Pack Animals in Service: A Look into the History and Current Deployment by the United States Marine Corps

Throughout history, the United States Marine Corps (USMC) has utilized pack animals to support its operations in various environments. From the mountainous regions of Afghanistan to dense jungles and remote terrains, these animals have played a crucial role in the transportation of supplies, equipment, and personnel. This article explores the rich history, deployment, current uses, and base of operations for pack animals within the USMC.

Historical Roots: 

The practice of employing pack animals traces back to the early days of the Marine Corps. As the Corps expanded its presence across different regions, it recognized the need for reliable transportation in rugged terrains. During World War II, the USMC utilized horses, mules, and even camels to transport equipment and supplies in challenging environments such as the Pacific Islands and North African deserts.

Deployment and Operational Roles:

Pack animals have proven invaluable in deployments to remote and inaccessible regions. During the Korean War, the USMC employed horses and mules to navigate the mountainous terrain, transporting equipment and supplies to combat units in need. Similarly, in Vietnam, pack animals were utilized to transport heavy loads through dense jungles and narrow trails where mechanized vehicles were impractical.

Current Uses: 

While the use of pack animals has diminished with the advent of modern technology and mechanized transport, they still play a role in certain operations. The USMC utilizes them primarily for special operations and mountain warfare training. Pack animals provide the ability to access remote areas where vehicles may be limited or unsuitable. Additionally, they assist in logistical resupply efforts, carrying essential supplies and equipment during extended field exercises or training scenarios.

Current Base of Operations: 

The USMC's current base of operations for pack animals is the Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center (MCMWTC) in Bridgeport, California. Situated in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, the MCMWTC serves as a training facility for mountain warfare and cold-weather operations. The center maintains a small herd of horses and mules, providing training and proficiency in animal packing techniques to Marines.

Benefits and Adaptability: 

The utilization of pack animals offers several advantages in military operations. They are capable of navigating challenging terrains, providing mobility in areas where mechanized vehicles cannot operate effectively. Pack animals also offer logistical resupply capabilities, enabling Marines to sustain operations in austere environments. Their adaptability allows for increased stealth and decreased reliance on mechanized transportation, making them ideal for specific missions requiring minimal environmental impact.

Conclusion: 

The use of pack animals by the United States Marine Corps reflects the adaptability and resourcefulness of the Corps in various operational scenarios. While mechanized transport dominates modern warfare, pack animals continue to play a vital role in specific environments and operational requirements. Through their historical significance, current training, and deployment at the Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center, pack animals preserve a tradition and capability within the USMC that contributes to the Corps' versatility and readiness in diverse operating conditions.

Vietnam War Story

On August 27, 2009, Conversations with American Heroes at the Watering Hole will discuss the Vietnam War with former USMC Major Richard Botkin.

Program Date: August 27, 2009
Program Time: 2100 hours, Pacific
Topic: Vietnam War Story
Listen Live:
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/LawEnforcement/2009/08/28/Vietnam-War-Story

About the Guest
Former United States Marine Corps Major Richard Botkin “graduated from the University of Michigan's School of Business. He served from 1980 to 1995 on active and reserve duty as a Marine Corps infantry officer with units to include 2nd Battalion 7th Marines, 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, and 4th Force Reconnaissance Company. His understanding for Southeast Asia has been enhanced by the nine medical/dental mission trips he helped to organize and lead to Cambodia between 1998 and 2007, and four trips to Vietnam, including one with his main Vietnamese character Le Ba Binh, to specifically do research for Ride the Thunder. Richard Botkin currently lives with his family in northern California, where he is an investment advisor for a major brokerage firm.” Richard Botkin is the author of Ride the Thunder: A Vietnam War Story of Honor and Triumph.

According to the book description of Ride the Thunder: A Vietnam War Story of Honor and Triumph, “Richard Botkin breaks new ground in telling the heroic story of a few American and Vietnamese Marines who fought brilliantly and turned the tide of the Vietnam War, only to have policymakers surrender the battlefield. Botkin recounts the exploits of the American Marines and their Vietnamese allies who were largely responsible for thwarting the North Vietnamese invasion of the northern portions of South Vietnam - known as the 'Easter Offensive of 1972' in the West that was intended to bring the nation to its knees. These are the men who 'rode the thunder' and almost saved a nation. Botkin tells the story of Captain John Ripley's daring raid to destroy the Dong Ha Bridge; Major Le Ba Binh and his seven hundred Marines bravely holding off more than 20 thousand North Vietnamese troops; Lieutenant Colonel Gerry Turley's leadership and bravery that helped thwart the Easter Offensive - and much more.”

