Photo By Staff Sgt. James Hunter | An Iraqi army soldier with the 2nd Company, 2nd Battalion, 44th Brigade, pulls...... read more read more
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By Sgt. James Hunter
2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division
BAGHDAD – Through the streets of Hurriyah, an area in western Baghdad, children gleefully play in the streets, amidst the quiet, stable environment. Shopkeepers continue to sell their goods from their small, yet inspiring, stores.
It seems almost anything can be purchased on the streets of Hurriyah – anything from swamp coolers, which try to vie off the scorching temperatures, to unheard of chocolates. The streets of Hurriyah seem to be flourishing; in large part due to the continued security within.
Although the latest incident was a vehicle borne improvised explosive device that ripped through the streets of Hurriyah, June 17, killing at least 27 and wounding more than 40 Iraqis, the security within Hurriyah seems to be where it is needed to succeed.
Daily, Iraqi army troops can be seen amongst the Iraqi people – with weapon in hand and body armor donned – patrolling and interacting with the local populace helping shape a violence-free environment.
They are out looking for possible caches, clearing homes for illegal weapons, listening to the troubles of the local nationals, and maintaining security.
"Something like the VBIED happens and they are quick to respond," said 1st Lt. Patrick Simpson, a native of Nashville, Tenn., and platoon leader for 1st Platoon, Co. A, 1 Bn., 502nd Inf. Regt. "I think the local nationals seeing the IA out doing patrols really motivates them to want to step up and do what the Americans have been doing for quite some time. It gives them a lot more confidence in the IA's."
Much credit can be given to those troops from Company A, 1st Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad. In an effort to continually build a stronger Iraqi army, these Hard Rock troops meet up daily with the Iraqi troops from the 2nd Company, 2nd Battalion, 44th Brigade, 11th Iraqi Army Division to train and patrol with these men.
At least two different patrols meet up with these men daily to work on medical, weapons and common infantryman tasks, said Simpson.
"Really, the training the Iraqi troops are receiving is the same training U.S. Army leaders teach to their Soldiers just not as advance." said Sgt. Brandon Griffis, a native of Pendleton, Ind., who serves as a squad leader with 1st Platoon, Company A, 1st Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, MND-B.
This training, however, is an opportunity of a lifetime for troops from both respective forces. Iraqi troops are receiving the training, and young leaders are getting the opportunity to spread their wings as leaders.
"We would like the Iraqi army to be less dependent on coalition forces," said Griffis. "The only way this is possible is if we are getting out there and reaching them the way an army should be. As far as our end is concerned just being able to teach, coach and mentor another nation's army is a huge opportunity for younger leaders."
Usually, training the forces of a foreign nation is not a conventional army task, for it is meant for those in special forces, said Griffis, but rebuilding an entire army takes a lot more support.
"So for us to be able to do that says something about our company and unit," said Griffis. "They gave us the job because they wanted the best and we are giving the Iraqi army our best officers, non-commissioned officers and Soldiers this Army has to offer."
Griffis believes the Iraqi army's will to learn is making the teaching experience a lot easier.
"Their best trait is their will to learn. Every time we go to their compound and give them classes they give us their undivided attention," said Griffis.
Great Soldiers are bred not born, so it will take countless hours of training and patrolling to get them where they need to be, explained Griffis.
"Nothing about this job comes naturally. You have to beat it into your body over and over again," said Griffis. "A great Solider is extremely professional, displays courage under fire, has a sense of selfless service and a love for his country. A great Soldier would give you his coat if you were cold, give you his chow if you are hungry.
Currently Simpson believes the biggest change he has seen is their posture toward security. They are properly securing their Iraqi army compound within Hurriyah and placing their men tactically to fend off any enemy advancement.
While on patrol, Simpson said, they are doing the little things like keeping their distance while on foot, and taking a knee and taking cover when halted during dismounted patrols.
The Iraqi troops are even focusing on the needs of the Iraqi people. If there is a family in need they bring them food and water. Currently, the company is putting together a list of families who are in desperate need and plan to give humanitarian aide to help take care of their fellow Iraqis, Simpson said.
Even their relationship with the Iraqis is superb, he explained. Simpson, and his fellow platoon leaders in the company, meets with the commander of 2nd Co., 2nd Bn., 44th Bd., 11th Iraqi Army Division during each visit to discuss the welfare of the troops and issues he foresees with his men.
"We are almost like peers," said Simpson. "He is trying to take care of his guys while at the same time I am trying to take care of my guys. Me and their commander, we are on the same page. We just want to make sure his guys are getting the right training and when his guys are on patrol he wants to make sure they are doing the right thing."
However, no matter how far these men have come there is still much to be worked on. The biggest problem, in Griffis' mind, is that coalition forces are seen more often than the Iraqi security forces though they are actively, and more now than ever, patrolling Hurriyah.
"They still need to work on making their presence known in their battle space," Griffis said. "The people need to see ISF in their neighborhoods instead of coalition forces. They need to see ISF ridding the streets of the thugs, thieves, and murderers..."
Griffis believes once this is achieved it will set the stage for the Iraqi forces to completely take over.
| Date Taken: | 07.09.2008 |
| Date Posted: | 07.09.2008 07:46 |
| Story ID: | 21319 |
| Location: | BAGHDAD, IQ |
| Web Views: | 455 |
| Downloads: | 426 |
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