WITH MARINES IN OPERKflON PROVIDE COMFORT                              73

                           Camp Security

   The terrorist threat was high, the compound was exposed, and the Marines
were menaced by unknown enemies 88 Every Marine was well aware of the
infamous Beirut bombing in 1983 and all vowed such an incident would not be
repeated in northern Iraq.89
   Needless to say, northern Iraq was a perfect place for such an attack, so the
24th MEU (SOC) had to be particularly alert. Colonel Jones wisely placed
headquarters compound security in the able hands of Master Gunnery Sergeant
John B. MacDonald.
   Master Gunnery Sergeant MacDonald, a Vietnam veteran, placed listening
posts along the wall, ran constant patrols, and scattered broken vehicles in the
road leading to the MEU compound.

                       Marine Reinforcements

   Several combat Support units were attached to the 24th MEU (SOC) while
it operated in support of Operation Provide Comfort. The need for tactical deep
penetration aerial reconnaissance required the presence of an unmanned aerial
vehicle (UAV) detadmient. The U.S. Army and foreign units required air and
naval gunfire liaison teams.


A LAv-25 patrols the streets of Zakho. These hghtweight, helicopter-transportable LAVs were the
only armored vehicles available in northen~ Iraq.