113th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

Story by Spc. Elvyn Nieves

By Spc. Elvyn Nieves
3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division

BAGHDAD – As part of their patrols March 11, Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers conducted checks on Sons of Iraq (Abna al-Iraq) checkpoints in Shaab and Basateen neighborhoods in Baghdad.

The Soldiers, assigned to Company D, 1st Combined Arms Battalion, 68th Armor Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, were conducting the checks one week after their arrival to Combat Outpost Callahan from Camp Taji.

"We were at those checkpoints to make sure they were operating to standards," said 1st Lt. Nick Piergallini, an Easton, Pa., native, who serves as a platoon leader with Co. D, 1-68 AR.

Piergallini said his Soldiers were checking if SoI checkpoints had proper vehicles, manning and equipment, such as flashlights, metal detectors and mirrors, which are used to search under vehicles.

"We also made sure they had protection, like barriers, in case of a blast," said Piergallini. "If a car comes too fast, they know what they have to do following the procedures of escalation of force."
Piergallini said the Soldiers were also checking to see if Sons of Iraq had proper weapons and ammo in case they need to fight back.

"The SoI provide security in the area, which makes it more stable," said Piergallini. "The Iraqi Army and Police don't actually have to be there all the time. It's more like a citizen-police going on."
Going out on a daily basis keeps the Soldiers active, added Sgt. 1st Class Jason Ferari, a Williamsport, Pa., native, who serves as platoon leader in Co. D.

"I like it better here than in Taji," said Ferari. "Over there, we were mostly stocking warehouses. Here, we're working and doing something positive for the Iraqi people."

"My Soldiers are doing everything they possibly can to accomplish the mission," said Piergallini. "They adapt to whatever mission they get, taking one day at a time. Every day, we have to do something different or new, and they learn as fast as they can."

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