Blast from the past. 22nd MEU (Special Operations Capable) in Afghanistan circa 2004...

Afghanistan (June 2, 2004) � U.S. Marines assigned to Battalion Landing Team 1st Bn., 6th Marines, the ground combat element of the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) wait for the word to move toward a mountain from which Taliban snipers are engaging the lead elements of their convoy. The Marines were near the village of Siah Chub Kalay, while participating in Operation Asbury Park. The intense fighting between the Marines and Taliban lasted for eight days and more than 80 Taliban fighters were killed while eight Marines were wounded in the most intense clashes during their deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF). U.S. Navy photo by USMC Gunnery Sgt. Keith A. Milks (RELEASED)

Afghanistan (June 2, 2004) � U.S. Marines assigned to Battalion Landing Team 1st Bn., 6th Marines, the ground combat element of the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) wait for the word to move toward a mountain from which Taliban snipers are engaging the lead elements of their convoy. The Marines were near the village of Siah Chub Kalay, while participating in Operation Asbury Park. The intense fighting between the Marines and Taliban lasted for eight days and more than 80 Taliban fighters were killed while eight Marines were wounded in the most intense clashes during their deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF). U.S. Navy photo by USMC Gunnery Sgt. Keith A. Milks (RELEASED)

Afghanistan (June 2, 2004) � U.S. Marines assigned to Battalion Landing Team 1st Bn., 6th Marines, the ground combat element of the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) wait for the word to move toward a mountain from which Taliban snipers are engaging the lead elements of their convoy. The Marines were near the village of Siah Chub Kalay, while participating in Operation Asbury Park. The intense fighting between the Marines and Taliban lasted for eight days and more than 80 Taliban fighters were killed while eight Marines were wounded in the most intense clashes during their deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF). U.S. Navy photo by USMC Gunnery Sgt. Keith A. Milks (RELEASED)

) move toward a mountain from which Taliban snipers are engaging the lead elements of their convoy. The Marines were near the village of Siah Chub Kalay, while participating in Operation Asbury Park. The intense fighting between the Marines and Taliban lasted for eight days and more than 80 Taliban fighters were killed while eight Marines were wounded in the most intense clashes during their deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF). U.S. Navy photo by USMC Gunnery Sgt. Keith A. Milks (RELEASED)

Notice how lightly equipped the Marines are.  Notice the lack of optics on rifles and how Marines are equipped while pursuing the enemy.  That is the hallmark of warriors on the offense.  Today, we're so encumbered with bodyarmor, snivel gear and other doodads that we've lost mobility.

Marine Corps WarFighting Lab needs to fix that!