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Sgt. Kevin Stabinsky
2nd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division
FORWARD OPERATING BASE KALSU, Iraq – As part of the counterinsurgency program being implemented by U.S. troops in Iraq, American Soldiers frequently find themselves living side-by-side with Iraqis in their neighborhoods.
The latest patrol base being constructed by members of the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Ga., is Patrol Base Stone in Hawr Rajab. The base, which will be shared by the 6th Squadron, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, Iraqi army soldiers and concerned local citizens, is located in two houses near the city center.
Capt. Greg Curry, commander, Troop A, 6-8th Cav. Regt., said the site was chosen because it is surrounded on two-and-a-half sides by canals, making it easily defendable.
The house is also located near many residents and the Hawr Rajab school, allowing the Soldiers easier access to the population to assist them in quality of life issues and in security issues.
"What this does is put a combined presence of Concerned Local Citizens, Iraqi Army and coalition forces in town, making it easier to interact," said Lt. Col. Mark Solomon, commander, 6-8th Cav. Regt.
"We'll be able to better interact with the population and respond to threats," said 1st Lt. Micah Hall, executive officer, Troop A.
Although security in Hawr Rajab has improved significantly, the threat of al-Qaida still remains. In late November, al-Qaida attacked several IA and CLC checkpoints before being driven back by combined efforts of the IA, CLC and coalition forces.
The addition of PB Stone will help cut down on insurgent attacks by adding a security presence in the city.
"If I was a resident of Hawr Rajab, I'd feel safer now that we are living with them," said Hall, a native of Machias, Maine.
Another benefit of the base is the increased interaction with civilians, Solomon said. Living side-by-side with civilians will help in the intelligence-gathering process, which will nullify attacks before they can be implemented, he explained.
"As a family man I just want to try to give them a little of what we have back home," said Curry, a native of Walnut Creek, Ohio. "Iraqis want the same thing as us – they want security to allow them to do what they want to do. They want to live a normal life where their kids play peacefully."
Many of the civilians threatened by violence agree with Curry.
"We've got to have a change of life, see our kids smile, grow up and learn. Now our kids have nothing. We need to teach them more, that people (who are) educated can do anything," Ahmed Fasil Hassen said. "We all have to be like other countries, like your country - democratic."
Hassen's family was displaced to Al Dora, but recently returned due to the improved security situation. Although he looks for the day when a military presence is not needed to maintain peace, he understands the current need.
Beyond the improved security, 6-8th Cav. Regt. leaders expressed a desire to better the lives of the people and the community. Solomon hopes that once the base is completed, the proximity of the Soldiers to the townspeople will allow the cavalrymen to help reconstruct the face of Hawr Rajab as well.
The town still bears the scars of the violence that once infected it. Litter is strewn on the roads and the commerce once supported by local shoppers has dried up like the neighborhood irrigation canals.
Getting the canals full of water is a major priority, Curry said. Other projects are also in the works.
"We're working to improve services, school projects, electrical projects and supplying micro grants," Solomon said.
Micro grants are small monetary grants given to business owners in the area to provide them with capital to help rebuild and expand their business. To date, Curry said coalition forces have distributed nearly $38,000 in the grants.
"We are also working with town leadership to create a council structure to facilitate progress," Soloman said. The council, once complete, will hopefully mirror the successes of the Nahia Council and Rashid Council already established nearby.
Rebuilding Hawr Rajab is happening from the ground up.
"I think this is a good step in the right direction," Hall said.
| Date Taken: | 12.14.2007 |
| Date Posted: | 12.14.2007 17:27 |
| Story ID: | 14717 |
| Location: | ISKANDARIYAH, IQ |
| Web Views: | 365 |
| Downloads: | 315 |
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