Roundtable with Col. Simcock, Commander USMC RCT-6

Posted By Grim

Update: The Marines received over 30,000 emails and are requesting no more emails.  (We crashed their server a few times.)

We spoke with Col Simcock of Regimental Combat Team 6 on the same day as the bombing in Samarra.  While the conversation was overtaken by events, it was one of the best we've had.  The transcript is here.

RCT-6 has a blog, by the way.

After the jump, how Anbar is succeeding... how we need fewer heavy weapons and armor than ever... and how the Colonel wants you to support our Marines.  The short form?  He wants email.

I trust you folks can provide some email.

GRIM:  I promised a group of Marine wives I would ask you this. They tell me that the Semper Fi Injured Marine Fund has had to lower its ceiling on grants and that the Marine Corps has had to cut back on the per diem they can give to families to fly out to be with injured Marines. That being said -- and of course, we understand the reasons for that -- we would like to know what more we can do to help the regiment and the units keep in touch with their injured Marines, help them out and kind of serve as a bridge between the regiment, the injured Marine, his new unit and the family.

COL. SIMCOCK: I can't comment on the per diem being reduced as far as families being supported to come out and see their injured Marines. But I will tell you this -- my wife volunteers for the wounded Marines program. She's a certified public accountant by trade, and I know that she gets -- because she is the accountant, she takes care of the books. We get a tremendous amount of donations that are made to support this organization, obviously tax-deductible type donations, and it's been a very, very successful operation for us in supporting what needs to be done.

Now, I would just say, to get the information regarding your question, if you call Headquarters - Marine Corps Public Affairs, they can give you details on how family members or anyone interested in supporting this very, very successful program -- what they can do to help out in that regard.

GRIM: Is there anything that you and your Marines need that we could send you?

COL. SIMCOCK: (Chuckles.) I'll tell you what, the one thing that all Marines want to know about -- and that includes me and everyone within Regimental Combat Team 6 -- we want to know that the American public are behind us. We believe that the actions that we're taking over here are very, very important to America. We're fighting a group of people that, if they could, would take away the freedoms that America enjoys.

If anyone -- you know, just sit down, jot us -- throw us an e- mail, write us a letter, let us know that the American public are behind us. Because we watch the news just like everyone else. It's broadcast over here in our chow halls and the weight rooms, and we watch that stuff, and we're a little bit concerned sometimes that America really doesn't know what's going on over here, and we get sometimes concerns that the American public isn't behind us and doesn't see the importance of what's going on. So that's something I think that all Marines, soldiers and sailors would like to hear from back home, that in fact, yes, they think what we're doing over here is important and they are in fact behind us.

The Colonel didn't give me an email address to which to direct our email.  UPDATE:  RCT-6's PA team has now set up an email for the purpose.  Direct your letters to this address.  Thanks, Public Affairs!

Otherwise, the conversation was highly encouraging.  Mike Goldfarb of the Weekly Standard asked a good question about the use of heavy weapons. 

MG:  I would just be curious to hear a little bit about what kind of -- since our call this morning was about strategic effects, or at least it was supposed to be, I'd be curious to hear what kind of firepower you guys are calling in on a regular basis. Are they using artillery or air power? How frequently? Or just -- if you could sort of give us a sense for what kind of engagements you guys are finding yourselves in there.

COL. SIMCOCK: As I told you, we've been here now for about six months. As we progress further, we're using less and less artillery, less and less combined air support, weapon systems, combined arms-type activity less and less; our armored assets have been pulled out of Fallujah. Engagements, if you will -- the enemy that we're fighting here, there is nothing on the ground here that a Marine rifle squad can't quickly take care of. If they stand up and fight us, they're going to lose and they're going to love very, very quickly. Their chosen tactics right now are the improvised explosive devices that they plant on the roadways. Other tactics that we're seeing are suicide vests that they'll use, and a lot of these -- and also, I know you're very familiar with the vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices, but those tactics we're seeing more and more aimed at the Iraqi security forces vice the coalition forces. That's for, I think, for a couple reasons.

