Commentary: When the cavalry really counts

ARNEWS ^ | Nov 7, 2005 | Sgt. Ken Hall

[SandRat]

Too often Americans focus on combat losses in Iraq and overlook the long-term benefits of reconstruction projects in scores of Iraqi cities and towns.

The leaders of the 1st Cavalry Division gave testimony at the House Armed Services Committee Nov. 3 about mission successes, especially the rebuilding of infrastructure, during their tenure in Operation Iraqi Freedom II.

Sense of legitimacy

While Soldiers engage and destroy the enemies of the United States in far away lands, destroying the infrastructures of foreign nations is in fact not what American Soldiers do best, nor is it what they aspire to do. One example can be found in Sadr City during 2004, where the 1st Calvary Division took on the mantle of infrastructure rebuilding oversight that was being carried by their predecessors in theater, the First Armored Division and 2nd Cavalry Regiment.

“I can’t describe the scene in Sadr City in December, 2004, when fresh water began flowing from the brand new water network, servicing 100,000 people for the first time ever,” said Army Col. Robert Abrams, 1st Cavalry Division chief of staff during Operation Iraqi Freedom II. “This was only one part of the more than $300 million dollars in large scale infrastructure projects the 1st Calvary Division oversaw in partnership with USAID and the Iraqi people last year.

“Part of our area of operations included 20 square kilometers of fertile farmland along the Diyala River,” said Abrams. “One of my Battalions created an Iraqi farmer’s co-op, and oversaw the planting of over 240 tons of seed and influenced thousands of Iraqi’s perceptions of the United States by donating tons of humanitarian items such as chickens, beef, sheep, shoes, and heaters directly to the people.”

Rebirth of nation, birth of democracy

Iraq’s first post-Saddam Hussein election voter turnout was measured by news services in terms of millions of voters who braved the barrage of insurgents and terrorist car bomb attacks on the voting stations. But there was there was something overlooked on the front pages of the world’s media coverage; the many faces of a new Iraqi nation.

“During the elections in January 2005, we worked side by side with Iraqi Election Commission officials throughout every step of the process,” said Abrams. “And we always ensured there was an Iraqi face in the front, and our Soldiers and junior leaders were right behind them in the background with a large safety net in the event something would be dropped – and things were dropped, but our Soldiers were magnificent, and it was seamless to both the Iraqi people and to the world.”

For those who have “bothered to come over there” and have seen what we’re doing, they really understand what we’re engaged in, said Army Command Sgt. Maj. Neil Ciotola, command sergeant major of the 1st Cavalry Division during 2004. “The Soldiers know that what we’re doing over there is honorable and just. American Soldiers are “challenged every day, whether they are in training or on deployments, and they always live up to the challenges,” said Ciotola. “Our contractors and others who are with us also understand what we’re engaged in. Our Soldiers don’t just cut down the grass, they plant and replant the grass and help bring life back to the nation.”

[SandRat]

Left to right -- Brigadier General John F. Kelly, United States Marine Corps, Legislative Assistant to the Commandant, (Former Assistant Division Commander of 1st Marine Division), Colonel Robert Abrams, United States Army, Chief of Staff, 1st Cavalry Division, (Former commander, 1st Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division), and Command Sergeant Major Neil Citola, Command Sergeant Major, III Corps, (Formerly Command Sergeant Major, 1st Cavalry Division) listen to remarks by House Armed Services Committee Chairman Duncan Hunter (R-Calif.) during testimonies on troop performance in Operation Iraqi Freedom. Sgt. Ken Hall

[SandRat]

Cav PING

[El Gato]

The III Corps First Shirt doesn't look overly happy with the proceedings, does he.

Can't say as I blame him. Usually they only make officers, generally Colonel and above at that, put up with that Bovine Scat.

[fatima]

SandRat,Bump.

[armymarinemom]

Dad the next time your youngest in a mood, Blame the Col. in the middle. /sarcasm. Photo bump to ya.

[E.G.C.]

BTTT