IRP; The Ironmen of the air wing at Al Asad

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AL ASAD, Iraq (April 16, 2006) -- Breaking the silence of morning with shouts and orders, Marines with the Incident Response Platoon hurry to get their humvees geared up with weapons, ammunition and the other needed supplies to complete their newly received mission.

The IRP is a quick-reaction unit with Marine Wing Support Squadron 274, Marine Wing Support Group 37 (Reinforced), 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing.

"Our mission is to provide security in support of response and pre-planned missions throughout areas of operations," said 2nd Lt. Charles P. Hunt, IRP platoon commander and ground training officer, MWSS-274. "This provides squadron assets a secure environment while executing outside-the-wire operations."

IRP is comprised of 39 men and one female who come from many different Military Occupational Specialties including communications, motor transportation, crash fire rescue, engineering, mechanics and many more.

Having this job diversity gives the Marines a chance to learn bits and pieces of each MOS with hands-on training from a Marine that has gone to school in that field.

"The IRP is great because we each get to cross train and learn about the other jobs," said Lance Cpl. Joseph L. Gonzalez, motor vehicle operator, IRP. "It's good to know about other jobs because it makes you a bigger asset to your own MOS."

According to Hunt, the Marines went through extensive training prior to being deployed to Iraq. They completed courses such as crew served weapons, tactical convoy, close quarters battle, casualty evacuation and the combat lifesavers course.

"I love learning about all the different weapons systems," said Lance Cpl. Jessica Velasco, field wireman, IRP. "Everyone was well trained on each individual weapon."

Training has been a huge part of life for the Marines, but going along the strict safety guidelines of the Marine Corps is always the most prominent factor for them.

"We are pretty cautious with everything that we do, which has kept injuries to a minimum," said Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Edison M. Vargas, hospitalman, IRP. "Before every mission, the platoon guide checks all the Marines and sailors for all required protective equipment and gear."

Even with all the gear that the Marines need to carry during missions the unit is set to respond to any call that comes over the radio.

From mounted patrols to escorting Explosive Ordnance Disposal units, every mission is different and exciting.

"I enjoy going outside the wire with the EOD team on demolition blasts," said Gonzalez. "They are the longest and most uneventful missions, but in the end, the explosion is worth the wait."

They also handle other incidents that require immediate attention such as downed aircraft, vehicle recovery, security threats that are present around the base and many others.

Rapid response is a big focus for many of their missions, but the IRP has done several pre-planned missions for several different units that support the military and the people of Iraq.

"Out of all the missions we have done, I enjoyed going to Baghdadi the most," said Vargas. "We got to work with the infantry Marines of (3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment) and the Iraqi military as well as meeting many of the local children and seeing how we directly impact their lives."

During the recent Baghdadi mission, the IRP was dealing directly with the people of Iraq. The platoon escorted members of a Civil Affairs Group and Police Transition Team to the city so they could complete their mission.

With nearly two months and a variety of missions complete, the Marines of IRP are making steady progress in their seven-month deployment. The Marines of IRP frequently comment on how they look forward to the days to come. Although they are often outside the perimeter and directly in the face of danger, these 'Ironmen' welcome the challenges ahead of them.