Marine Corps Stories: Creators of Worlds

Lieutenant Colonel Spencer Burrows' boots clicked against the deck. Each step remained measured and sure. He walked in a straight line as if treading on a tightrope. He stood at about 6’8” and towered over most of the Marines under his command. Silver highlighted his hair under his cover. He stood before a company of Devil Dogs awaiting the chance to defend the homeland. He sighed.

“Marines...as you should well know, we are creators of worlds and destroyers of worlds,” he said. “These fights in Iran and Saudi Arabia are our way of rectifying the injustices perpetrated against our good old US of A. We have the opportunity to show that we are not about just tearing up soil and causing havoc without reason. We have specific missions and a specific way of carrying out our missions. We have fellow Marines who are already mired down in the conflict. We will ensure that their efforts will not be in vain. Do you understand that?”

“Yes, sir,” the Marines replied in unison sitting in a semicircle around the lieutenant colonel.

“Alright, ladies and gents. We are prepared for combat. Whatever that may mean. You could be fixing a bird or typing up a report, it doesn’t matter your job. It’s your lifestyle as a Marine that counts and all the training that you have experienced up to this point. First Sergeant, take charge of your Marines.”

“Aye, sir.” First Sergeant Tracy “Eggs” Egerton said with a salute.

“Now, we’ve just heard the CO talk about how we are going to be the ire of the Iranian and Saudi regimes. What we face is the absolute, assured victory over there. We are supporting the grunts who need their bullets, beans, and bandages as well as their pay. Pilots need to know their flight hours and other data. That’s where we come into the picture. We’re going to provide them with all the support that they need. We may be in the rear but we have the gear that will aid them in the battle on the frontlines.”

The Marines kept their bearing like chess pieces remaining stationary on a board. Egerton continued. “What this means is that with all of the time that we’ll be over there, you ought to prepare yourself not only physically, which includes becoming acclimated to the weather and surroundings, but also mentally. Train your brain to become ready to go to fight. You have been instructed to see what it's like in a combat zone. Employ those lessons that you picked up at Boot Camp, MCT, and your MOS schools.”

Egerton stood stationary with his feet at shoulder length apart and his hands clasped. He possessed an almond color and slight flecks of white on his fade style haircut. He remained 5’11” but still projected a formidable presence.

“Remember what the CO said. Remember what I say. This fight is for us to win. And we will do so with your undying spirit and resolve."

Two Marines met up in the administrative shop. Corporals Boris Levitt and Eliza Topping completed their tasks with diligence. Levitt lifted his head from the touch screen pad.

“So, do you think that we’ll see some combat?”

“It’s possible. I’m ready for it.”

Levitt shook his head. “I’m ready for it too, but I think that the CO and the first sergeant may have oversold the whole thing.”

“You think so?” asked Eliza.

“Sure. I mean we’ll be shipped out to the desert and have to make up for decades of discord and discontent. I want to be the killer that I was trained to be. I can bet that. But I’m having misgivings.”

“Listen up, buttercup,” Eliza said. “You shot what on the range a few weeks ago?”

“Expert.”

“Right. And your PFT is 260. You’ve got nothing to worry about. We’re making a place of absolute security for the United States. Operation American Freedom in Iran and Columbian Liberty in Saudi Arabia are not just the names, they’re living facts. We’re making our own world safe and secure while destroying evil rulers. Do you get it now?”

“Yes, ‘Liza, I do,” Levitt said. “I look forward to the day that we claim victory over the Iranian and Saudi jihadists. I’m all about it.”

The two corporals smiled and then returned to their work.