Photo By Lt. Col. Sean Ryan | Greenville, N.C., native Spc. Robert Perkins, Company E, 1st Squadron, 8th Cavalry...... read more read more
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By Maj. Sean J. Ryan
2nd IBCT, 2nd Inf. Div. PAO
FORWARD OPERATING BASE RUSTAMIYAH, Iraq – Military convoys do their best to avoid explosive formed penetrators and improvised explosive devices at all costs, since they are the leading cause of lives lost in Iraq. Checking the safety of the routes, ensuring convoys have plenty of fire support, medical care and working communications are second nature to Soldiers going on missions.
For the cavalry troops and combat engineers of Company E, 1st Squadron, 8th Cavalry Regiment, attached to 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, their daily job entails route clearance to find explosive devices before any convoys come across them in the future.
It may sound crazy to the average person, but along with their partners, the explosive ordnance disposal teams, they go searching for bombs every day and night.
This type of job is unenviable for most, but like Sgt. 1st Class Augusta Creech, the platoon sergeant for Company E's 1st Platoon based out of Fort Hood, Texas said, "It has to be done."
He said, if not, it gives more opportunities for the enemy to place additional IED's and EFP's out, causing more American and Iraqi casualties.
"Despite the fact the process slows traffic down, the deadly routes have to be cleared and most residents are used to the daily process by now," said Creech, a Brooklyn, N.Y., native. "Despite the effort, it has not completely stopped the insurgents from placing explosive devices on the roads."
In order to get ready for the mission, teams prepare their vehicles and go over last-minute details with Creech before departing. The confident 18-year veteran remains focused on the mission at hand, as he has already been struck by IED's twice in his career, one during each rotation he has served in Iraq.
During this deployment, the vehicle he was riding in struck an IED that caused multiple burns to his driver, who is recovering in San Antonio, he said. Creech received minor injuries in both incidents, but was able to return to duty both times. He fully realizes his good fortune.
His constant leadership is one of the many reasons Spc. Robert Perkins, the driver for today's mission and fellow combat engineer, feels more confident with Creech in the vehicle with him, providing guidance.
"My platoon sergeant is very calm in situations I believe many others would not handle well or freak out," Perkins, of Greenville, N.C., said. "I think my platoon sergeant's calm demeanor is amazing. I was very scared about going out on missions at first, but a high quality noncommissioned officer such as Creech...helps take the pressure off everybody."
Clearing the most dangerous routes in Baghdad starts off no different than the rest with Perkins, as the driver, and Sgt. Edward Cruz, the team chief, seated next to him.
Cruz is steadfast and his job today is scanning the area for possible explosive devices with binoculars and other technical devices. Creech is in the back orchestrating the mission and acting as the liaison with the rest of the convoy.
The mission goes as planned in the first hour until suddenly, Cruz notices something out of place. The Sacramento, Calif. native instructs the convoy to halt.
Many Iraqi drivers are clearly annoyed they have to stop when the convoy stops. Without an understanding of the possible consequences, they quickly pop the curb and start driving against traffic on the opposite side of the street. In Iraq, this is commonplace. Soon, two lanes are replaced by three, going both directions.
An EOD vehicle swerves into action, getting closer, but not in harms way to the suspected object. The vehicle downloads a robot to check the area more closely.
Heavily armed Bradley Fighting Vehicles get into position to start blocking traffic on both sides of the road, much to the chagrin of the daily commuters. The EOD team begins to track a wire seen by Cruz, as the robot is sent in to get a closer look.
Unfazed, some of the locals continue to walk past the area despite the halted convoy and stalled traffic. Sharp-eyed kids catch a glimpse of the robot and wave and motion for it to come closer. Parents push them back and keep them further away from the scene, realizing the severity of the situation.
Time passes, but this is not a process to be worked in haste. Finally, the EOD gives a signal of thumbs up meaning an explosive device is found. The area is cordoned off from the many onlookers and soon a call of "fire in the hole" is bellowed by Creech. The ordnance is blown in place with a boom that resonates throughout the area.
"The stretch of road we cover often slows down in regards to the number of explosive devices found, and then seems to pick up for unknown reasons," Cruz said. "But, to continue foiling the enemy, the tips given to the command after completed missions from all Soldiers, down to the private level, benefits everybody."
It's both thumps up and smiles from both Cruz and Perkins. Creech remains composed as usual but is obviously proud of his Soldiers.
The convoy leaves the area, and within five minutes, another EFP has been found on the same street. After the same process, the EOD blows that device in place, as well.
After clearing the rest of the road on both sides of the street hours later, the mission is over and all are safe. Though dangerous, the mission is a productive one for the members of 1-8th Cavalry.
They are two for two finding explosives.
Afterwards, back at the base camp, Cruz only wants to get a sandwich and check the internet – a meal well deserved.
| Date Taken: | 06.06.2007 |
| Date Posted: | 06.06.2007 13:32 |
| Story ID: | 10696 |
| Location: | RUSTAMIYAH, IQ |
| Web Views: | 699 |
| Downloads: | 508 |
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