LSA Dogwood: Legacy of Support to 1 AD, Iraq
BAGHDAD, Iraq -- Iraqi guards with AK 47 assault rifles stood by watching the 1st Armored Division Support Command Soldiers as they mounted their vehicles for one last combat convoy along the supply routes that led from Logistics Support Area Dogwood to Baghdad International Airport.
LSA Dogwood’s mission ended in December 2003. It was the rugged home to the division’s support base for eight months.
DISCOM deployed into Iraq in May and co-located at the LSA with the 3rd Infantry Division DISCOM. The 3 ID had planted itself on the edge of the Euphrates River southwest of Baghdad. By virtue of the location, the Iron DISCOM assumed its support mission from 3rd Infantry Division in place at Dogwood and remained there until its closing.
LSA Dogwood presented innumerable challenges to protection and sustainment of its forces while completing its support mission. While tasked to support operations from 35 kilometers southwest of Baghdad, DISCOM Soldiers had to survive the harsh environment.
Severe weather changes, storms, and the unconventional nature of the enemy’s threat necessitated site improvements and increased force protection measures.
Division leaders decided to move DISCOM and the 123rd Main Support Battalion to the airport during the summer.
Combat convoy operations along ASR Sue and Tampa, leading to Baghdad, encountered over 150 different attacks including small arms, improvised explosive devices and rocket propelled grenades during daily supply runs.
It was not uncommon for the unit’s military police detachment to discover 155mm artillery rounds daisy-chained together with remote detonation devices. Convoys were ambushed during daylight and darkness.
The LSA was also subject to enemy attack. An estimated 62 enemy rounds landed within the base.
Two Soldiers were killed during the eight months of logistical operations.
While enemy fire was not always accurate, their activity and tactics were effective. Concrete bunkers were critical for protection.
Dogwood endured several attacks before receiving “Firefinder” radar and a platoon of Paladin Howitzers. Once in place, Soldiers were able to return fire and the LSA operated a firebase while performing its logistical mission.
Despite the hardships of the terrain and climate and constant enemy activity, DISCOM continued to improve life on Dogwood by constructing a gym, a dining facility, and a post exchange. DISCOM Soldiers enjoyed evening concerts by the 1AD jazz band and other Soldier bands.
DISCOM was also actively involved in the mission to rebuild Iraq and improve the quality of life for the people in the Euphrates river valley. Locally, DISCOM Civil Affairs Teams labored in the Jarf Al Sakhar area to improve living conditions for local population.
Daily interaction between the CA Team and the local community provided the opportunity for the local business people to sell their goods and for Soldiers to learn Arabic customs while providing community services like schools, potable water stations, and a medical clinic.
DISCOM also stood up the first Iraqi Civil Defense Corps Training Academy training more than 2,000 guardsmen.
When the time came to close, Soldiers worked to return the LSA in better condition than they received it.
There were several acres of raw materials, machinery and buildings that belonged to the Ministry of Oil and the Ministry of Minerals and Industry. Several weeks of manual labor took apart tents, bunkers, concertina wire, barriers, and guard points. Soldiers collected refuse and disposed of hazardous materials.
Once the work was completed and inspected, representatives of the Ministry of Oil and Ministry of Minerals and Industry came to sign for the land.
Security was the main concern for the Ministry of Oil official. The ministry hired local residents to provide security to the base.
DISCOM had a very positive impact on the welfare of the Iraqi people and the restructuring of Iraq. Community residents presented the DISCOM commander with expressions of gratitude for the unit’s efforts in the area.
The efforts of DISCOM Soldiers will be remembered for years to come in the Euphrates River valley area near Dogwood. The motivation and resources of the DISCOM have influenced the Iraqi people to continue progress in their communities and restore their lives, free from oppression and fear.
The Soldiers of the DISCOM also learned something of their own tenacity and resilience in fighting and surviving some of the toughest times of their lives.