About American Heroes Radio
The Watering Hole is slang for a location American Heroes go off-duty to blow off steam and talk about work and life. Sometimes funny; sometimes serious; but, always interesting.

About the Host
Lieutenant Raymond E. Foster was a sworn member of the Los Angeles Police Department for 24 years. He retired in 2003 at the rank of Lieutenant. He holds a bachelor’s from the Union Institute and University in Criminal Justice Management and a Master’s Degree in Public Financial Management from California State University, Fullerton; and, has completed his doctoral course work. Raymond E. Foster has been a part-time lecturer at California State University, Fullerton and Fresno; and is currently a Criminal Justice Department chair, faculty advisor and lecturer with the Union Institute and University. He has experience teaching upper division courses in Law Enforcement, public policy, Public Safety Technology and leadership. Raymond is an experienced author who has published numerous articles in a wide range of venues including magazines such as Government Technology, Mobile Government, Airborne Law Enforcement Magazine, and Police One. He has appeared on the History Channel and radio programs in the United States and Europe as subject matter expert in technological applications in Law Enforcement.

Listen, call, join us at the Watering Hole:
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/LawEnforcement/2009/08/28/Vietnam-War-Story

Program Contact Information
Lieutenant Raymond E. Foster, LAPD (ret.), MPA
editor@police-writers.com
909.599.7530

Navajo Code Talker Day

My name is Brenda Moreno and I am the Assistant Coordinator of Navajo Code Talker Day 2007. This event takes place on August 14, 2007 and is designed to honor the World War II Navajo Code Talkers both those alive and those who have already passed. President Ronald Reagan established Navajo Code Talker Day to be August 14th and ever since then there has been a celebration on that day in their honor on the Navajo Reservation. This year the event will be escalated due to the decline of the Code Talker population. This event will be the largest in Navajo history because the President of the Navajo Nation, Mr. Shirley, has declared this day to be a Navajo Nation Holiday and attendance to this event should double if not triple it’s attendance.

The Navajo Code Talkers are amazing veterans as I am sure you realize. These men suffered extraordinary sacrifices and they received very little recognition for their success during the War. They returned to their reservation without the honors or heroes welcomes. They were a secret until only recently. My goal is to make sure that these amazing veterans feel that they are appreciated and respected for their duty to our country.

If you have ever seen these men you will notice that they wear many pins, patches and patriotic clothing almost all the time. I am a member of the Castle Rock Young Marines and we recently took 5 of these amazing men to the grand opening of the National Museum of the Marine Corps in November. Although their finances were extremely limited they purchased even more pins and patches from the museum store. They can never have enough patriotic items or Marine Corps memorabilia. They wear multiple pins, patches, jackets, covers, baseball caps and more. You name it, they want it, however their finances are very low and many of the items that they would like to own they can not afford. That is why I am contacting you at this time.

I was wondering if you have any items that you can donate to make up “goodie bags” to give to the Code Talkers on Navajo Code Talker Day. There are about 40 living Code Talkers and about 20-30 will be there for this event. They are very interested in Large Eagle Globe and Anchor pins to add to their covers. They also love patches, pens (they are always being asked to sign autographs), baseball caps, bumper stickers, books, USMC jackets and other clothes, or any other USMC items that you can spare. If you have anything that you have available to donate I am sure that these men would sincerely appreciate it.

We have another obstacle as well that I am attempting to overcome. I need to raise the funds to pay the traveling expenses for the Marine Corps Band to be able to perform at the event. The Code Talkers really want to have the band there but we would need to pay for the transportation, hotels as well as the food for about 40 band members. Therefore, we are looking for a sponsor for the event that could take care of these expenses and help offset the other costs involved with an event of this proportion.

If you at all willing or able to help sponsor this event or donate items to be given out to the Code Talkers I would greatly appreciate it. Please contact me at NavajoCodeTalkerDay@Hotmail.com. I am available to answer any questions that you may have regarding this event.