One, the success that the Iraqi security forces are having. The terrorists, the enemy that we're fighting here, they see that the tide is changing, that the support of the Iraqi people are coming over to the coalition force side, and the enemy are trying to use murder intimidation tactics and it's just not working against them. They won't -- the people of Iraq are standing up and they're fighting the terrorists, and it's good to see.

But the quick answer to your question is we're using less and less combined air-ground-type weapons and artillery and things like that. The environment here just doesn't require it.

MG:  If I could just ask a quick follow-up. Could you tell me with regard to the IED threat, do you guys MRAP vehicles on the scene there, a good number of them? And how effective have you found them to be?

COL. SIMCOCK: We do have a pretty good number of the MRAP vehicles here. We use them with some of our engineering and route- clearing units. They have been extremely successful for us. They're outstanding vehicles. We've got more inbound. They are a tremendous asset for us, and we look forward to more of them arriving.

Not much more to say there than Ooh-Rah.  But that was the general tone of the conversation, which is what you expect when you talk to Marines about their mission.  More from the Colonel on Anbar:

[W]e've been over here for about six months. We took over authority of Area of Operations Raleigh back in January 24. And the experiences we've had over here have been amazingly positive. The Iraqis have really gotten on board as far as supporting the operations that we're doing over here. I'll give you a quick example, and that's the city of Fallujah, which is central within our area of operations. That city is in Iraqi battlespace. The 2nd Iraqi Brigade has responsibility for that. The brigade commander, who is a Shi'a, works shoulder to shoulder with the city chief of police, which is a Sunni. They work to provide security to the duly elected mayor, who is supported by a 20-seat city council.

Fallujah is a city that has a long history, some very deadly battles have gone on there the last four years, starting with Al-Fajr, where anyone in the city at that time was either killed or captured. The city today is nearly 400,000 in population. It is economically up and running. Commerce is an ongoing process there on a daily basis. And they're making a lot of progress there.

But I will say to you, it's still a long way from being a secure city. Still a lot of violence going on within Fallujah, but it is on the road to success, and really all it requires now is just the time that it's going to take to finally finish that.

Nobody here has to be told that Fallujah was hard fighting.  The Marines, who shed much of the American blood shed there, have high hopes for it.  Surely the rest of the country ought to believe, if they can.

TrackBack

TrackBack URL for this entry:
http://www.typepad.com/t/trackback/2819/19317306

Listed below are links to weblogs that reference Roundtable with Col. Simcock, Commander USMC RCT-6:

» I just called to say I loveyou from Bookworm Room
Ymarsakar (who blogs at Sake Light) knows that, while I support all of our armed forces, Im particularly fond of the Marines. Turns out they need to feel the love. Over at Blackfive, in a roundtable with Col. Simcock of Regimental Combat Team ... [Read More]

Comments

[douglas]

Where's the MSM on this? Falluja, once synonomous with all that was difficult about this conflict now much, much better. Ooops, doesn't fit the agenda...

The Marines continue to impress, and the reduced need for heavy arms is a REAL good sign that the people are coming on-board.

[douglas]

I know, it'll probably hit the MSM tomorrow when Harry Reid calls Col. Simcock incompetent.

[Orion]

I just sent my e-mail, I've asked a friend who was here to write one, and posted on my blog asking my few readers to send e-mails as well.

Orion

[rct-6 public affairs]

Wait, wait, wait.. hold on.

Don't send any more e-mails to that address -- it's a blackhole.

You can send your e-mails to rct-6lettersfromh@gcemnf-wiraq.usmc.mil

The e-mail account is monitored from here by our PAO and by Col. Simcock. We will respond to questions on our blog, http://fightin6thmarines.vox.com

[Orion]

Thanks for the correction, PAO! I've re-sent my email to the correct address and updated my blog post with the proper email address.

