Posted on 04/18/2010 6:11:58 PM PDT by SandRat
BAGHDAD – To better equip Iraqi Security Forces with what they need to stay mission ready, U.S. Army engineers here helped Iraqi Federal Police build a 10-station obstacle course at Joint Security Station Beladiyat, April 2.
Soldiers from 2nd Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, worked side by side with Iraqi FP from 4th Brigade, 1st Iraqi FP Division, digging through the compacted Iraqi soil.
"Originally, the site was going to be used for a DNA research institute," said Lt. Col. Herbert Charity, the 4-1 FP Transition Team chief and project manager. "The first day we went out there with our plans we noticed six other Iraqi engineers measuring for the DNA research institute."
After two months on hold, plans changed for the research institute and construction on the obstacle course began.
Initially, the project called for an inverted wall with a 20-foot rope climb, however, because of high maintenance and an unforgiving climate, the engineers decided to reduce the number of obstacles in the course.
"I wanted to build it with low maintenance," said Staff Sgt. Timothy Plumb, a combat engineer with 2-14. "This way they will be able to use it whenever they want to and not have to worry about rebuilding and purchasing materials."
Once the course was complete, four FP showed up for instruction on how to properly execute each station and test the course. They all completed the course breathing heavily, with smiles on their faces.
When compared to the vast infrastructure projects the U.S. has completed for the Iraqi people, an obstacle course may seem small. But for the FP here, the course will stand as a monument to the teamwork they shared with U.S. Soldiers.
Right of The Line!
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