Courtesy Photo | 1st Sgt. Craig Collins and his soldiers greet a group of local children during a...... read more read more
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CAMP ADDER, Iraq – Since the initial moments of Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003, the world has been watching Iraq’s story unfold. While most are familiar with Iraq’s journey, Battery B, 3rd Battalion, 29th Field Artillery Regiment, has been trudging across its landscape from its liberation to rebirth.
As the Bulldog Battery approaches the end of its fourth deployment to Iraq, it has become apparent to them how much hard work and dedication they have put into the advancement of this country.
During OIF I, which was a high-intensity combat situation, the Battery B Bulldogs provided cannon fire to support soldiers on the ground, according to 1st Sgt. Craig Collins, who has been with the unit since 2004.
These operations included illumination missions that could bring sunlight during twilight, smoke missions that could provide concealment to an entire platoon, and fire missions that could eliminate or suppress any threat.
After arriving in Iraq to support OIF 10-11 and Operation New Dawn, Battery B conducted operations at Joint Security Station Jenkins as a quick reaction force, where they were required to be ready at a moment’s notice to respond to a variety of situations or threats. They also partnered with nearby Iraqi security forces to assist in maintaining security and stability.
Following the closure of JSS Jenkins, the Bulldogs moved operations to Camp Adder, where they assumed the route clearance and maneuver missions, ensuring safe travel on the roadways for Iraqi citizens and military personnel.
The Bulldog Battery is one of the key elements in the battalion’s effort, said Battery Commander, Capt. Wyatt Brown.
“We cover thousands of kilometers a week,” he said.
According to Collins, the Bulldog’s have cleared more than 40,000 kilometers of roadways since assuming the mission. They’ve also worked closely with the Iraqi police and the Iraqi Highway Patrol to keep the roads safe.
Along with route clearance, the battery conducts missions to prevent indirect fire and improvised explosive devices against Iraqi forces and U.S. forces.
“Our soldiers have had a huge impact on this area,” said Collins. “Sometimes it’s transparent, and you don’t see how much good you are doing because nothing happens. But our actions have prevented a lot of things from happening. We’ve prevented these insurgent elements from having freedom of movement and getting to do whatever they want to do.”
Although patrolling roads can be a monotonous task, the Bulldog leadership prevents any potential complacency by keeping the soldiers well rested and well informed.
“We’re the working horse of the battalion,” said Sgt. Mitchell Marks, of Tiffin, Ohio, a cannon crew member. “Our chain of command usually tries to schedule our missions so that we get maximum rest. They know how important that is.”
During mission briefs, the Bulldog leadership gives their Soldiers up-to-date statistics, charts, and graphs, so they can see first-hand the results of their hard work.
Able to see the fruits of their labor, they continue to stay motivated during their day-to-day operations, said Spc. Joshua Peters, a cannon crew member from Lincoln, Neb.
Since the Bulldogs spend so much time outside the wire, they have forged positive relationships with both the security forces and the people of Iraq. Such relationships are critical to the synchronization of the security effort.
“Relationships are a pacing item,” said Brown, referring to the Army’s term for a mission-critical piece of equipment. “We cannot afford to lose a good relationship, not only with our ISF partners, but with the local populace as well. We always make sure to respect them and their culture in everything we do when we are in their area.”
According to Brown, the respect the Bulldogs have shown the Iraqis has not only made for smooth work days, but also may have potentially saved lives.
Recently, a citizen within the Bulldog’s area of responsibility witnessed insurgents emplacing an IED with the intent to harm U.S. forces. Due to the strong bond that the Bulldogs have with the people in the area, the witness reported it to the Iraqi army, who was then able to catch the culprits and prevent U.S. forces from being harmed.
“That’s one point for the good guys,” said Collins. “Every one of our guys is an ambassador for the United States, and they act accordingly. We don’t do anything that would be disrespectful to the Iraqis, because it’s unprofessional and goes against the very grain of what we’re trying to accomplish in this country.”
Be it dropping shells in OIF I or clearing the roadways in Operation New Dawn, the Bulldogs are invested in working toward a brighter future for Iraq’s next generation.
“I hope that once we finally complete our mission here, we leave this country in a better condition than that of the Saddam era. And I think we’ve really planted the seeds for that,” said Collins. “Back in 2003, during the course of my patrols in Baghdad, I knew an elderly gentleman that had three or four small children. My goal is that I want those children to have a free society to grow up in.”
| Date Taken: | 01.27.2011 |
| Date Posted: | 02.03.2011 04:53 |
| Story ID: | 64704 |
| Location: | CAMP ADDER, IQ |
| Web Views: | 258 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Field artillery unit prepares to end fourth tour in support of Iraq, by PFC Khori Johnson, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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