Courtesy Photo | Maj. Gen. Michael Oates, who hails from San Antonio and serves as the commanding...... read more read more
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By Capt. Adam Cecil
4th Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division
FORWARD OPERATING BASE RUSTAMIYAH, Iraq — It was a cold, rainy Baghdad afternoon, Jan. 23. The Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers of Company C, 2nd Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, were preparing to patrol local neighborhoods with officers of the Iraqi national police.
As with every other day for the past month, the joint patrols made the streets of east Baghdad a better, safer place. On this day however, there was a little twist thrown into the mix when Maj. Gen. Michael Oates, who hails from San Antonio and serves as the commanding general of 10th Mountain Division, along with the division's Command Sgt. Maj. James Redmore, who hails from Harvey, Ill., visited the Soldiers of Company C.
During the visit, Oates took time to honor some outstanding Soldiers and award them 10th Mountain Division commemorative coins. He also took advantage of the opportunity to thank each of them for their service and reminded them how important their contributions are to the mission.
Oates observed some of the planning and preparation that occurs before coalition forces and NPs conduct joint patrols.
"Rehearsals are the key to success," said Spc. Gregory Zornes, who is from Lexington, Ky. "We want to ensure everyone knows the plan and what the mission is."
After watching the rehearsals, Redmore said he was very impressed with the national police. He stressed the importance of mentoring and assisting Iraqi security forces in their efforts to improve security in the Baghdad area.
After the rehearsals, the Soldiers from Company C and the NP officers conducted a patrol of a local neighborhood. The residents received the NPs very well and often greeted them with waves and smiles.
"The national police are respected in these neighborhoods," said Sgt. John Roeder, from Cottage Grove, Ore. "The people know how hard the national police work on their behalf."
The police took the time to talk to local business owners and residents to find out if there were any special concerns or problems in the neighborhood. Some of the local residents made comments about how much security had improved and what a good job the national police are doing.
Joint patrols have conducted a wide variety of operations with the goal of improving security in the Baghdad area. As partners in this critical mission, members of the all-volunteer NP and the Soldiers of Company C have been able to integrate and work as a team.
"The national police are very motivated to improve security," observed Spc. Christopher Halski, from Omaha, Neb. "I enjoy patrolling with them as they are very connected with the people," said Roeder. "Working with the national police is an important step in allowing the Iraqis to take responsibility for their own security."
Pfc. Joshua Ingraham, from Bradenton, Fla., said "although we are supposed to be helping the national police, they are very experienced Soldiers and have been able to help us learn about our new environment."
However, working with NPs comes with a few challenges, added Zornes.
"The language barrier makes communicating difficult," he said, "so whenever possible, we demonstrate and role mode, so they can see what right looks like."
The Soldiers of Company C have an important mission in Iraq. Through partnering with the Iraqi national police, the Soldiers are taking a bold step toward ensuring a safe and stable Iraq regardless of the weather or of who might just happen to drop by on any given day.
| Date Taken: | 02.07.2008 |
| Date Posted: | 02.07.2008 18:21 |
| Story ID: | 16148 |
| Location: | RUSTAMIYAH, IQ |
| Web Views: | 1,023 |
| Downloads: | 742 |
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