Marines Plan on More Horsing Around

With plans for a seven-month deployment to Afghanistan in the near future, the Marines of 2nd Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, are honing their mountaineering skills in order to be ready for combat in any clime or place. Reverting to a less technological means of maneuver warfare, these Marines are preparing for service with horses and mules to ensure success on the battlefield.

"There are a lot of places we could never get a vehicle. Whether the roads are washed out, too steep, or not there at all, we can rely on animals to help us," said Sgt. Earl R. Roberts, the staff non-commissioned officer of the Animal Packers Course, based in Bridgeport, Calif. "Anywhere [people] can walk, it's a sure bet a horse or mule can get there, too."