Sorry for the confusion!

Orion

[Grim]

I've adjusted the post to send to the correct address. Thank you again, PA.

[Lands’nGrooves (aka tim)]

E-mails!?! Hell, I’ll sent an e-mail to the boys. That takes very little time and the Col. said it would be appreciated. (Hint, hint to the rest of you.)

Also, the Semper Fi Injured Marine Fund is a great organization. My family and I donate every year.

Semper Fidelis

[JG]

Thanks for the interview with the Col. about the Fightin' 6th Marines and their successes, Grim.

Douglas, remember the Highway of Death from Baghdad to the Airport? When was the last time the MSM mentioned it - yup! the last time someone died. Once it was fully secured it was no longer news - same with Fallujah! Thanks to the Marines. Ooh-Rah!

[Beth* A.]

One email fired off, as ordered! Will be sending more whenever possible. These guys are worth EVERYthing to this nation, to us.

God bless our Marines. God bless our troops everywhere.

[Bookworm]

Done, with pleasure.

[referman]

The marines have been dishing out a lot of whoop ass in fallujah for years, it's good to see great progress in that city/province.My nephew did two tours in the marines there.He had the honor of serving under col. Berger RCT-8,commander camp fallujah.Thank you gentlemen,he's home safe.I will e-mail.. Semper Fi

[Joseph Iruku]

Every man over there is a much better man than I am. And I am made better by them. For those that pray, I pray for you. For those that do not pray, I pray that you kick the ever-loving shit out the assholes that deserve it.

[savage_nation]

I just found out about this from LGF. Be assured that our men and women will be getting lots and lots of email :)

[Mark Robillard]

Thank God for Little Green Footballs ...

[bunuel]

it is thanks to people like those who frequent lgf that more is known about the meaning of the war than what the msm convey. and the better people understand, the more firmly they are behind what you do. thank you for everything.

[stevod]

I just emailed RCT-6 with my thanks and tagged on a brief description of a Marine (originally) memorial near here that might say more about the American spirit than all the granite and marble objects in DC. It's called Camp Hamilton and is a modest labor of love from a Marine to his fallen fellow Marines in Viet Nam. More to it than that, but that's it for now.

[Ron I]

Thank you all for every single sacrifice you have made on behalf of the USA. Senator Harry Reid is a traitor to our country and never forget it.

Regards,

Ron

[Timothy Flanagan]

I have two little boys and a girl on the way, and I will make sure to raise them as proud Americans. My first was born a few months before 9/11, and I was 40 with no military background. So there was really no way for me serve on the ground. But you all should know that not all Berkeley Grads are deranged freaks without a lick of sense.

God Bless

TsF

[helofixer]

Done! And thanks to all the men and women of RCT6 for their service.

[Matt]

Back in August 2005 I visited Crawford, Texas to show my support for the troops, and was humbled to be surrounded by a bunch of 19 and 20 year olds who were more man than I'll ever be. And contrary to being the helpless pawns portrayed by Sheehan and her spawn, these soldiers knew exactly what they were fighting for and were unapologetic about their devotion to duty to their country. I thank God every day that I live in a free country defended by soldiers such as these. Oh--and LGF rocks!

[John Sandoval Jr.]

Semper Fidelis Marines. Being a four tour Vietnam Veteran I felt many times that the Vietnam War was epitome of combat. In my humble opinion Iraq has to be the most pucker-factor-inducing combat locale of all time. It is with deep gratitude that I send this letter to the bravest men and women of all time. I, and my family, salute you for your sacrifices and contributions and "can do" attitude. Thanks and God Bless you all. May each one of you come home safely. Let us pray. Semper Fidelis. Black coat.

