Ep. 009 - SSgt Nathaniel Garens
Episode 009 of the Former Action Guys Podcast features Marine Corps Fire Support Man and Joint Terminal Attack Controller, SSgt Nate Garens. Nate was one of the first Marines assigned to 5th ANGLICO in Okinawa, Japan as the Marine Corps was beginning to expand its fire support capabilities to support the ongoing wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. During his time at 5th ANGLICO Nate participated in multiple bi-lateral exercises with countries around the region and conducted a deployment to Iraq as part of a Firepower Control Team (FCT). Upon his return he volunteered to join 1st ANGLICO out of Camp Pendleton, CA because they had an upcoming deployment he could jump on.At 1st ANGLICO Nate again deployed to Iraq, but he also came back and jumped on a deployment to Afghanistan. While in Afghanistan Nate supported British units in the Musa Qala district before redeploying south in order to support 1st Battalion 6th Marine Regiment as they conducted Operation Moshtarak in the enemy filled Marjah District. Following his time with 1st ANGLICO Nate worked to train Georgian Liaison Team Advisors and Georgian military members, he supported the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit on a deployment to CENTCOM and he screened and trained prospective JTACs and JFOs at the 10th Marine Regiment Artillery Training School. Nate now attends the Ohio State University and is pursuing a double major in Accounting and Chinese. Website: www.jcramergraphics.comInstagram: www.instagram.com/jcramergraphicsInstagram: www.instagram.com/formeractionguysTwitter: https://twitter.com/4meractionguysFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/jcramergraphics/Email: formeractionguyspodcast@gmail.comGlossary:7-Ton – Medium Tactical Vehicle Replacement ANGLICO – Air Naval Gunfire Liaison CompanyBLT – Battalion Landing TeamEOD – Explosive Ordnance DisposalFCT – Firepower Control TeamGBU – Guided Bomb Unit GLT – Georgian Liaison Team (Georgian military advisors)Hesco Barrier – Earthen filled barriersHMMWV – High mobility multi-wheeled vehicleIED – Improvised Explosive DeviceJDAM – Joint Direct Attack Munition (GPS guided bomb)JTAC – Joint Terminal Attack ControllerM-ATV – MRAP All-terrain vehicleMRAP – Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (armored vehicle)RO – Radio OperatorSALT – Supporting Arms Liaison TeamS Shops – S-1 (Administration), S-2 (Intel), S-3 (Operations), S-4 (Logistics), S-6 (Communication)SVBIED – Suicide vehicle-borne improvised explosive deviceVBIED – Vehicle-borne improvised explosive device
