Courtesy Photo | Iraqi soldiers from the Field Engineer Regiment, 9th Iraqi Army Division, conduct...... read more read more
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Story by: Sfc. Jonathan S. DeLong
BAGHDAD—The mission is simple, yet extremely dangerous. For the Soldiers of 3rd Platoon, Company C “Venom,” Special Troops Battalion, 2nd Advise and Assist Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, United States Division – Center, they must clear the main roads in and around Baghdad of improvised explosive devices with the Field Engineer Regiment of the 9th Iraqi Army Division.
Utilizing IEDs against the Iraqi populace and coalition forces has been a staple of insurgent tactics throughout the eight years of Operations Iraqi Freedom and New Dawn. Combating this tactic, American, and now Iraqi, engineers patrol the roads searching for IEDs.
As American forces continue to drawdown under the Status of Forces Agreement, ensuring the Iraqi engineers are able to complete route clearance to protect the people of Iraq is a priority for U.S. forces.
The soldiers of Venom Company have seen the progression of the 9th FER firsthand. During their deployment in Iraq in support of Operation New Dawn, they have worked side by side with their Iraqi counterparts in all aspects.
“We did an initial evaluation on the 9th FER’s capabilities and gave recommendations on effective ways to accomplish the mission,” said 1st Lt. Logan Prestonback, a platoon leader with Company C, STB and a Mellville, La., native. “The Iraqi engineers have been very receptive to the suggestions made by us and the partnership with them.”
To prepare for their deployment, members of the platoon conducted route clearance and route reconnaissance training at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo. Additionally, they completed demolition ranges and numerous field exercises at their home base of Fort Riley, Kan.
For the soldiers of the platoon, conducting this mission and working with the 9th FER has been both challenging and rewarding.
Sgt. Caleb Cates, a “Buffalo” mine-resistant vehicle gunner with Company C, STB and a Hillsboro, Ore., native, is in the middle of his second deployment with the brigade conducting route clearance missions. He appreciates the need for the mission, and said he knows that though it can be hazardous, it is necessary that the roads be cleared.
“Working with the newer soldiers and the Iraqi engineers has been a good experience for me,” Cates said. “Giving engineer-related classes such as demolitions emplacement and other tasks which refine our abilities has really helped strengthen the relationship between us and our Iraqi counterparts.”
Spc. Zachary Zandonai, a driver with Company C, STB and a Rockford, Ill., native, is on his first deployment. When he initially enlisted as a combat engineer, he knew there was a likelihood of conducting route clearance missions while deployed.
“This mission is an important mission and someone has to do it, so why not me?” he said.
Prestonback is confident in the abilities of his Iraqi counterparts with the 9th FER to continue the mission after his platoon has redeployed.
“The 9th FER have begun to take ownership of the mission and take the lead in our joint operations,” Prestonback said. “The Iraqi engineers have a better knowledge of the area and have the appropriate skills to complete the mission without the presence of American engineers.”
| Date Taken: | 03.05.2011 |
| Date Posted: | 03.15.2011 04:46 |
| Story ID: | 67069 |
| Location: | BAGHDAD, IQ |
| Web Views: | 393 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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