THE TENSION: Video: The 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit Deployment in Afghanistan Under NATO; Part 1

Part 1: What is MEU?
Dispatches from the Front:

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WASHINGTON, Aug. 5, 2008 -- NATO TV is launching a six-part video story on the deployment of the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (24 MEU) in Afghanistan. The 24 MEU is conducting operations in southern Helmand Province as part of the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF).

Together with the British forces of Task Force Helmand, the 24 MEU has contributed to improving the security for the Afghan citizens of the Garmsir district since 28 April 2008. After a successful counterinsurgency operation, ISAF marines are now conducting security patrols to prevent insurgents from coming back.

Though the area is becoming increasingly stable, patrols continue to encounter unexploded ordnance and remain on high alert for asymmetric attacks, be they caused by improvised explosive devices or suicide bombers.

ISAF’s effort in the Garmsir district involves engaging with leaders to determine what is required to bring lasting stability to the area and to ensure that the district remains under the rule of the Afghan government.

The 2,400-strong Marine unit is a Theater Task Force, a position which allows the commander of ISAF to rapidly deploy the unit wherever it is needed to conduct full-spectrum operations from humanitarian assistance missions to combat operations.

(From a NATO ISAF news release.)

Related:
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4
Part 5
Part 6