WAINWRIGHT, Alberta -- The Marines made their way through the woods swiftly and quietly. They came to a halt when they heard a faint sound of enemy voices through the dense brush.
The enemy, the Royal Qurkha Rifles, unaware that fate made an unexpected turn for the worst, didn't realize a section of scouts from Company D, 4th Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, 4th Marine Division was about to ruin their day.
The Marines, taking part in Exercise Allied Sabre Aug. 15-30, sprung out of the woods from all directions, turning into a vice that suffocated the enemy.
"We operate forward of enemy lines," said Lance Cpl. Timothy W. Donovan, scout team leader, 3rd platoon, Co. D, 4th LAR. "That's why scouts have the capabilities to call for fire from mortars, fixed wing, artillery -- you name it."
Engaging the enemy is usually not in their job description though; they're a recon element for the LAV?s. Scouts patrol and provide security for LAV's when a dangerous area confronts them, Donavan said.
"We're just an extension of the vehicle -- the forward eyes and ears," said Staff Sgt. Benjamin Wright, scout platoon sergeant, Co. D, 4th LAR.
Each LAV has four combat loaded scouts. Their duties include, clearing obstacles, identifying targets, close and far recon, Wright said.
With the help of their recon element, the LAV's rumbled their way to the much-needed bridge secured by the scouts. The LAV's stopped for a split second -- just enough time for the scouts to load up -- and they were on their way ripping through the hilly terrain.
The scouts completed their mission; they provided a safe haven for the LAV's and also took out some of the RGR, Wright said.
"We did awesome out there," Wright said, "We weren't originally going to attack the enemy, but we quickly changed our mission and executed the new one well."