Basetrack is a media project, tracking the deployment of 1/8 – 1st Battalion, Eighth Marines, throughout the duration of their deployment to southern Afghanistan.

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A small team of mobile media operators is embedded with the battalion, transmitting their reports and reflections from Helmand province as they travel across the battalion's area of operations.

Basetrack's forward team is supported by a network of technologists, analysts, artists, and journalists, working around the clock, from around the world, to connect over a thousand Marines and Corpsmen to their families, and to connect a broader public to the longest war in US history.

Basetrack is a non-profit initiative, operated by November Eleven, a US-based, 501(c)3 public charity. Basetrack takes an open-source approach to journalism, making its original content freely available for non-commercial use under Creative Commons licensing protocols, and employing open, ubiquitous social media platforms to distribute its reporting, and to engage public participation in the reporting process. A free, downloadable, WordPress-based "Basetrack system" will be made available to the public for use in future media projects.

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Master Sergeant Angel Otero (Photo: Teru Kuwayama/basetrack.org)

“I am serving with Weapons Company, 1st Battalion 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division. My job title with Weapons Company is the Operations Chief. What I do for the Marines of my Company is manage daily operations, training, and education. I also source logistical support for their training evolutions. While here in Afghanistan I am with the Partnering/ Advisor Team for the Afghan National Army.”

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"I am from Avondale, Pennsylvania (approximately 40 min south of Philadelphia). Currently I reside in Hubert, North Carolina just outside Camp Lejeune.

I have been in the United States Marine Corps for 14 years and 10 months. Currently I am serving with Weapons Company, 1st Battalion 8th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division. My job title with Weapons Company is the Operations Chief. What I do for the Marines of my Company is manage daily operations, training, and education. I also source logistical support for their training evolutions. Much like any path one may choose in life, it has it's "ups and downs". I can honestly say that I have enjoyed my time in the Marine Corps.

It has been tough, but certainly rewarding. While here in Afghanistan I am with the Partnering/ Advisor Team for the Afghan National Army. I help advise on Operations, Training, and Logistics. We also run a Platoon Tactics Course for 15 to 20 soldiers at a time. The course covers various topics from weapons handling and safety, to patrolling and Counter Insurgency Operations. I have interacted with Afghan soldiers daily since I got here in August. This has allowed me the opportunity to experience many facets of what my unit is doing here."

Major Justin Ansel (Photo: Teru Kuwayama/basetrack.org)

"I am an Infantry Officer and have practiced my trade for a little over 16 years. I am currently the Battalion Executive Officer for First Battalion, Eighth Marines. I have made a total of seven deployments: five combat deployments and two deployments to Afghanistan."

Teru Kuwayama (Photo: Teru Kuwayama/basetrack.org)

Photographer Teru Kuwayama came up with Basetrack as a project that brings the war closer to home. Kuwayama explained Basetrack to The World's Marco Werman. He spoke to us from Camp Leatherneck in Helmand Province, southern Afghanistan. Marco also speaks with Jennifer Green, mother of one of the Marines in the battalion, who is following her son's unit through the Basetrack project.

Jennifer Green with her son on the day he graduated bootcamp

Listen to the interview