4th Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division Public Affairs

Story by Spc. Grant Okubo

By Spc. Grant T. Okubo
4th Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division

FORWARD OPERATING BASE LOYALTY, Iraq – Patriot Brigade Soldiers scored another victory as they took a high value target off the streets of Rusafa in eastern Baghdad, July 1.

Troop A, 3rd Squadron, 89th Cavalry Regiment Soldiers conducted a search mission targeting an HVT after receiving a citizen tip. The individual was suspected in placing roadside bombs, improvised explosive devices and explosively formed penetrators within 3rd Sqdn. 89th Cav. Regt.'s operating environment, said Staff Sgt. Adelbert Capen, lead scout for Troop A.

"The overall mission was a success," said Capen, who hails from Springbrook, Wis. "We took the target that we were looking for."

The capture of the HVT is another step in the continuous process of bettering Iraq, said Staff Sgt. Brandon Coronado, a non-commissioned officer from San Antonio assigned to Troop A.

During the search of the area where the target was found, Troop A Soldiers found additional evidence implicating the suspect. Shell casings from a sniper rifle and wire used in command detonated IEDs were among the evidence found at the scene, Capen explained.

Capen is responsible for planning the routes to and from the objective. While at the objective, he is in charge of outer security in the area. In addition, Capen assists the platoon leader in segregating the detainees on the scene, separating combatants from non-combatants, he said.

For a mission like this, Soldiers try to treat everyone as fairly and equally as possible, expressed Capen. Additionally, they attempt not to make a big scene in the neighborhood but rather want to get suspects out of the area as quickly as possible for tactical questioning, he explained.

Capen is responsible for speaking with released detainees, making sure they are alright and asking if they can provide any clues or information about security in their neighborhood. Also, they attempt to address any concerns citizens might have, he said.

"Over the last few months the community has really stepped up. The information we received today was from a concerned local citizen," said Capen. "He pointed out exactly who the guy is, and that is how we were able to pinpoint him so quickly. So as long the people are giving you good information, you can't beat it. (A) local source is the best."

Capen thinks missions such as these will continue to confuse and disrupt Special Groups cell members and their operations. These missions will definitely deter IED and EFP activity, he said.

Capen believes Soldiers' actions will help strengthen the relationship between coalition forces and the local populace, showing citizens the Soldiers are here with the people to help.

"It isn't always about breaking down doors," said Capen. "We can come in here and we can do it civilly. Just give us the bad guys, and we'll remove them for you."

As an analogy, Capen compared this mission to the big 'Sunday Game.' Soldiers work all week developing relationships and sources for activities in the area, much like a team practices all week for the big game. They do this by getting to know the people in the community. The Soldiers get to know who the shop owners are and go out and talk to people, Capen described. He was happy with the mission and likened the results to a touchdown after a whole bunch of hard practices.

"Each step leads to a bigger and better step," said Coronado. He said he views each and every mission as important in making a difference to improving Iraq.

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