Courtesy Photo | Sgt. 1st Class Sesilio Astorga (right), a platoon sergeant with Company A, 1st...... read more read more
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By Spc. C. Michael Graham
BAGHDAD—On a cool, pristine, afternoon here, two combat-hardened veterans sat across a plywood coffee table. The men, from different nations, share war stories and talk of future plans, the most immediate of which is a joint live-fire range with Company A, 1st Battalion, 63rd Armor Regiment, 2nd Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, United States Division – Center and the 6th Iraqi Army Division.
This isn’t the first time the two leaders have met. Their first meeting, however, was under quite different circumstances. Their units engaged each other in battle during the initial stages of Operation Iraqi Freedom. But now, with those days in the past, the needs of Iraq’s present and preparations for the future have brought the two men together again. Reconstruction, training, cooperation and peace are prominent points of the conversation.
“We have made strong friendships here,” said Iraqi army Command Sgt. Maj. Thabit Kathum Braohan, command sergeant major of the 24th Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division. “It is my hope that they last forever.”
That sentiment is shared, said 1st Sgt. Alexander Aguilastratt, first sergeant of Company A, 1st Bn., 63rd Armor Regt., and a Miami native, making discussions between the pair efficient and amiable.
Braohan often visits Joint Security Station Nasir Wa Salam to coordinate joint training events, which also provides an opportunity for him and Aguilastratt to discuss other aspects of the relationship between their forces.
“(Company A) has been very cooperative and we solve problems together,” Braohan said.
According to the two leaders, the security and stability in their area of operations is no coincidence.
“This is really a cooperative (mission) and our relationship with (Company A) has been contributive to the effort in the area,” Braohan said.
Aguilastratt and Braohan have been working closely to ensure that cooperation. Rifle ranges, military classes, and instruction in medical skills are among the training events being planned in the coming months.
And in planning for those upcoming training events, the two leaders both draw on the experience gained in their long military careers.
Braohan, who joined the Iraqi military in 1984, has participated in every conflict Iraq has been involved in since that time. In 2003, Braohan was based with Iraqi forces in Karbala. Aguilastratt was there as well, as a member of the 82nd Airborne Division. Now, however, the two men are fighting the same fight.
Braohan said he is optimistic about the path forward for Iraq, but acknowledges the country still faces challenges.
“There are many (political and tribal) groups in Iraq, over 400 parties, and progress is slow,” Braohan said. “If a ship has many drivers it never goes straight.”
But, he said, his unit’s partnership with Company A is one of the success stories as Iraq moves forward. Each day progress is made between the partners in building a safer, more secure Iraq, Braohan said. And, as an added benefit, both units have strengthened their skills and professionalism.
“We are making good friends now,” he said. “We will always be friends.”
| Date Taken: | 01.17.2011 |
| Date Posted: | 02.17.2011 10:51 |
| Story ID: | 65599 |
| Location: | BAGHDAD, IQ |
| Web Views: | 88 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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