Relations build at fence line

Courtesy Photo | Soldiers of 1st Battalion, 320th Field Artillery Regiment, 101st Airborne work with...... read more read more

Courtesy Photo | Soldiers of 1st Battalion, 320th Field Artillery Regiment, 101st Airborne work with the local farmers to remove metal posts in early June in southwest Baghdad. Yet, in an ironic twist, the division provided by the fence served as an opportunity to bring three forces together again - Iraqi army, coalition forces and Iraqi citizens.  see less | View Image Page

BAGHDAD, IRAQ

06.23.2008

Courtesy Story

Multi-National Division Baghdad

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By Maj. Craig Heathscott
39th Brigade Combat Team, Multi-National Division - Baghdad

BAGHDAD – Time had little effect on the strands of razor-sharp concertina wire that spanned hundreds of meters and split Ali's farmland except to dull its original purpose - security. Located on the outer wall of Camp Slayer on the Victory Base Complex in Baghdad, the fence was originally constructed sometime during the beginning Operation Iraqi Freedom more than five years ago. But until early June, it served no purpose but to divide.

In the small community of Radwaniyah, west of Baghdad International airport, an Iraqi farmer simply wanted to be able to access his fields without the seemingly unnecessary long walk-a-rounds resulting from the wire. He had wanted to take the fence down himself; however, he was afraid the coalition forces overlooking his farm from the towers might shoot him.

"I happy to do work taking poles out of ground, but don't want someone to shoot me because I was stealing," said Ali, who speaks relatively good English. "I talked to captain (Cesaro) when he drove by and I asked him if I could move it. I thank him very much. Good man."

Although a handshake was enough to seal the deal for the young Army captain, he provided Ali with a business card explaining he had permission to take the fence down and coalition forces would assist in the effort. Ali now proudly keeps the card in his wallet and proudly boasts about the friend he has made in Capt. Vincent Cesaro, 1st Battalion, 320th Field Artillery Regiment, 101st Airborne Division.

Previously, the wire was designed to keep the Iraqi army out. Yet, in an ironic twist, the division provided by the fence would now serve as an opportunity to bring three forces together again—Iraqi army, coalition forces and Iraqi citizens—which is the focus for the coalition. Ultimately, the coalition forces strive to turn Iraq to Iraqi control.

"I think it says a lot about the Iraqi army that they were willing to come out and join us for this mission," said Cesaro. "Every week we're looking for opportunity for IA and coalition forces to work together, and in this case, these guys had just gotten in from patrols at three in the morning, yet, they still came out here."

With temperatures in Baghdad reaching more than 100 degrees, the Soldiers joined forces with these local farmers and began dismantling the fence. Constructed of 300 plus rolls of concertina wire and six-foot tall metal posts dug deep into the hardened earth, the two-day mission was very challenging at times. Weeds had grown around the wire which oftentimes required the strength of a vehicle to pull it free.

In between work periods, these Soldiers were able to learn more about one another - with the benefit of two interpreters - and, yet again, continuing to build on their relationship.

"Soldiers are Soldiers, and the IA guys are really interested in talking with our guys; building camaraderie, and most important, we're getting the job done and building a better Iraq," said Cesaro. "For me, it's just real neat to see the progress."

Referring to progress, Cesaro points to the professionalism within the ranks of the Iraqi army as well as the relationships they are building with citizens like Ali.

"I hope they see us as professionals and know that we respect them as professional soldiers, peers or contemporaries," he said. "These guys are competent despite the rumors and horror stories. I'm confident that they will be good enough to take the reigns here so that we don't have to keep coming back here when we are senior leaders."

With this being his third tour in Iraq, Cesaro believes in this mission. He understands the importance of building relationships. And, it is this skill that he wants most to be able to pass along to his Iraqi counterparts.

Relationships are started as easy as a handshake, a cup of chai tea and casual conversation, or the most popular one for Soldiers, which involves interaction with the children.

At the end of the second day, with the project complete, Cesaro thanks his Iraqi peer for leading his men during the mission. He then runs off to his vehicle and comes back with a couple of bags. He hands them to the young Iraqi captain while suggesting they go hand the contents to the children in Ali's family. His extended family consisted of about a dozen children ranging from one-year-old to the teenage years.

And, the contents - everything from Beenie Babies to candy and pencils - were well received as the war-hardened Iraqi soldiers knelt to hand them to the excited children.

"They took everything I said to heart, and they got down to the level of the kids," said Cesaro. "As American Soldiers we love to interact with kids. We really get a kick out of them, yet, as a rule the Iraqis only interact with adults. I think it sends a good message to the kids that they are the future of Iraq.

"These soldiers can make an impression right now in the lives of these kids and that's a great way to start the rebuilding process in Iraq. And just as important, I hope the local nationals saw that the Iraqi army is here to help just like the U.S. Soldier is known to do."

The measures of success in Iraq can be debated; one could argue that one of the best measures come in the form of a smile. And as smiles adorn the faces of both the Iraqi children and soldiers, Cesaro is satisfied - at least for today - with the success he sees before him.