Posted on 08/29/2005 6:36:29 PM PDT by SandRat
FORWARD OPERATING BASE MICHAEL, Iraq, Aug. 29, 2005 — It has been nearly two months since the soldiers from 48th Brigade Combat Team have put “boots-on-the-ground” at Forward Operating Base Michael. The soldiers from Troop E, 108th Cavalry, 48th BCT, 3rd Infantry Division knew immediately what to do in order to become successful in accomplishing their mission: make the region safe for the Iraqi citizens south of Baghdad.
To do this, they have worked on building a relationship based on trust with Iraq Army’s 3rd Battalion, 4th Brigade, 6th Division, said Capt. John H. Alderman, commander of the Griffin, Ga.-based 108th Cav.
“We have been successful,” said Alderman, a resident of Dawsonville, Ga. “When we meet with our IA counterparts, they feel comfortable saying ‘Here’s what I know.’ We are both able to identify assets available to do the job and then we do it.This allows the Iraqi army soldiers who know this area to put their stamp on planning and implementation.”
"We learn from each other. (The IA) teach us how to do...actual targeting by showing us the identifiers of what is normal and what is not during patrols. Our common goals dictate the success of our mission."
Capt. John H. Alderman
This relationship was recently proven when two hastily-planned missions resulted in the apprehension of suspects and the collection of bomb-making materials by the IA with fire support, if needed, from U.S. forces.
The first operation on July 21 was short. A meeting between the 108th Cav. and Iraqi Army 3rd Battalion Intelligence and Operations officers was interrupted when a local resident who had previously given reliable information about terrorist activity came forward to tell the military officials about a group of Anti-Iraqi Forces conducting murders.
Coupling this valuable information with confirmed search efforts by the IA, the team was able to roll into this seemingly benign farming community without incident and arrest 15 suspected terrorists.
With additional air and ground support from the 3rd Squadron, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment and aviation elements, a show of united force minimized the likelihood of any resistance from combatants.
“It’s dangerous for us and even more dangerous for a local citizen to come forward,” Alderman said, applauding the bravery of Iraqi citizens for taking such risks.
Seventeen hours later, motivated by the success of their joint mission, the military teams re-grouped and concentrated on an area notorious for heavy terrorist activity just outside of Mahmudiyah. The information gathering was to be used to reinforce plans for an aggressive investigation and search by the Iraq Army.
The 3/3 ACR Soldiers went on a benevolent patrol with families in the downtown Mahmudiyah area, handing out toys to children and speaking with adults about their concerns.
Suddenly, there was a loud boom less than 300 meters from the patrol. The peaceful procession through the neighborhood now took on a posture of heightened alert and protectiveness as the convoy headed toward a cloud of smoke which had suddenly appeared.
Four IA soldiers were killed in the attack and several others were wounded. U.S. soldiers immediately cordoned the area to help the Iraqi Army with their investigation of the bombing, adding additional backup and questioning locals in the vicinity. Two individuals were taken into custody during the investigation.
Alderman pointed out the importance of trust in this relationship of soldiers from two culturally different armies. “We learn from each other. (The IA) teach us how to do...actual targeting by showing us the identifiers of what is normal and what is not during patrols. Our common goals dictate the success of our mission.”
The continued cooperation between the two entities has progressively minimized activity in what is considered one of the more dangerous areas for terrorist activity in the region.
More successes in Iraq you won't hear about in the MSM.
Love them pony soldiers.
Great news.
These are OUR guys, GA Army National Guard!!! Way to go Cav Soldiers!!!
BTTT!!!!!!
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