U.S. Army Lt. Col. Randy George, battalion commander of 1st Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, chairs the second part of the meeting. During this part of the meeting, suggestions are made and plans are developed to combat problem areas using assets from different agencies. The meetings also serve as a forum to convey information about positive events that are happening, such as completed projects and improved conditions in Bayji. Before the meeting on April 3, coalition forces presented two new ambulances purchased for the city to the members of the council. One is to be used by the local hospital and the other for a nearby aid station in a village to the south of the city. “The reason that we did it at the security council meeting is to…one, show that things are getting done in Bayji and things are getting better…and two to show them that coalition forces are trying to make things better for them,” said U.S. Army Capt. Scott Goehring, Civil Affairs Officer, 445th Civil Affairs Battalion, from Chicago, Ill., attached to the 1st Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment. Goehring serves as the coalition force’s liaison for the council. Goehring believes that the meetings are definitely helping the agencies to work together and improve the security for the city. “When we started with this they never talked to each other at all. Now they are talking….. and working together,…it has helped immensely.” |