30th Heavy Brigade Combat Team

Story by Sgt. Robert Jordan

BAGHDAD—American Soldiers have a wealth of technology at hand in Iraq; drones, armored vehicles, cameras and sensors.

North Carolina National Guard troops with the 30th Heavy Brigade Combat Team are finding that some of the successes, here, on the southern outskirts of Baghdad, come when they step outside their humvees and simply interact, face to face, with local citizens.

"We want to show security is getting better. Meeting with the locals helps us learn what is going on and helps us help Iraqi Security Forces," said Sgt. 1st Class Christopher Mooring, of Pine Level, N.C.

During a joint U.S. / Iraqi foot patrol, Nov. 7, the dismounted security patrols through vacant buildings are all in a day's work.

This is familiar ground; the U.S. Soldiers have done more than 100 patrols and trained many of the ISF who went out on the day's mission.

Departing the 6th Iraqi Army headquarters in Saydiyah, south of Baghdad, a mix of armored vehicles, both U.S. and Iraqi, rumble out the gate.

The day's mission is to canvas the area and learn about families moving back to the area as security has improved, said Mooring.

The area is urban, mixed apartments, small shops and houses. The convoy pulls up to a tree-shaded road with several multi-story houses and apartments.

The troops dismount and meet with local residents asking about anything unusual in the area.

"If they see anyone breaking the law they can call Iraqi security or us, and we will comeback with Iraqi forces and a warrant," said Mooring.

As more families move back to the area, they want to see their Iraqi soldiers, said Mooring. The recent activity of strangers in abandoned or vacant houses concerns locals.

Leaders direct their Soldiers into small teams to search a nearby four-story building, one of the tallest in the neighborhood. Non-commissioned officers lead their Soldiers into the rough-hewn brick and wood building.

"Once you have the high ground, you win," said Mooring.

The Soldiers advance up the several flights of stairs. At each floor, Soldiers search every room.

"It is different every time, you do not know what to expect. It is never the same," Sgt. Giancarlo Urzi, of Raleigh, N.C.

Now with the high ground secure, the Soldiers now provide security for the Iraqi forces and fellow U.S. Soldiers as they move in the neighborhood below.

"You can spend more time talking to the locals and one less thing to worry about," said Staff Sgt. Joseph Sauls, from Pikeville, N.C.

Teams of Soldiers move freely in the neighborhood. The Soldiers stop at local residences trying to get more information of conditions on the street.

"We ask permission and they welcome us in to their homes like a civilian police officer," said Sauls.

The Soldiers must balance the war fighter and the neighbor.

"You can show you mean business but also show an interest in their problems like water, infrastructure, even the weather," said Sauls.

Sauls has one simple rule to dealing with his Iraqi civilians, treat others as you want to be treated.

"Kids, family, lots of people come out to see what we are doing," said Staff Sgt. Marvin McCorvey, of Graham, N.C.

Bags of cement, loads of bricks and tools line many of the yards. "You see a lot of workers and reconstruction here," said McCorvey of Graham, N.C.

These are the signs of normalcy that the Soldiers use as benchmarks of success. Another day done, another patrol completed; the small victories that come from forging friendships.

"It is a great relief when you come back with all your men, that is a good patrol," said Sauls.

Associated Images

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