Posted on 04/28/2006 5:08:29 PM PDT by SandRat
Soldiers from the 172nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, and Iraqi troops with 2nd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division conducted a dismounted patrol on the streets of Islah Zerla, recently.
Their focus was to develop relations with Iraqis citizens, said Sgt. 1st Class David Dodson, platoon sergeant, 172nd Stryker Brigade. With the Iraqis patrolling along side them, it lets the people know their government and military care, and are taking steps toward freeing Iraq, he said.
Since September, the Stryker Brigade has patrolled, searches in Islah Zerla, said Sgt. Justin Shaffer, a 172nd team leader.
Their presence in the area gives them an opportunity to see the problems burdening the Iraqi people, said Shaffer. It lets them know the troops are helping prevent and eliminate any insurgency actions, so they can live a normal life and put the past behind them.
They live a pretty hard life, Dodson said. Its going to take awhile for them to have trust in their new (government).
When patrolling, the U.S. troops patrol one street, while the Iraqis patrol another, said Dodson.
Since the beginning of the rebuilding process of the Iraqi Army, Dodson said he has seen a lot of change in the Soldiers with the way they handle themselves, and the active role the leaders are playing in leading their troops in combat operations.
They want to play a major role in Iraqs future, he said. They want to do good things for their country and the people of Iraq.
When we first started, they were real aggressive, Dodson added. Ive noticed after awhile they have built trust with the local nationals.
The patrol was a normal day for the troops. They searched two homes, speaking with families and looking for weapons.
The troops faced no problems this day, but they did receive a call about three Iraqi males in a brown truck possibly placing an improvised explosive device.
They loaded up into the Strykers and moved toward the objective, said Shaffer. Their seemed to be a bit of excitement, but when they arrived on scene the males were loading gravel into their truck to make concrete.
The missions are important, especially for the people of Iraq, said Spc. Asa McGhee, radio telephone operator, Stryker Brigade. Us being out there on a day-to-day basis, even if its just walking down the streets, means a lot to the people. Its important for us to get what we need to get done. We need to take our time doing it and not rush it.
yet still MORE GOOD WAR NEWS
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