T-walls installed to protect base from sniper fire

 Barriers were relocated throughout the Iraqi Government Center in Ramadi by heavy equipment operators with Combat Logistics Company 111, Combat Logistics Battalion 1, 1st Marine Logistics Group, on Aug. 21.

 “The T-walls we are putting up today will provide force protection for Coalition Forces at the Government Center,” said Lance Cpl. Steven T. Wise, an HE operator with CLC-111. “Our troops will be able to conduct business with Iraqis at the center with even more protection from hostile action.”  

 “The T-walls we are installing today will block the view of buildings that surround the Government Center in the case of an enemy sniper,” said Cpl. Chris R. Yohe, HE operator with CLC-111.

The concrete T-walls provide force protection for buildings, equipment and most important, the Coalition forces and civilians working there. The barriers also help coordinate incoming and outgoing vehicles and serve as roadblocks.

 “Before we moved the T-walls today, anybody on top of the buildings right outside the gate could see a lot of the areas where service members are walking in and out of buildings,” said Wise, from Springfield, Ill.

 The concrete barriers are constructed at most forward observation posts throughout Iraq for use on base and outside the wire. “They are becoming more common than the barriers that needed to be filled with sand or dirt,” said Yohe, from Beaumont, TX. “The military saves more money by using the concrete walls because they can be relocated many times.”

 More concrete barriers will be installed by the Marines with CLB-5, 1st MLG, who will be replacing CLB-1. They have already been learning how to move and install the T-walls with the Marines here.

 “It’s going well with the Marines replacing us. They’re doing just like anybody else when they’re doing something new,” said Yohe, who’s 22. “You have to crawl before you can walk.”