Teamwork is indeed a very important element in the military and that’s what you will see in combat operations center in preparation for the service member’s move to southern Helmand province.

The room is adorned with cords hanging from the walls, countless monitors, maps, and modems working to their full capabilities — just like a scene you’ll see in movies. Only that, the Marines manning the combat operations center are not putting up any act at all, rather they are required to work as a team to make sure everyone knows their responsibilities.

“Our job is crucial and everyone needs to know their duties,” said Staff Sgt. Derrick Lauderdale, the watch chief for CLB-8. “Our job can mean the difference between saving lives and [losing] lives.”

The COC serves as the only point of contact the patrolling unit has with home base. They keep a watchful eye on the deployed Marines, their packs, weapons and other logistics. And because many of the service members in the operations center have never before worked in COC, they are faced with the challenge of learning the programs, systems and duties associated with the job. Still, there’s no room for neglect.

Cpl. Christopher P. McGhee, a motor vehicle mechanic, said “I’ve never worked in a COC, but a lot of the habits I had as a mechanic carried over. As a mechanic you have to be tedious and have attention to detail, it’s the same in the COC. You have to pay attention and make sure you are doing the job right the first time.”

The 13-man team works with the support of the 2nd Marine Logistics Group to ensure their command post is run by a group of stellar service members.