[SallyVee]

Thank you for this opportunity to write the Marines. I sent a long letter from the heart. I copied some friends who will do the same. One of my friends is the amazing woman who founded Operation Gratitude. She blackberried right back with this message:

Please let BlackFive know I literally just labeled Col Simcock and all his Marines' packages in the last hour and I am watching them being loaded onto the USPS truck right now! :) ~Carolyn

[anthony g]

hopefully youll be out of that country very soon and youll have a real job that isnt wasting massive amounts of tax dollars so that crooks like bush get elected.

best wishes to you sir

[Billware]

The troops who defend out country oversees are hereo and I humbly thank you for everything you do - you are not forgotten -may God look over and protect you.

[Jay Hafemeister]

I am a civillian working with the Marines here in Fallujah. They are receiving your good will loud and clear.
Thank you for taking the time to recognize these fine young men and women serving in harms way.

[David Smith]

While we can sit and debate the ifs and should we, and why are we there and on and on, it is clear to me that those who honor the call to duty, no matter what the sacrifice, and as we know that sacrifice might be the ultimate sacrifice, are to be held in the highest honor and respect. To place your self in harms way for the sake of others is to reach the highest level of giving that a man/woman can reach for. I so often think, what would I do if placed in the same situation. I pray that I would respond in the same way each and every one of our troops has. God bless.

David

[RUBEN]

KEEP KICKIN' ASS YOU'RE ALL WE HAVE!

[patti]

Soldiers Angels reporting for duty
more messages on the way

[Edwin R Bunker]

Good day to all, I wanted to express my thanks for a job well done. I and many do support you in your efforts and wish that all of you can come home soon. I understand the tempetures are in excess of 115 at times, I hope you have some shade. I hope you feel that what you do is important, I'm sure when you see a child walking down a street that you reflect on an expereience back home. For the people and children you come in contact with there, what they may not understand is how we value our home 'USA". There for protect yourself and are country and instill in the children you meet what and how the value of a home can and does means to us in the USA. Good luck, watch your head and take care of your buddies so that all of you can see your home soon.

[Darla Bunker]

Hi There Guys!
I want you to know that YES, You ARE doing one heck of a job over there and as much as we want to see all of you back home soon, we do know the job is not complete yet.
I'll share this little story with you...my husband (a civilian government employee,not far from retirement) was told he would be going to Iraq! Of course he would be dressed in fatiques and unarmed! Then a position in San Francisco opened up and he was asked if he wanted it? Gee, whiz, I don't know since we are from the East Coast, that's pretty far away...let's see San Francisco or Iraq? Well, we are in San Francisco, not such a tough decision!
You all have much harder decisions to make everyday that we back home can't begin to realize. Your choices are our choices, do your best, be your best we are behind you 100%! Take Care and know that we love each and every one of you guys!
Sincerely,
Darla Bunker

[Dick Boynton]

My family and I want to send this email message to all you armed forces men and women serving our country in Iraq and Afganistan to express our heartfelt thanks for the sacrifices your making to protect your families,relatives, friends and fellow Americans here in America.You make us proud for all you do for your country. Kick their coward asses and come home safe. God bless all of you. Richard

[GARY T. JONES]

HEY GUYS. AM THINKING OF YALL NEARLY EVERY DAY. ALL THE TROOPS. MY NAME IS GARY T. JONES, BORN AN RAISED IN PARIS, TENNESSEE. LIVED IN OKLAHOMA, AN SPENT LIL OVER 8 YEARS IN THE ARMY. TWICE IN NAM, AN GERMANY. AN COUPLA PLACES IN THE STATES. SURE GLAD YALL ARE BEING TREATED GOOD WHEN YA COME HOME. AM PRAYING FOR ALL TROOPS OVER THERE. MY BROTHER SERVED IN NAM TWICE DOOR GUNNER AN CREW CHIEF ON HUEY "SLICKS" AN MY DAD SERVED IN WWII IN NORTH AFRICA AN EUROPE. SO WE ARE A PATRIOTIC FAMILY AN AM BEHIND YA ALL THE WAY. DO LIKE MY DAD ALWAYS SAID. KEEP YA HEAD DOWN AN BUTT UP. BULLETS GO THRU CRACKS. AM PRAYIN FOR YA FAMILIES HERE BACK HOME WISH I COULD BE THERE WITH YA. I AM DISABLED FROM NAM NOW. AN THEY WON'T LET ME COME OVER. YALL TAKE CARE. GOD BLESS YA. AN PRAY YA COME HOME WHEN THE JOB IS COMPLETE. SO SIC'EM FELLERS. GARY T.

