Warriors, Iraqi army Work together to secure the people

Photo By Sgt. Dustin Weidman | Soldiers from the 24th Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division, partnered with the 1st Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, "Gimlets," 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, "Warrior," 25th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division-Baghdad, prepare for their shift with a quick brief in Aqur Quf, northwest of Baghdad, July 19, 2008. The soldiers are working with the Gimlets and through information sharing  

BAGHDAD, IRAQ

08.01.2008

Story by Sgt. Dustin Weidman 

2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division

By Cpl. Dustin Weidman
2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division-Baghdad

BAGHDAD – Working alongside one another, military members from Company C, 1st Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, "Gimlets," 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad and 24th Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division used shared intelligence to take a terrorist off the streets in Aqur Quf, northwest of Baghdad, July 19, 2008.

"This was a very successful operation, not the first that the 24th Bde. has conducted, and certainly not the last that will demonstrate the Iraqi army's increased potential to conduct unilateral operations," said Capt. Jonathan O'Dea, a Providence, R.I., native, and Gimlet Iraqi security forces coordinator.

"Our battalion has made partnership with the Iraqi security forces – specifically the 24th Bde., a priority since beginning operations in January. The last months of combined training and coordination has set the conditions for partnered operations."

The Soldiers of Company C., 1 Bn., 27th Inf. Regt., 2nd SBCT, 25th Inf. Div., MND-B, work alongside IA soldiers in order to arrest individuals connected to Al-Qaida and prevent the emplacement of improvised explosive devices in the area. The role of the IA soldiers and their willingness to taken on the protection of their own people is a step in the right direction.

"This is a clear indicator of change in the IA through years of tumultuous fighting," said 2nd Lt. Shaun Feingold, native of Pembroke Pines, Fla., and fire support officer for Company C., 1 Bn., 27th Inf. Regt., 2nd SBCT, 25th Inf. Div., MND-B.

The soldiers and leaders of 24th Bde. continue to prove their skill and ability to operate as an effective unit and with their continued success, they will persist in their efforts to secure their country and stop those who wish her harm.

• Date Taken: 08.01.2008
• Date Posted: 08.01.2008 03:59
• Story ID: 22022
• Location: BAGHDAD, IQ