Love of country drives Iraqi Army Soldiers forward

Photo By Capt. Maria Mengrone | BAGHDAD, Iraq -- An Iraqi Army Soldier assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 6th Iraqi Army Division receives a new set of camouflaged utilities and inspects a new pair of desert combat boots issued to him by the company supply clerk.  

BAGHDAD, IRAQ

12.12.2005

Courtesy Story

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Spc. Maria Mengrone
Task Force Baghdad PAO

BAGHDAD --Despite continued terrorist attacks against Iraqi Army forces, Soldiers of the 6th Iraqi Army Division vow to take critical steps forward to ensure democratic stability throughout their homeland.

Originally, these IA Soldiers from Headquarters and Headquarters Company would never have thought the mere act of showing up to work would signify their bravery and resolve to counter a faceless enemy.

But now, 6th IA Div. Soldiers said they realize their ability to function as a normal military headquarters company has been the key to overcoming the monumental challenges they've faced.

"We always try to live the principles we are shown in the work that we do," said Iraqi Army Pvt. Hayder Sabah, HHC supply clerk. "We must enforce the standards."

Coming to work is something many Iraqi Soldiers enjoy because the salary is decent and they are being exposed to a new way of thinking and solving problems. Sabah said most of the company's Soldiers simply love serving their country.

Many IA Soldiers like Sabah are aware that the road to democracy has been rough, but they realize that through perseverance the momentum to rebuild Iraq will continue.

The IA headquarters company currently operates much like a typical U.S. military unit.

"HHC has a functioning administrative section, supply room, transportation section, security section, weapons room, a finance office and (their own) cooks," said U.S. military advisor Sgt. 1st Class Carlos Magwood, Military Transition Team, Special Troops Battalion, 3rd Infantry Division.

"Our mission here is to train the new Iraqi Army so that one day they can reoccupy the battlespace, thus reducing U.S. presence in their country," Magwood said.

Although the Iraqi Army unit is currently mission-capable, MiTT advisors continue looking for ways to help daily IA operations and improve upon their basic Soldiering skills.

Magwood said holding formations and conducting drill and ceremony instills discipline in Soldiers. He advises the Iraqi troops to continue employing marching drills; he also reiterates the importance of personnel and equipment accountability.

The struggle to stand up a capable fighting army is making progress in the eyes of the HHC Iraqi Soldiers who put their lives on the line every day.

"I want my Soldiers to take charge of Iraq someday and through training we will be able to accomplish that," said Iraqi Army Sgt. Manar, military police noncommissioned officer in charge, HHC, 6th IA Div.

Manar has served in the Iraqi military for nearly 20 years and is a member of the growing NCO corps. He is keenly aware of the danger that he faces.

"I would like to bring in more Soldiers to train and make them military police," Manar said.

The headquarters unit continues to move forward in operating as a normal military company, but the measure of its success is not only the number of weapons they have or the amount of driver's training their Soldiers receive. The unit's success is also measured by the changing attitudes of the Iraqi Soldiers.

When Manar was asked why he serves in the Iraqi military even though he fears for his life, his response was short, simple and similar to responses of U.S. Army Soldiers: "Because wearing the uniform gives me pride and I love my country."

• Date Taken: 12.12.2005
• Date Posted: 12.12.2005 11:56
• Story ID: 4029
• Location: BAGHDAD, IQ