Posted on 09/28/2005 5:23:10 PM PDT by SandRat
AL ASAD, Iraq (Sept. 28, 2005) -- Army soldiers have been getting defensive around Marines in the Al Anbar province of Iraq, but only for a good cause.
Soldiers from the 1st Battalion of the 109th Infantry (Mechanized) took over force protection operations in and around Al Asad, Iraq, in August. The Scranton, Pa., Army National Guard unit assumed responsibilities for interior and convoy security from the Provisional Security Battalion Marines of 2nd Low Altitude Air Defense Battalion.
“It has been an interesting deployment so far,” said Army Staff Sgt. Brian Hagy, a squad leader and Lexington, Ky., native. “This is our first time working with Marines so we weren’t sure how it was going to go. But, we worked really hard to prepare and things have been good so far. We’ve always been on the same team, just this time we’re a lot closer than normal.”
The unit was augmented by Soldiers from other states including Kentucky, Tennessee and Maryland. After being activated in January, they spent six months training for their mission at Camp Shelby, Miss., and Fort Irwin, Calif. The training not only prepared them for their mission here, but taught them to rely on each other as well, said Army Cpl. Anthony Brandi, a radio operator and repairman.
“It was tough, but worth it out here,” the Tobyhanna, Pa., native said. “We had a lot of time to get to know each other, work as a team and practice the same things we’re doing now.”
The security detail does not limit the Soldiers to manning guard posts and checking for proper identification. The battalion’s companies rotate responsibilities for interior security and convoy security missions. During convoy missions, Soldiers escort Marines and other personnel out of Al Asad, secure whatever location their mission calls for and escort everyone back into base.
D Company recently escorted engineers and other personnel from Marine Wing Support Squadron 272 and Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 24 to Baghdadi for repairs on Al Asad’s pipelines for water.
“This was the third time my company has done the water pipe repair,” said Army Capt. Jeff Cole, D Co. commander and Berea, Ky., native. “The company we relieved did it several times. We provide clear and secure (support) before the repair team arrives and then provide security while they conduct the repairs.”
The performance of the Soldiers on these missions has been outstanding, said Cole.
“I had high expectations of my Soldiers, and they have exceeded them,” Cole said. “They learn quickly and adapt well to change.”
While the Soldiers have settled into their roles, they are far from becoming complacent and keep a constant thought in mind, said Cole.
“Security, security, security,” Cole said. “I always tell my Soldiers not to become complacent, no matter how many times we do this or any other mission. We cannot take anything for granted out there. Also, I am thinking about my next move and how to remain flexible in case I have to FRAGO (change) the plan.”
Other personnel who fall under the battalion’s blanket of security are the Marines of the 6th Civil Affairs Group. The Marines assess battle damage and arrange reparation payments with Iraqi citizens affected by fighting with insurgents. They also seek out community leaders to assist the locals in any way they can. The protection provided by the Soldiers allows the Marines to operate without threatening the Iraqis they are trying to help.
“Sometimes I’m a pay agent, other times just a representative of Civil Affairs. But, every time we try and introduce ourselves to the elders and see what the children or the community needs,” said Cpl. Jayson Wolcott, civil affairs noncommissioned officer and Greenville, S.C., native. “So far it’s been very enjoyable being able to talk to the troops from various units and listen to their experiences.”
For the Soldiers of 1-109, an average day may mean standing post in an observation tower or kicking in doors to root out insurgents but thoughts of the future are never far from reach.
“Every time we go out, I am focused on completing our mission,” said Hagy. “Because I know every mission completed brings me one step closer to being home with my wife and daughter. That’s all the motivation I need.”
Keystone State and Marine PING
Very good news.
Weekend warriors, indeed.
God bless them and keep them safe.
Great article, sandy.
My son works with Snead at the USMC air base in Iraq. He also writes articles, being a combat correspondent. Tell me how to link his stories to Free Republic, please.
Regards, Joe Tiernan
Great article, sandy.
My son works with Snead at the USMC air base in Iraq. He also writes articles, being a combat correspondent. Tell me how to link his stories to Free Republic, please.
Regards, Joe Tiernan
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