Maintenance window scheduled to begin at February 14th 2200 est. until 0400 est. February 15th

(e.g. yourname@email.com)

Forgot Password?

    Defense Visual Information Distribution Service Logo

    Counter insurgency platoon follows Iraqi army patrol like a protective shadow

    Counter Insurgency Platoon

    Photo By Staff Sgt. Zachary Mott | Sgt. 1st Class Jason Maynard, Counter Insurgency Platoon sergeant, listens as Iraqi...... read more read more

    BALAD, IRAQ

    03.14.2006

    Courtesy Story

    DVIDS Hub       

    by Sgt. Zach Mott
    3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team,
    4th Infantry Division Public Affairs Office

    BALAD, Iraq (March 10, 2006) - Trailing behind like a protective shadow, members of Bulldog Battery's Counter Insurgency Platoon followed an Iraqi army patrol in an area south of Logistical Support Area Anaconda.

    The Soldiers were there to ensure their IA counterparts properly conducted each phase of the operation and offered constructive criticism when the group rallied at Forward Operating Base O'Ryan after the patrol.

    "We go out there and see if they're doing the right stuff," said Sgt. Cesar Vazquez, a truck commander from Bulldog Battery, 3rd Battalion, 29th Field Artillery, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Task Force Band of Brothers. "Basically (we look for) the same things we would do."

    As the patrol navigated through the dirt and sand roads, the IA Soldiers stopped and talked to residents to see if there had been any anti-Iraqi force activity in the area.

    As the stream of vehicles moved further away from the nation's capital the land became more desert-like with each revolution of the tires. The lush green around one of the largest compounds in Iraq was a distant memory as those images were replaced with layer upon layer of brown. The few green spots along this route seemed as out of place as blue at an Army Ball.

    But, for the IA Soldiers, this area is home. Because of the common bond of nationality and an ingrained knowledge of the area, IA Soldiers are at an advantage over the Coalition Forces.

    "I have a good, familiar background with the people so he can ask about what is going on find who is good and who is bad," said Sgt. Abdullah, the IA patrol commander from 2nd Company, 4th Battalion, of the Iraqi army.

    There are few other factors more important to Iraqi control over their country than an effective army. Because of this, Coalition Forces work hard to ensure the Iraqis are fully prepared to assume the task of protecting their country. This, after all, is the Coalition Forces" ticket home.

    "(We want to) make sure they know how to do it and to let us know that they will be capable of replacing us," Vazquez said.

    NEWS INFO

    Date Taken: 03.14.2006
    Date Posted: 03.14.2006 14:14
    Story ID: 5720
    Location: BALAD, IQ

    Web Views: 245
    Downloads: 110

    PUBLIC DOMAIN