as the last US troops left the region.

Bagram Air Base

The base has a significant history, playing a key role during the Soviet-Afghan War in the 1980s and later becoming a symbol of the U.S. presence in Afghanistan following the 9/11 attacks. It has seen various incidents, including rocket attacks, a suicide bombing in 2007, and allegations of prisoner abuse. The base also includes a detention facility that has been the subject of controversy due to reports of torture and prisoner abuse.

In recent years, Bagram Air Base underwent expansion projects, with over $200 million invested in new construction. However, as part of the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, the base was evacuated and handed back to the Afghan government in July 2021. The departure of U.S. troops from Bagram Air Base marked a significant moment in the country's history and the end of America's "forever war".

Shindand Air Base

The base has a concrete runway capable of supporting various military aircraft, including the C-130 Hercules transport plane and the C-17 Globemaster III. It has undergone significant expansion and refurbishment since its construction, with the addition of new taxiways, a cargo terminal, a passenger terminal, and a fire suppression system. Shindand Air Base is also surrounded by a perimeter fence that includes 52 guard towers, enhancing its security.

In the past, the base has been used by multiple military forces, including the Soviet Armed Forces, the Taliban, the Afghan National Army, and the United States military. Control of the base has changed hands several times, with the Taliban capturing it in 1997 and then again in August 2021.

Life at Shindand Air Base is strictly regulated. Assignments are for 365 days or temporary duty of 179 days. Alcoholic beverages are prohibited for US military members, and personnel are required to be armed at all times outside their living quarters, except during physical fitness training or showering. The base also offers various amenities and services, including internet and email access, postal services, and medical facilities.

FOB Delaram

The FOB Delaram military base played a crucial role in supporting the Afghan people, particularly in their efforts to rebuild their lives after attacks and ongoing threats from Taliban forces. It served as the headquarters of the 4th Brigade, 215th Corps, which was formed in 2012, prior to the Taliban takeover in 2021. The base was transferred to the Afghan National Army in April 2014 and became a focal point for the local community.

The base has a rich history, as it was originally a Soviet military compound. The Marines named it FOB Karella, in honour of Cpl Jason Karella of the 2nd Battalion 7th Marines, who was the first Marine stationed there to die in OEF. It was later renamed FOB Delaram, after the nearby city.

Living conditions at FOB Delaram were challenging, with modest accommodations and limited amenities. Marines had access to barracks, communication facilities, and maintenance bays, but the base offered little in terms of recreation. The base could house over 1,000 soldiers, but they had to contend with cramped living quarters, such as tents for barracks, and basic facilities for hygiene and dining. However, improvements were made over time, including the addition of Delaram 2, which provided extra living quarters, dining facilities, and shower rooms, enhancing the comfort of the troops.

Frequently asked questions