6 reasons why it’s not a good idea to attack a Marine FOB
SUMMARY
Being forward deployed in a foreign country has many dangers. No matter how well you fortify your Forward Operating Base, it'll never be safe — only safer.
But for months or even years, it's home for hundreds of service members...surrounded by an enemy on all sides who want to bring harm to them on a daily basis.
One thing Marines take seriously is making sure that while their brothers and sisters rest inside the wire — they're safe. With different security levels in place, check out six obstacles that the enemy has to breach before even getting inside.
1. Hesco barriers
One aspect of fighting in the desert is the massive amounts of sand, dirt, and rocks that are available. Filling the natural resources in the encased barriers provides excellent protection against most types of enemy fire.
2. Heavy guns in the nest
Occupying the high ground gives allied forces the best vantage possible. Add in a few Marines with big guns waiting for the bad guys to feel froggy — that's protection.
3. Serpentine
Even if granted permission to access the FOB, entering should be difficult. Serpentine belts force incoming vehicles to slow down and maneuver through the barrier maze.
4. Security rounds
Marines carry hundreds of rounds on their person at any given time. Carrying a full combat load on patrol can wear the body down. Inside a FOB, you can ease up on your personal security — a little.
Instead of carrying 210 rounds, they'll have the 30 security rounds inserted in their magazine.
5. Surveillance
In warfare, it's essential to have cameras positioned everywhere and that see everything.
6. Claymores
Over time, the gravel inside the Hescos will settle, causing separation between the individual barriers. When FOB security notices this interruption, they frequently place and conceal claymore mines in between the Hescos until the issue is patched up.
If the enemy tries to and squeeze through — boom!
Can you think of any others? Comment below.
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