926th Engineer Brigade

Story by Capt. Marc Richardson

By Capt. Marc Richardson
926th Engineer Brigade

CAMP LIBERTY, Iraq – Everyday, Soldiers of the 688th Mobilization Augmentation Company wake up to patrol and clear the streets of Baghdad. At times, the job seems full of endless missions, but the Iraqi army is preparing to take on their own missions.

Recently, the 688th MAC, a component of the 890th Engineering Battalion, 926th Engineer Brigade, Multi-National Division – Baghdad, was tasked to train 12 of the 6th Iraqi Army Division's soldiers in route clearance to missions.

Staff Sgt. Tony Brown of Green Forrest, Ark., and Sgt. Jess Rollins of Springfield, Mo., volunteered for the opportunity to educate the Iraqi soldiers in route clearance and interrogation. For three days, at Al Muthana airfield in Baghdad, Brown and Rollins used the Iraqi army's equipment, trained and mentored their officers and ate their meals with them. Brown and Rollins both returned with a little more than they anticipated. They came back with new friends and respect for Iraqi soldiers.

"The Iraqi soldiers are strong, smart, proud and funny," said Brown. "They are soldiers Iraqi army engineers to be exact. They have the same job as we do. Soldiers are soldiers no matter what country they come from."

Unfortunately, it takes more than soldiers and willingness to protect a nation.

"The Iraqi engineers are ready to do our mission. I hope we empower them to do it. They have the men; they are ready and willing. They only need the equipment," said Rollins.

Every Iraqi leader with whom Brown and Rollins spoke through an interpreter, told them the same thing. The Iraqi military is in need of more equipment, logistical support and supplies to keep their equipment operational. One Iraqi officer stated that they were expecting some High Mobility Multi-Purpose Wheeled Vehicles or more commonly known as Humvees in October. Something they have been anticipating for the past five years.

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