Growing through adversity

Courtesy Photo | Pfc. Brandon Sims, 1-36th Infantry, attached to 2nd HBCT, 3rd ID, takes the challenge of manning a checkpoint in Ninewa province with stride; using the opportunity to grow as a leader.  

FORWARD OPERATING BASE MAREZ, IRAQ

04.12.2010

Courtesy Story

2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division Public Affairs

By Spc. Jason Aglietti, and 1st Lt. Andrew Higgins

FORWARD OPERATING BASE MAREZ, Iraq — For the Soldiers of 1st Battalion 36th Infantry Regiment manning the small combined checkpoints throughout Ninewa province, in Northern Iraq; overcoming language barriers, limited facilities, and ever present danger, makes the mission a tough task to complete. However for one 1-36 Soldier the task presents the opportunity to grow as a leader.

Pfc. Brandon Sims, Company D, 1-36 IN., assignment as part of a unified checkpoint effort between United States Forces in Iraq, Iraqi army, and Kurdish soldiers, requires that he and his Iraqi counterparts regularly spend twelve hours a day providing security and assisting Army engineers improve the checkpoint.

The checkpoint operations are integral to U.S. Forces' phased withdraw of troops to 50,000 by August. They are setup to allow safe and secure passage of civilians throughout the Mosul area and to create a unified security front.

Sims, like many other Soldiers in the battalion, are successfully "advising and assisting" Iraqi Soldiers with daily operations, said Sgt. 1st Class John Fernandez, who serves as Sims platoon leader.

To many of his peers and platoon leadership, Sims acts more like a non-commissioned officer than private, said Fernandez.

"I think his [Sims] potential is to become a NCO and lead Soldiers ... he will be a great leader," said Fernandez.

Sims and his Iraqi army and Peshmerga counterparts conduct several tasks jointly throughout the day. They man guard towers, conduct local patrols, and Sims provides security while the Iraqi soldiers search vehicles. While embracing the U.S. militaries' position as an assist and advisory element for the checkpoints, Pfc. Sims is mentoring and coaching his Iraqi peers towards success.

"Language barriers with local civilians have been tested, especially whenever Danger Company needs to close down the checkpoint," said Sims, for maintenance or construction reasons. Just like in the United States, Iraqi civilians become frustrated with the delays. However as Sims points out, the locals understand the need for the checkpoints and appreciate the combined efforts of all security forces involved.

"We really built this place up, and we are really aggressive at building and defending, and I think it says a lot of who we are," said Pfc. Sims.

"Pfc. Sims is wise beyond his years," said Fernandez. "He [Sims] represents himself, Danger Company, and 1st Battalion, 36th Infantry Regiment to the best of his abilities.

• Date Taken: 04.12.2010
• Date Posted: 04.12.2010 04:21
• Story ID: 47987
• Location: FORWARD OPERATING BASE MAREZ, IQ