209th ASB Quick Reaction Force protects, serves

Photo By Sgt. Michael Alberts | Sgt. Faamoaga Time, a Quick Reaction Force Soldier assigned to Company A, 209th Aviation Support Battalion, 25th Combat Aviation Brigade, Task Force Lobo, attracts attention from local Iraqi children during a foot patrol at Al Khanik, a small village just outside of Tikrit, Iraq, Dec. 20.  

TIKRIT, IRAQ

12.31.2009

Story by Spc. Michael Alberts 

25th Combat Aviation Brigade

CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE SPEICHER, Iraq — Soldiers of the 209th Aviation Support Battalion, Task Force Wing's Quick Reaction Force protect Soldiers and civilians on Contingency Operating Base Speicher as part of base defense operations here.

But that's only part of their story.

The QRF Soldiers also facilitate their divisional headquarters, 3rd Infantry Division, Task Force Marne, civil affairs' missions and find themselves providing humanitarian assistance to the local Iraqi population.

It's a unique mission matched by the unusual variety of Soldiers tasked to accomplish it.

None of the QRF Soldiers is an infantryman or civil affairs specialist. In fact, almost every Soldier is trained in a different military occupational specialty. From cooks and aircraft maintainers to ground vehicle mechanics and truck drivers, 13 different jobs are represented among the unit.

Capt. Martin DeBock, commander, Company A, 209th ASB, TF Lobos, anticipated the challenges his QRF would face prior to deployment given their array of skill sets.

"We knew that our QRF would not be strictly a base security element, but would do missions outside the wire," said DeBock. "For that reason, we ensured that all the Soldiers selected for the team received additional field training before we deployed," he continued.

Some of that training included advanced rifle marksmanship ranges, and combat life saver, convoy live fire and other training for basic, intermediate and advanced Soldier skills.

"Separate from the QRF function, 3rd ID identifies specific missions that typically fall in the area of community improvement projects," said DeBock. "Quite a bit of investment is going into the local communities for schools and different businesses. QRF transports personnel to check on the status of those various projects."

Currently, QRF Soldiers are assisting TF Marne in their evaluation of construction progress at two primary schools, replacing two smaller inadequate buildings in both Al Khanik and Albu Hamad, towns just outside COB Speicher. Additional projects include physical infrastructure improvements for several small businesses and a perimeter fence in the town of Al Sequor.

1st Lt. Eric Baca, a native of Houston, is DeBock's QRF platoon leader. He elaborated on the unit's dual function as both a ground maneuver element and a QRF.

"We're divided operationally in two areas," said Baca. "In the QRF area, we investigate incidences like indirect fire that may occur on the [base], conduct perimeter security and respond to [certain] incidences off the COB," he explained. "But, we're also a maneuver element. We participate in key leader engagements, meet local leaders and listen to their needs, and [facilitate] help for the local population around COB Speicher," said Baca.

Like most of his Soldiers, it's this latter element of their job that Baca enjoys most.

"I really enjoy interacting with the Iraqi people," he said. "It's a humbling experience. They really don't have much, and they really don't ask for much more than the basic necessities, like food, clean water, electricity and security for their families. It's wonderful making a positive impact in their lives."

Sgt. Francis Diaz, light vehicle mechanic and assistant patrol leader and Staff Sgt. Juan Vizcarra, heavy vehicle mechanic and assistant platoon sergeant, are two of Baca's senior leaders. Both shared Baca's opinion about the opportunity to interact with local Iraqi citizens.

"I really feel like I personally am making an impact on the lives of the local populace," said Diaz, a native of New York City and eight year Army veteran. "We've established a mutual respect, something that I didn't expect would happen. They understand that we want to help them, and we understand that we're here to help," he said.

"This is really different from my last deployment," added Vizcarra. "Getting to use my basic Soldier skills and interact with the local populace is rewarding," he continued. "The people still need help and are grateful to us. I love helping people and delivering school and medical supplies is why we're here — to help these communities and this country."

• Date Taken: 12.31.2009
• Date Posted: 12.31.2009 02:16
• Story ID: 43316
• Location: TIKRIT, IQ