Traffic Control

Photo By Spc. Anna-Marie Risner | KIRKUK, Iraq (Nov. 23, 2005) -- Sergeant Jason Powell, 2nd Squad, 2nd Platoon, Company C, 2nd Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, Fort Campbell, Ky., confirms the validity of an identification card with an Iraqi Army soldier. First BCT Soldiers worked with members of an Iraqi Army company to set up a Traffic Control Point in Kirkuk, Iraq, today. The Cleaveland, Tenn., native pulled security and assisted with vehicle searches at the control point.  

KIRKUK, IRAQ

12.14.2005

Courtesy Story

133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

by Spc. Anna-Marie Risner
133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

KIRKUK, Iraq (Nov. 23, 2005) " Since 9/11, random vehicle searches at military installations across the United States have become routine -- one that is often tiresome and annoying for those headed to work. But on the streets of Iraq, vehicle searches and traffic stops can mean the difference between life and death.

Soldiers with 2nd Squad, 2nd Platoon, Company C, 2nd Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, Fort Campbell, Ky., assisted Iraqi Army soldiers in setting up and manning a Traffic Control Point in Kirkuk, Iraq, today. The point occupied a small stretch of road that has seen a considerable amount of terrorist activity in the past week.

Staff Sgt. Chad Kuck, 2nd Squad leader, said many of the issues found during the day's mission had to do with identification. Iraqis are supposed to carry state-issued ID with them, regardless of if they hold a government or military-related position. One Soldier noted, however, that despite not finding anything directly related to recent incidents, the group's show of force was just as important.

"It's good to show a presence out there," said Private Brian Brown, Co. C, 2-327. "[It shows] we are going to be checking."

One reason for the joint mission is continuing training of the Iraqi Army. 1st BCT Soldiers will be mentoring and monitoring the country's fighting forces over the next year. Another reason, according to Kuck, is to help instill self-reliance in the still-young military.

"They're more confident when we go out with them," he said. "[In addition] when we go out, we can see their strengths and weaknesses."

Kuck added that the Iraqi soldiers have made drastic improvements in the years since the Screaming Eagles left from Operation Iraqi Freedom I. He said one of the biggest strides has been in accountability of troops. Additionally, Kuck said the soldiers who have stuck with the army are here because they want to help Iraq further gain its independence.

Brown added another benefit to training with the Iraqi soldiers falls to Coalition Forces. He noted that while American Soldiers teach Iraqis how to be a fighting force, the Iraqi troops teach U.S. forces about their culture, ways of life and language which, although the biggest barrier for some, begins to wane as each side picks up words and phrases from the other.

Despite many differences, similarities between the groups abound, and are reflected with the successful completion of a mission such as today's. A tradition, it seems, many troops want to keep up.

"They want to help out their country and make it as peaceful as possible," Brown said, "and we're here doing the same."

• Date Taken: 12.14.2005
• Date Posted: 12.14.2005 10:43
• Story ID: 4076
• Location: KIRKUK, IQ