Blackhawk soldiers witness positive change in Iraq

Courtesy Photo | Staff Sgt. Stephen Marvier of San Luis Obispo, Calif., gives a mission briefing to the soldiers of the 3rd Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division’s command security detachment, July 23, at Contingency Operating Base Delta, Iraq.  

CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE DELTA, IRAQ

08.12.2010

Courtesy Story

3rd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division

By Spc. David Dyer

COB DELTA, Iraq – Members of the Command Security Detachment of 3rd Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division operate as the eyes and ears of their commander on the battlefield.

During the Napoleonic Wars, Lord Wellington handpicked a special group of soldiers who were expert marksmen and renowned warriors to serve as his personal bodyguards. These men were known as “chosen men.” The troopers who are a part of the Blackhawk Regiment’s detachment, known as CSD, are also chosen for their unique skills.

“CSD is a natural evolution of the command crews in order to perform missions in a [counterinsurgency] environment,” said Staff Sgt. Stephen Marvier, the 3rd Sqdn., 1st Cav. Regt. non-commissioned officer in charge from San Luis Obispo, Calif., “I think that 10 years ago there was not a demand for CSD because commanders primarily stayed with the troops all of the time. Things were very linear. As we have adapted to a COIN environment, it became a necessity for commanders to get out in order to perform their jobs.”

Marvier said the need arose for a dedicated detachment to aid and secure leaders while they accomplished these tasks without interfering with line units’ missions. The CSD command crew structure has been augmented so they can operate independently, allowing the commander to function independently without drawing upon troop resources.

A CSD member, Sgt. David Smith of Houston said the detachment is a group of soldiers that train in security operations to protect the chain of command, specifically the squadron commander. CSD soldiers also have advanced training in private security operations.

“It is a big change from the line experience; we don’t get a lot of ‘hooah’ missions,” Smith said. “We are afforded a lot of opportunities to interact with our Iraqi counterparts. We get to set a good example and put a good face on what our nation is doing here.”

Smith said working on the CSD has given him the opportunity to see the progress made by the U.S. and Iraqi forces.

“It is good to see the community change; I have seen a lot of the things that we taught the [Iraqi Security Forces] last deployment being put to use,” Smith said. “I see Iraqis in control of their streets and see the pride that they now take in rebuilding their communities. That is what has made being a member of CSD special for me.

“I have had a greater opportunity to see these sorts of things as a member of CSD as opposed to being in the line. Being a witness to these things has proven to be a solid learning experience for me.”

The advise and assist focus of the CSD members is evident at even the lowest levels.

“I am one of the newer additions to the CSD. When I first deployed, I thought that I was going to be shooting people,” said Johnstown, Pa., native Pfc. Tyrell Harris. “Now I understand that isn’t what this is all about. It is all about helping people. We are assisting [Iraqis] in their efforts to stand alone as a people and a country.”

Pfc. Stephen Lee Hansen, the CSD team mechanic from Juneau, Alaska, said he appreciates the opportunities that come with being on the detachment.

“I feel like we have done some good things. I get to interact with a lot of Iraqis at the places we go while escorting the commander,” Hansen said. “I have had the opportunity to share in the food and the culture and got to know a lot of our counterparts as people. Seeing all of the kids come running out of nowhere to smiling and waving makes it clear to me that we are making a difference and the people support us.”

“We have worked really hard to give them a hand getting back on their feet and it makes me feel really good to see it working.”

• Date Taken: 08.12.2010
• Date Posted: 08.12.2010 09:37
• Story ID: 54384
• Location: CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE DELTA, IQ