Photo By Staff Sgt. Kevin Lovel | ARAB JABUR, Iraq – Soldiers from Multi-National Division Baghdad's Troop B, 1st...... read more read more
by Staff Sgt. Kevin Lovel
363rd MPAD
ARAB JABUR, Iraq – In an effort to provide safety for local residents, reduce the number of improvised-explosive devices and deny safe havens and supply routes for terrorists, Soldiers from Multi-National Division – Baghdad's Troop B, 1st Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division, working alongside Iraqi soldiers from 5th Battalion, 4th Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division, conducted dismounted cordon and knock missions here July 23-26 in support of Operation River Falcon.
"This is the first time we've had a lot of troopers out here (Arab Jabur) in force," said 1st Lt. Patrick Rice, scout platoon leader, Troop B, 1-10 Cav. Regt.
The Soldiers worked their way from one set of targets to another in an effort to rid the region of terrorist suspects who have endangered the area's residents with multiple improvised-explosive devices, small-arms fire and mortar attacks, added Rice.
"The mission went pretty well. We detained a suspected terrorist without coming under contact or getting anyone hurt," said Rice, commenting on his platoon's early-morning to midday mission July 25
Intelligence reports indicated that the suspect had been involved in a network that manufactured and emplaced IEDs in the roads and farmland around Arab Jabur, said Rice.
The Iraqi army has been an able team player in these types of missions, said Rice.
"The biggest help we have received from the IA is that they know the culture, can tell if someone is lying, and they can interpret the emotions," said Rice.
Rice said the biggest key to gaining the trust of the local residents is providing a continued presence in the area.
"You have to expose yourself long-term in order for the residents to feel comfortable providing information," said Rice.
"This area is important for a lot of reasons," continued Rice.
Terrorists have been using routes along the Tigris River in towns such as Arab Jabur to bring supplies and bomb-making materials into Baghdad, said Rice.
Several Soldiers from Troop B commented on their mission.
"I thought it went all right," said Pfc. Luis Garcia, cavalry scout, Troop B, 1-10 Cav. Regt., who hails from Carteret, N.J. "We did a dismounted patrol and pulled security. We started off going by routes, stopping to look inside houses. We detained a suspect.
"One of the biggest challenges on these types of missions is the heat," said Garcia, referring to the 120-degree heat which made proper hydration before, during and after the mission of utmost importance.
"(The mission) was a success," said Squires, who hails from Minneapolis. "We're out here taking the fight to these guys. That's what I signed up for."
Despite their frequent, tough missions, the camaraderie and morale of the Soldiers from Troop B is high.
"Pretty much everyone here is like family, not co-workers," said Spc. Eric Mauro, cavalry scout, Troop B, whose hometown is Concord, N.H. Mauro served as the radio transmitter operator during this mission.
"The majority of us have worked together for a year and a half. We're able to talk to each other and vent about things that are happening professionally and personally," said Mauro.
Rice said he was very pleased with the Soldiers' performance during the mission.
"Thanks to them, I have the easiest job in the Army," said Rice.
| Date Taken: | 08.04.2006 |
| Date Posted: | 08.04.2006 10:38 |
| Story ID: | 7397 |
| Location: |
| Web Views: | 198 |
| Downloads: | 39 |
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