Photo By Master Sgt. Opal Vaughn | Staff Sgt. Charles Marshall, squad leader, and Spc. Carl Deuel, dismount patrolman,...... read more read more
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The hunt is on. An improvised explosive device detonates in the Diyala province of Iraq. No time for thinking or questioning, just training put into action. Without a second to lose Chapman calls his team to a halt, "turn it around," he yells.
Sgt. 1st Class Brent Chapman, team leader, Thunder Troop, Company A, 5th Squadron, 1st U.S. Cavalry Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division and his team are hungry. Not hungry in the sense that they need sustenance but they are hungry to find the whereabouts of an IED blast site.
There are hunters and then there are the hunted, and these Soldiers are hungry. Today's menu includes one IED blast site and one battlefield damage assessment by Thunder Troop.
"We got word from the Iraqi army or Iraqi police, I'm not sure which, that an IED went off and hit a civilian vehicle," said Staff Sgt. Jeremy Bland, squad leader, Thunder, 5-1Cav. "Even though the IA and IP are responsible for that - just to maintain situational awareness in our sector so that we have an accurate picture of what the threats are - we've sent an element to check it out and link up with the IP to find out what the deal is."
Like a pack of wolves on the prowl, Thunder Troop whips their Strykers around and prepared to adjust fire toward the new mission.
"We roll out every single day. Something is bound to change while we're out," said Manassas, Va. native, Sgt. Jon Mycko, squad leader, Thunder, 5-1 Cav.
Making adjustments like this are quite common in military operations. An adjustment Thunder is trained and willing to do.
"Right now it's not confirmed that someone, coalition forces or ISF, is actually at the blast site," said Staff Sgt. Charles Marshall, squad leader, Thunder, 5-1 Cav. "So we'll cordon the area and take some information down and try to develop the situation."
One IP checkpoint after another, Thunder moves swiftly taking advantage of their close proximity to the blast site.
"The mission that we have today is taking precedence, so Navy EOD - that's more of their specialty – is going to the blast site. That way, we can get the professionals on site which will allow us continue our first mission," Bland stated. "Working with ISF, we're required to link up with IA and IP officials. We have contacts that we link up with at each individual office to conduct joint missions in Mandeli and Katoon."
"Link - up" missions conducted by CF are important for ISF to become more proactive in keeping their country safe.
"We're trying to allow the ISF to take a more active role in the protection of their individual cities," Bland said. "Mainly we just supplement their forces and try to let them take the lead. It's good for the morale of the people in the village to actually see their own local security forces taking the lead on providing security for their AO [area of operations] as opposed to Americans just doing it for them; which is the way it has been."
A safe distance from the blast site, several ground elements dismount, standing side by side with local IP's pulling security at a main intersection.
"I think we do have a purpose here," said Stony Brook, N.Y. native, Spc. Stavros Stathakos, gunner, Thunder, 5-1Cav. "We can definitely commit time and be sure that our job is done right to make sure that the ISF are well grounded and confident to pick up from where we leave off. This will assist them to further achieving the goal of having to sustain this country themselves."
That's what separates Thunder troop from the rest, their determination. They didn't just get their name by sitting around, Mycko stated.
"This isn't an egotistical remark," Mycko began, "but this is by far the most versatile platoon within Alpha troop. Thunder is normally thunder or lightning which is used by a mortar section in our unit. When the rounds hit the ground, they go boom. A loud and thunderous boom – 120 millimeters of thunder," Mycko stated with a grin.
| Date Taken: | 03.10.2009 |
| Date Posted: | 03.10.2009 11:04 |
| Story ID: | 30955 |
| Location: | IQ |
| Web Views: | 1,083 |
| Downloads: | 962 |
This work, The hunter, the hunted, by MSG Opal Vaughn, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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