Courtesy Photo | Estonian soldiers with STONE Platoon pull security from the back of their armored...... read more read more
Story, Photos by Spc. Jeremy D. Crisp
MNC " I PAO
December 14, 2005
CAMP TAJI, Iraq " A newly inducted member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization is playing a lead role alongside American troops in securing the future of Iraq.
Although small in numbers, the infantry soldiers from Estonia's STONE Platoon bring added force to the tank crews of the Fort Riley, Kan., based 2nd Battalion, 70th Armor Regiment.
The 34-member platoon from Estonia is a highly-trained volunteer force that performs an infantry mission with the skill and firepower comparable to U.S. Army Rangers, said U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Nicholas E. Wolf, one of two liaisons to the Estonians and a tank crewmember with Company A, 2/70th.
"These guys are first-rate soldiers, and it is as a privilege to be a member of their team," Wolf said.
Wolf works with the Estonians day in and day out, providing communications help with the unit in the field, and acting as a fellow comrade off of it.
"They can't have our communications security alone, so we act as radio-telephone operators in the lowest sense," Wolf said. "We are there to assist them if they don't know how something is done. I can guide them in the right direction."
Wolf stresses that he isn't in charge of the unit but he is always there for the rare occasions when the platoon needs advice.
"The Estonians are fully capable of running their own missions; we just act as liaisons," he said.
The Estonians patrol their own sector and have relieved some of the strain on operational manpower of the American unit.
When a U.S. company-sized mission is to take place, the Estonians are eager to be a part and assist in all facets.
While one section of the platoon may setup a 72-hour observation point to overlook trouble spots for suspicious activity, another will do cordon and searches or act as a quick reaction force to any attacks in the area.
"Having STONE is a huge asset," said Cpt. Johnny M. Casiano, commander, Co. A, 1st Bn., 141st Infantry Reg., Fort Riley, Kan. "They are very professional, and when we need help, they are always there."
Casiano and his Soldiers compliment the armor power of the 2/70th, and the two American units welcome having another platoon of soldiers with the qualifications of the Estonians.
"They give us extra combat power," Casiano said. "They are quiet professionals, and it's been a great experience to be able to have them with us."
Estonian Sergeant 1st Class Jarmo Johkem, a 24-year-old squad leader with STONE Plt., said the opportunity to fight alongside the Americans in the War on Terror has been an experience he won't soon forget.
"This has been a chance of a lifetime," Johkem said. "We train, train, train, and now after five years in the military, I have this great opportunity to utilize the training.
"It is great to work with the Americans and see them in action," he said. "We have a very small military, and to see such a large army at work, we can learn a lot."
Gaining war time experience hasn't come without costs. The unit has lost two soldiers in combat with several wounded since operations in Iraq began in 2003.
Aside from the casualties, the Estonians play a necessary role in the NATO forces alongside the Americans, said Cpt. Ulo Isberg, Estonian media relations officer with Multi-National Corps " Iraq.
"It's important that we are here and continue to do our mission," Isberg said. "The battalion has a long tradition of excellence dating back to 1919, and this opportunity shows that we are full partners with the U.S., and we will back them as a member of NATO."
As a member of the esteemed Estonian Scout's Battalion, STONE Plt. was recently visited by the unit's commander, Lt. Col. Indrek Sirel, on a trip to Camp Taji from Estonia. Sirel was not only there to see his hard-working Estonian soldiers in action, but to honor the American troops they have worked with.
"I didn't even really know about the awards ceremony," said Wolf, who was surprised by his awarding of the Distinguished Service Decoration of the Estonian Defense Forces.
"I thought that was really cool," Wolf said. "I thought I might get a certificate of appreciation, but from what I understand this is quite an achievement, and I'm really honored that they felt enough to give this to me."
Nine other American Soldiers, including Sgt. Brian McDonald, the other Estonian liaison that works with STONE Plt., were awarded medals from Sirel during the brief evening ceremony.
Just a few hours after the awards presentations, McDonald and a handful of Estonian soldiers were braving the midnight chill. The unit rolled out long before dawn to conduct a two-day mission searching a volatile area of Baghdad for weapons and insurgents.
Whether something is found, or it's just a quiet day for the STONE Plt., their presence is undeniable. It may be an air assault mission or eight armed Estonians piling out of the back of their armored vehicles; the Iraqi citizens know them and have come respect them, Wolf said.
"The Estonians feel like chosen ones from their country to support this effort," he said. "They are very proud of their country and what it has achieved, and they continue to want to be a part of this Coalition."
| Date Taken: | 12.18.2005 |
| Date Posted: | 12.18.2005 12:51 |
| Story ID: | 4124 |
| Location: | TAJI, IQ |
| Web Views: | 523 |
| Downloads: | 31 |
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