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With this the officers were all dismissed
To function as the unit's catalyst
And motivate enlisted men to be
Alert to serve in the community
As the liaisons who would interact
Within the town, observing any fact
That should be told to their superiors,
And executing plans that villagers
Would recognize were for their benefit.
Security was a prerequisite
For social programs to enjoy success,
So squads patrolled the streets with carefulness
And put up random roadblocks to restrict
Insurgent movements and to interdict
Explosives, guns, and other contraband
That could be used against their own command
Or to harass the local populace.
At times marines attempted to discuss
The situation with each resident,
But every time, they found them hesitant.
