Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article

Skip to comments.

Combined patrols foster new relationships
Multi-National Forces-Iraq ^ | Spc. James P. Hunter

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. “It’s 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 Iraq’s 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. “I’ve 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 it’s just walking down the streets, means a lot to the people. It’s important for us to get what we need to get done. We need to take our time doing it and not rush it.”


TOPICS: Foreign Affairs; War on Terror
KEYWORDS: combined; confidence; foster; iraq; new; patrols; relationships

1 posted on 04/28/2006 5:08:31 PM PDT by SandRat
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | View Replies]

To: 91B; HiJinx; Spiff; MJY1288; xzins; Calpernia; TEXOKIE; windchime; Grampa Dave; freekitty; ...

yet still MORE GOOD WAR NEWS


2 posted on 04/28/2006 5:08:51 PM PDT by SandRat (Duty, Honor, Country. What else needs to be said?)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

Comment #3 Removed by Moderator

To: SandRat
I think it's important to note that they were receiving tips, even if this one turned out to be erroneous. That's a good sign.
4 posted on 04/28/2006 5:11:41 PM PDT by DoughtyOne (The United 'Door Mats' of America! Go ahead, scrape your feet on it. Everyone else is.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: SandRat
It was done before and would have worked....see

http://www.capmarine.com/

5 posted on 04/28/2006 5:17:52 PM PDT by chesty_puller (USMC 70-73 3MAF VN 70-71)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.

Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article

FreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson