"This base transfer occurred amid force protection concerns sparked by escalating tensions between the United States and Iran and its proxy militias, which CJTF-OIR said led to an acceleration of the long-term transfer plan."
Marines and fans of the Silent Drill Platoon are going to have to wait a couple more weeks to watch the famed unit twirl rifles and conduct drill movements at the evening parade aboard the Washington D.C. barracks, as COVID-19 continues to disrupt U.S. military operations, shows and plans across the globe.
“In compliance with DOD guidance, the scheduled redeployment of the current rotation of MRF-E has been delayed in order to minimize the risk of COVID-19 exposure to our forces and to stateside communities."
Roughly 1,500 service members and civilians are living in screening facilities in Afghanistan “out of an abundance of caution," according to Resolute Support.
Spaced out bunks adds a little bit of extra room for maneuvering for heavy-eyed recruits scrambling early in the morning to get on line as the drill instructor readies recruits for morning chow and follow-on training.
Hey Marines,“ev’ry clime and place” is belted out in the “The Marines’ Hymn" — so keeping recruiting stations open in the middle of a viral pandemic shouldn’t be a surprise to anyone.
There’s not a lot of entertainment left across Marine bases as a result of the virus, but be sure to grab that barbershop ticket and wait in line for your haircut cause fears of COVID-19 excuses are unlikely to appease your unit first sergeant.
As of Sunday, Hawaii says there are 56 confirmed or presumptive cases of COVID-19. Hawaii Gov. David Ige has ordered, effective March 26, that anyone entering Hawaii undergo a 14-day self-quarantine, according to the Hawaii Department of Health.
“I Marine Expeditionary Force will continue mission-essential training and tasks as directed while taking every precaution to preserve and protect the force, our families and the neighboring communities who enable us to continue our mission of sustaining combat readiness and deployability."
Yuma has roughly 104,000 residents with nearly 20 percent of the population over the age of 60 — a sizable population vulnerable to the COVID-19 virus.