A Charlie Foxtrot for Delta Sierra

Anonymous

Sean returned the salute and briskly drove away.  B1A was the Division Tactical Operations Center (TOC) for the Corps Marshalling Area (CMA).  No Division HQ tonight, this one was a “GO” all the way.  It had been only 4 months since the Division’s return from Panama and the successful completion of Operation Kindle Liberty (the follow on contingency to Operation Just Cause).  Sean Morrison knew there would be hell to pay on this operation.  The Corps’ logistics were still fucked up and bottle necked in recovery from Panama.  Morrison made a quick decision.  He quickly turned onto Ardennes Street and made for 2d Brigade territory.  A brief stop now, enroute to the TOC would not make a difference right this moment and Morrison owed that much to a fellow warrior. 

Morrison pulled into the parking area reserved for Division officers and jumped out of the Stingray.  He walked swiftly to Bravo Company’s area.  The excitement of a full contingency deployment stung the air.  Activity was everywhere.  Boxes and duffle bags were being moved out of buildings.  Rucksacks and Load Bearing Equipment (LBE) were placed neatly in platoon formations outside of the Bravo Company Barrack’s. 

“Company.  ATTENTION!” Sergeant Irby called out as LTC Morrison stepped into the barracks building.

“Is CPT Manheim in his CP?” requested Morrison.

“No, sir.  He’s right behind you.” Came the voice of Captain John Manheim.

“Sneaking up on a man like that can get you killed!” Smiled Morrison as he turned to meet Manheim.

“Only if you’re Irish, sir!” Smiled Manheim.

Morrison took Manheim’s outstretched hand and said, “Let’s step into your CP for a few minutes, John.”

John Manheim closed the door to his Company Command Post.  The utilitarian atmosphere was absorbed by all manner of memorabilia and souvenirs.  Most notably was the company’s unit guidon with the fresh white streamer emblazoned with “COMBAT INFANTRY COMPANY” in black letters on the spear tip. 

“John have you received your OPLAN frag order yet?”  Morrison knew the answer to the question.

“Not yet, sir.  We’ve just been told to upload all contingency items for movement to the CMA.” Replied Manheim.

“Get your hands on every canteen and MRE you can find and take them with you.”

“It’s the Mid East then,” stated CPT Manheim.

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