37th Engineer Battalion (Combat)(Airborne) – Joint Task Force Eagle

Story by 1st Lt. Meghan E. Keefe

AL BAKIR AIRFIELD, Iraq – After serving in Iraq for 12 months, the 50th Multi Role Bridge Company returns home after a year of service to not only the U.S., but also to Iraq, Dec 1.

The 50th MRBC, based out of Fort Leonard Wood, Mo., has spent the past year deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom 09-11 repairing, maintaining and building bridges throughout Northern Iraq. However, the most significant aspect of their mission was not just that they successfully sustained the freedom of maneuver and travel for U.S. Forces, Iraqi forces and civilians, it is that they did all of this in partnership with the Iraqi army soldiers who will be responsible for continuing the mission.

While in Iraq and under the command of Capt. John Davis, of Virginia Beach, Va., they conducted full spectrum bridge operations to include inspections, maintenance, removal and emplacement of both tactical bridges, such as the Improved Ribbon Bridge and Line of Communications Bridges, such as the Mabey Johnson Float Bridge. As one of two bridge units in Iraq, the 50th MRBC served as a Multi-National Corps-Iraq level asset and proved to be effective in all aspects of operations.

When the Iraqi Chief of Engineers, Gen. Merza, saw the progress his engineers were making with the 50th MRBC, he knew there was a need for a Strategic Bridge Company within the Iraqi Army.

"Our initial partnership with the 5th Iraqi Army Field Engineer Regiment in April 2009 and then with the 4th IA FER in May of 2009, played a large role in the establishment of the Strategic Bridge Company. We all feel honored to be a part of that process," said Davis.

A major contributor to the successful relationship of 50 Boat and their Iraqi Counterparts was their own Sgt Mootaz Al-Sultani, an Iraqi born Non Commissioned Officer from Arlington, Texas. Al-Sultani was a cornerstone in communications between Davis and his Soldiers during operations, training and key leader engagements.

"Al-Sultani is a role model for Iraqi soldiers. It's as though he inspires them with his knowledge and leadership," said Davis. "He is an NCO in the U.S. Army and has now come back to help his country. Just as we have bridged gaps over the Tigris, Al-Sultani bridged the gap between us and our Iraqi partners, making it possible to develop not just a professional relationship, but a friendship."

Davis has two previous OIF deployments and says that this is the first time he will return home knowing he has friends within the ranks of the Iraqi army. And he will attribute that accomplishment to his NCO's.

"Our success is at the Staff Sgt. level. Many of my NCOs have prior deployments to Iraq and are already skilled in Troop Leading Procedures. Therefore, I can entrust them to operate independently."

The 50th MRBC is constantly praised and thanked by Iraqi units, such as the 5th and 4th IA FER, for their professionalism, duty and desire to train Iraqi Soldiers.

"It has been a true honor to have the 50th MRBC in our Joint Task Force. The relationship they established with the 4th and 5th IA FERs paved the way for the rest of my commanders when we arrived in June." Said Lt. Col. Paul Huszar commander of the 37th Engineer Battalion- Joint Task Force Eagle, based out of Fort Bragg, N.C.

Spc. Jessica Ball, of St. Louis, says that she feels great about what they've done throughout the deployment.

"We all have a much different outlook on Iraq and its people after having been able to work with them. We had a lot of fun getting to learn more about their culture and we're all truly proud of what we've accomplished."

And so, the 50th MRBC will return home with valuable experience and fond memories of a deployment during a dynamic time between the U.S. and Iraq.

"During our time in Iraq we've established a brotherhood," said Davis, "between my company and the Iraqi Field Engineer Regiments."

Associated Images

Control Panel