[joan brothers]

I am happy to be able to take this opportunity to say "Thank You" to all the women and men serving our country. I wish I could do more than just say thank you, I am too old and disabled to do much, but am proud to say that my daughter works for Armed Forces Foundation and they do whatever they can to "serve those who serve." There are plenty of us here that appreciate your sacrifices, we just don't have the media coverage!

[Egfrow]

The Internet is the great freedom equalizer of the last 100 years. It can be used for both good and evil. The majority will use it for good. It won't take long for the corrupters to find new tricks to deceive us again like the MSM did for the last 30 years. We must keep our guard against the Useful Idiots of our enemies. Semper Fi

[kathy]

I just want to say Thank You to All who are serving our country. My son was in for 8 years ( USMC) and I know how hard it is on both sides, but please know that there are still people who believe in what you are doing and pray for your safe return.
God Bless you all.

[micky]

I'm a civilian living about 4 miles from Kaneohe Marine base in Hawaii. I come across our distinguished soldiers all the time and I always ask them how the Iraqis treat them. And 9 times out of 10 they tell me that they are very hospitable and warm to them. If no one minds I'd like to hear how anyone whos been on tour has been treated by Iraqis.
You see heres the deal, I'm having a debate with some liberal tree hugger and hes telling everyone that the Iraqis want us out "now".
I find this incredibly hard to believe because even 5th grader could tell you what would happen if we left tomorrow.
I know this is all wishful thinking on his part.
But I'm too old to serve, so I feel I can perform some sense of duty by educating this guy on the real deal.

A warm Aloha and thank you goes out to all you guys {and gals}for all you're doing.
Micky

[Rick Johnston]

I sat here trying to figure some kind of important witty note to write you guys, but the fact is I’m normally pretty short and to the point. Screw what you may see on CNN or any other news cast….anyone who is a human being can see that what YOU are doing, regardless the reason the first shot was fired, is going to leave a better country than you entered. Stay the course, and know that even the most liberal bastards I know still wish You the best, and the rest of us want to shake your hand and buy he first round when you get home.

Thank you,

Rick Johnston and family

Cedar Ridge, Ca (<- yea, we don’t all have our heads up our a$$es)

[Marie Balestieri]

Hey guys. Greetings from "the gold rush country of California". As the daughter of a marine of the pacific action, USMC 2ND DIV,A BATT, 10TH MARINES ARTILLERY,(ya, he's still alive!] I say whoop buttocks and come home alive and well. We silent majority pray for you. Now that the government of Iraq has turned you loose, I know you will do the job that only marines can do. Stay safe, stay sane,I will be waiting to shake your hand when you come home.

[Evelyn and Harold]

God Bless the troops. My grandson had 2 tours My grandson served in Iraq with the 1st Marines, and my granddaughter is in the Navy somewhere in that region now. The 4 of July is almost here and without our brave and couragous men and women we could not celebrate all the good things this country stands for. When I am in the airport and the milatary personal goes by I stand and applaude, and on Fridays I wear Red to support out troops, It is son't much but all I can do is let you now are appreciated, prayed for, and loved.
Evelyn and Harold

[Patty]

Email sent with thanks.

[Raymond]

I am so happy to wright you guys and tell you what a great job you are doing. You are in my Prayes everyday. thank you for your commitment.

Raymond P. Fitzpatrick MSGT (Ret)