Marines get birds-eye view

by Lance Cpl. Erik Villagran

Marines from 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment are taking their search for insurgent snipers to new heights.

Lance Cpl. Rondell L. Copeland, a 24-year-old rifleman from Hartford, Conn., assigned to 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, Regimental Combat Team 5, provides security for a mounted patrol in Saqlawiyah Iraq Oct. 29. Marines in his squad used the rooftops of Iraqi homes to search for enemy snipers in their area of operations. (photo by Lance Cpl. Ray Lewis)

Marines from 2nd Platoon, G Company conducted security patrols through Saqlawiyah and provided overwatch for fellow Marines Oct. 29.

"We were watching over the city," said Lance Cpl. Rondell L. Copeland, a 24-year-old rifleman from Hartford, Conn. "We were also looking for snipers because there has been a lot of sniper fire in Saqlawiyah."

Marines patrolled through the streets on foot, trudging through mud and puddles left behind by the rain. They greeted Iraqi civilians as they patrolled through markets. Marines stopped at homes and asked the owners if they could use their rooftop to look over the city.

"On the rooftop we looked for anything suspicious," said Cpl. Ryan S. Cavey, a 22-year-old team leader from Jarretsville, Md. "We provided dismounted security for mounted patrols. It also gave us a chance to get leads from the people in the homes."

Once Marines were on the rooftop of a home they began to scan the surrounding areas for anything out of the ordinary. They checked the roads for possible improvised explosive devices and the rooftops of surrounding buildings for insurgent snipers.

Marines on foot joined with those mounted in armored humvees. The dismounted Marines jumped from house to house to get a better vantage point. They would thank the owner of the home each time they left and reassure them that Marines are always ready to help them if they ask.

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