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March 6, 2003
The old saying that, when it comes to war, "amateurs talk about tactics, professionals talk about logistics," was no more true than in the current build up for operations against Iraq. By the end of 2001, Marines stationed in Kuwait (where the Marines have arranged to quickly bring in equipment stored on ships to join troops flown in), were ordered to find an isolated area for a major Marine base. Before the end of 2002, a large area was prepared, with concrete slabs for tents and temporary buildings, plumbing, drainage and stockpiles of building materials. The Marine base came to be called Commando Camp, as it was built in an area used by the Kuwaitis for commando training. From the ground, it just looked like the Kuwaitis were doing something to expand their commando training facilities. But from the air, it was obvious that a much larger facility was being prepared. The camp has a 3.2 kilometer perimeter. The camp is surrounded by a seven foot berm of sand, a fence and concertina (coils of barbed wire). The berm prevents anyone from getting a clear shot with something like an RPG (rocket propelled grenade.) In the middle of the camp is a seventy foot tower, which the Kuwait commandos used for rope climbing practice. At the top of this tower the Marines station snipers armed with 12.7mm sniper rifles and night vision equipment. Since the camp is surrounded by flat desert, the Marine snipers can see, and hit, any one within a mile or so of the camp.
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