Vehicle Signs Announce New U.S. Role

KIRKUK — Since the withdrawal of U.S. combat forces from Iraqi cities, and in accordance with the Security Agreement, the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, has begun adding signs reading “Iraqi partnership provincial approved convoy. Thank you for your patience and support” to the sides of their vehicles.

U.S. Forces serving in an advisory and assistance role continue to travel within the city to meet with their Iraqi counterparts or government officials.

“These signs show that we are working with our partners and that we’re abiding by the Security Agreement,” explained Maj. Frazier Epperson, an Information Operations officer for 2 BCT. “These signs explain to the Iraqis that our vehicles are allowed by the Iraqi government in this province to be in the cities,” he added.

The signs also give the message that the vehicles are part of a coordinated effort with Iraqi Security Forces, are part of a Provincial Reconstruction Team movement or performing other non-combat related activities in coordination with their Iraqi partners, explained Maj. Andy Liffring, 2nd BCT’s engineering officer.

By adding the signs, the brigade is reinforcing and showing that the U.S. military is committed to the Security Agreement, and that it’s in a supporting role rather than being directly involved in the day-to-day operations of the city, Liffring said.

Residents of the city can expect to see the signs on the first and last vehicles within the convoys, until all the vehicles are outfitted with the new signs.

What’s the street on all this? Are the Iraqi people happy with this, and are they happy to have the U.S. helping out still? Are we appreciated for the most part?

I haven't seen any of those signs yet, but will be going off-compound soon and I always watch everything closely when I do. I don't know if they're using those signs in Baghdad.

Yes, despite what the media portrays, most Iraqis are still very grateful and fear a complete US pullout. The signs are already there...bombings are increasing again. Yesterday was quite noisy and I've heard one today.

They know a US presence creates a safer environment for them. The Iraqis have stepped up, but are not quite ready to take on the full responsibility of their security yet, sine theirs is still a volatile situation. Iran is still next door. Syria is still next door on the other side.

And the US elected a leader that doesn't exactly give the Iraqis a warm and fuzzy feeling.

It's hard to say what will happen now, but I pray that we don't let Iraq fall. Too much has gone into this and it's working now. We can't just drop it.

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