Photo By Spc. Elvyn Nieves | Iraqi army and Multi-National Division - Baghdad Soldiers head toward Chem Street...... read more read more
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By Spc. Elvyn Nieves
3rd Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs Officer, 4th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division - Baghdad
ADHAMIYAH, Iraq – During a joint dismounted patrol with the Iraqi army on Chem Street, Multi-National Division - Baghdad Soldiers witnessed the changes and progress in the area and its bustling market.
The Soldiers of 3rd Squadron, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, attached to the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, along with the Iraqi army soldiers of the 1st battalion, 1st brigade, 11th Iraqi army division, and the Sons of Iraq, have been working hand-in-hand to provide Adhamiyah residents with enough security for them to feel safe walking the streets.
"What we've been doing in the last four months is working with our IA counterparts and putting them in the front so people can see their IA is out there to help security as much as we are," said Capt. Erik Kjonnerod, a Fairfax, Va., native, who serves as commander of Troop A, 3rd Squadron, 7th Cavalry Regiment. "We wanted to show them their Iraqi Security Forces are out there as much we are. They're not sitting on check points doing nothing. They go out on patrols just like the Americans do."
The awakening of the market on Chem Street is attributed to the progress in security in the area.
"When we first got here, we could see an average of 15 to 20 shops open," said Staff Sgt. Germaine Seabrook, a Charleston, S.C., native, who serves as a cavalry scout in Troop A, 3rd Squadron, 7th Cavalry Regiment. "With the help of Iraqi forces, we helped keep the security tight. Most of the Iraqi people started coming back, opening up shops, and the economy started rolling better. The people from Adhamiyah can see how safe it is now."
The advantage of joint, dismounted patrols is getting Soldiers to talk to people and letting the people know they are there for security, and they do care about their concerns.
"In the beginning of our work here, the streets were pretty much desolated," said 1st Lt. Matthew Jensen, a Camarillo, Calif., native, who serves as platoon leader in Troop A. "We didn't see many people walking around. People were scared to get out of their homes. Through civil affairs, micro grants, the Sons of Iraq and our presence, people started coming out. Most of the stores on Chem Street are opened now."
The populated market in Chem Street proves the success of joint dismounted patrols. The Iraqi people feel more confident to get out of their houses, walk the streets and approach the ISF with their problems and concerns. The SoI keeps the security and peace in the area when the coalition forces are not around. Thus far, it's a method the Iraqi people can see and feel.
| Date Taken: | 03.25.2008 |
| Date Posted: | 03.25.2008 17:00 |
| Story ID: | 17741 |
| Location: | IQ |
| Web Views: | 320 |
| Downloads: | 272 |
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