11th Marine Battalion Riflemen: Guarding The Southern Waters

Each day, at 6:00 a.m., elements of the 11th Marine Battalion Riflemen stationed at Campo in the South Region of Cameroon begin to make their way to the naval camp, situated some four kilometres from the town. Arriving on foot, by motorcycle, and in military lorries, the contingent assembles at the base for their morning devotion. This does not consist of singing and praying, but of the hoisting of the flag, the singing of the national anthem, and the issuing of the day’s announcements. It is a moment for each Marine Rifleman to be informed on the day’s timetable and receive the security briefing. Upon arrival at the Naval Base, the majority of the soldiers’ hurry to their offices to dress properly for the day’s duties. Others proceed to the Marine House. There, Petty Officer First Class (P01) Njie Tabi checks each rifleman against the 48-hour duty roster. He then issues the standard personal weapons-the AK-47 and the M21-S together with thirty to sixty rounds, as required by assignment. Each man duly inspects his rifle to confirm the chamber is clear before loading. At the Marine House, Njie Tabi notes that collective weapons remain secured, to be drawn only for specific operational requirements. Thereafter, the riflemen hurry to the general assembly ground for the hoisting of the flag, which must take place at 7:30 a.m. precisely. This proceeds with the singing of the national anthem. Lieutenant Commander Voussou Bruno, the Unit Commander, addresses the assembled men. The principal activity, which commenced some time ago, is parade training. All efforts are to be devoted to this undertaking until D-day on 20th May. He calls for the availability and commitment of every man, that the event may be a resounding success. Further orders are then delivered. The Changing of the Guard takes place, followed by parade practice for those involved. Company Commanders are to place their men into the various workshops. Lieutenant Commander Voussou Bruno states that he remains at their disposal for the implementation of the programme. At 15:30, the rear base personnel muster on the parade ground. Company Commanders arrange their men into the designated workshops. The Drill Instructor’s command rings out across the square: “Open order, march.” The ranks open, boots scraping on the hard ground as the riflemen assume their positions in readiness for drill. It is the same ritual every day, but with the National Day approaching, every salute is sharper, every line straighter. Yet for these men, the parade ceremony is only half their mission. Holding The Line-Operational Watch After the morning devotion, the riflemen move to their various duty posts, which may be within or outside the Naval Base. Some undertake border patrols. It is a 24-hour watch: patrol boats push out past Dipikar Island towards the Equatorial Guinea maritime line. Their task is to intercept illegal fishing vess...