stormy
06-25-2003, 02:58 PM
<span style='font-size:11pt;line-height:100%'>'Full Battle Rattle' Saving Lives in Iraq, Afghanistan</span>
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
June 18, 2003
WASHINGTON -- Any TV news report from Iraq or Afghanistan shows American service members wearing "full battle rattle."
Wearing the battle rattle has saved lives in both Iraq and Afghanistan.
One famous case was that of Army Spc. Jason Ashline. The young specialist was part of the 1st Battalion, 87th Infantry, 10th Mountain Division. His unit was part of Operation Anaconda in Afghanistan in November 2001.
His squad leader Sgt. Raul Lopez picks up the story: "We were taking a lot of small arms and indirect fire," he said. The unit moved to get to a more protected area.
"As we were pulling away, … we started taking it real heavy," Lopez continued. "In that period of three to four minutes I started to roll down the hill. My guys were right behind me. Ashline ended up taking a round directly over his heart in his body armor."
"As soon as he was hit, I was in shock," Lopez said. "I couldn't believe I saw it happen a foot and a half in front of me."
Does anyone else remember the Testaments with the Metal Covers from WW11? (http://www.military.com/NewsContent?file=dod 1_061803&ESRC=dod.nl)
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
June 18, 2003
WASHINGTON -- Any TV news report from Iraq or Afghanistan shows American service members wearing "full battle rattle."
Wearing the battle rattle has saved lives in both Iraq and Afghanistan.
One famous case was that of Army Spc. Jason Ashline. The young specialist was part of the 1st Battalion, 87th Infantry, 10th Mountain Division. His unit was part of Operation Anaconda in Afghanistan in November 2001.
His squad leader Sgt. Raul Lopez picks up the story: "We were taking a lot of small arms and indirect fire," he said. The unit moved to get to a more protected area.
"As we were pulling away, … we started taking it real heavy," Lopez continued. "In that period of three to four minutes I started to roll down the hill. My guys were right behind me. Ashline ended up taking a round directly over his heart in his body armor."
"As soon as he was hit, I was in shock," Lopez said. "I couldn't believe I saw it happen a foot and a half in front of me."
Does anyone else remember the Testaments with the Metal Covers from WW11? (http://www.military.com/NewsContent?file=dod 1_061803&ESRC=dod.nl)