Free Battleline (2007) by Jack - Seals 05 Terral Page A

to our home positions."
    "Will we be making a fire-and-maneuver withdrawal, sir?" Monty Sturgis asked.
    "No," Cruiser replied. "We're going to be running as fast as we can. Minimum time is of the essence when we cross that two hundred meters of no-man's-land."
    "Damn, sir!" Dawson exclaimed. "Those Persians or whatever they are will shoot us in the back!"
    "Every weapon in this detachment will be covering us," Cruiser said. "We'll also take advantage of the cover and concealment given us by the rock formations and tall shrubs while we haul ass. The Skipper wanted me to emphasize that it's important that we keep running. However, if anyone is hit, we bring him back with us. Buddy up for that purpose and keep your eye on your partner during the withdrawal."
    "What are we taking with us, sir?"
    "We'll be lean and mean," Cruiser answered. "One bandolier of ammo each, two canteens, personal medical kits, rations for one meal, energy bars, and any other small items you prefer for this sort of operation. All that goes into your rucksacks. It won't be a heavy load. You'll wear your pistols and knives on your belts. The grenadiers will bring along their M-two-oh-threes with six rounds each. Benson will have three bandoliers for the SAW. And don't forget your NVGs. We'll use the One-twenty-sixes with LASH headsets for commo. Usual call signs." He looked at his watch. "Get your gear together. I'll check it when you're ready. Then we'll take it easy and store up some energy until twelve-forty-five hours. That's the time we'll head for headquarters to leave. Turn to, guys."
    .
    SEAL HEADQUARTERS
    1255 HOURS
    FRANK Gomez, the detachment RTO, had built a sturdy ladder from some lumber he pried off a supply crate. It made it easier to ascend the fifteen feet to the opening in the cavetop than having to climb up the rock ledges that led to the exit.
    Now the nine men of the First Assault Section were lined up to ascend to the opening to begin the first leg of their patrol. Gutsy Olson led the way, with his Alpha Team members Pete Dawson and Rick Morales following. Lieutenant Jim Cruiser and the SAW gunner Tex Benson were aligned behind the Alphas. Monty Sturgis was the last man, with his rifleman Andy Malachenko and grenadier Wally Halonen just ahead of him. Everyone had his rucksack in his hand rather than on his back, since it was impossible to wear it and fit through the narrow opening above.
    Lieutenant Wild Bill Brannigan stood beside the men. "We'll be keeping an eye out for you guys tomorrow morning. And don't worry. There'll be machine guns, grenade launchers, and M-sixteen rifles laying down covering fire while you rush across the valley back here. Good luck." He glanced up to where Gutsy stood. "Alright, Petty Officer Olson. Lead the way."
    "Aye, sir!"
    Gutsy went up the rungs until he reached the top. He pushed his rucksack through the opening and followed, rolling into a covering position with his rifle when he was through the hole. Pete Dawson quickly appeared, crawling a short distance down the rear slope before rising to a crouch to move farther from the top of the mountain. One by one, the others followed. When Monty Sturgis appeared, Gutsy teamed with him and the pair made their way to the spot where the rest of the team waited. Now everyone slung their rucksacks on their backs, and Cruiser gave the word to move out. The order of march was the same as used for climbing the ladder--the Alphas, Cruiser and Benson, then the Bravos.
    Gutsy put Pete Dawson on point as they began their northerly trek. Everyone immediately settled into the rhythm of the movement, instinctively covering their area of fire with strict vigilance. The last man in the formation was Andy Malachenko, who would periodically turn completely to check the rear as they progressed toward the objective.
    The most likely direction of an ambush was from the higher ground to their left, but if some of the bad guys were out on a patrol of their own and had managed to