Iraqi Security Forces working to win hearts, minds of Baghdad citizens

Photo By Staff Sgt. Brian Tierce | Students at the Asya school in the Hurriyah neighborhood of northwest Baghdad wait in...... read more read more

Photo By Staff Sgt. Brian Tierce | Students at the Asya school in the Hurriyah neighborhood of northwest Baghdad wait in line to receive school supplies from Iraq army soldiers with the division's G-5 section, Jan 14. "The children at the Asya school were thrilled to have visitors today and receive their supplies," said Maj. James Mullin, a native of Scituate, R.I., team chief, Military Training and Transition Team 10599, 6th Iraqi Army Division. "It was nice to be able to participate in this kind of mission and help out needy children in Baghdad."  see less | View Image Page

BAGHDAD, IRAQ

01.19.2009

Story by Staff Sgt. Brian Tierce 

2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division Public Affairs

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By Sgt. Brian Tierce
2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division

BAGHDAD – Some consider building trust in a relationship to be a cornerstone to sustaining through tough times. Another part of a successful relationship is cooperation between both parties to achieve a common goal.

For the Iraqi army soldiers of the 6th IA Division, who are supported by advisors of Team Weasel, which is Multi-National Division – Baghdad's Military Training and Transition Team 10599, Jan. 14, was a chance to lay the foundation for future success with local Iraqi citizens as the combined forces delivered school supplies to students at the Asya school in the Hurriyah neighborhood of northwest Baghdad.

The Hurriyah neighborhood is one of many areas that have seen a decrease in violence over the past year. To take advantage of the improved security in the area, Iraqi security forces and their MND-B partners have been hard at work looking for ways to build upon the relationships that have blossomed as a result of the more peaceful environment.

"Events like this supply delivery can only help to improve the relationship between the people and the Iraqi army," said Maj. James Mullin, a native of Scituate, R.I., team chief, MITT 10599, which advises the 6th IA Div. along with another MITT "The event should foster more trust and cooperation from Iraqi citizens in the future."

One of the unique aspects of the mission was the participation of the MITT MND-B Soldiers.

The concept of the mission developed over the course of the War on Terror. It is of such significance back at home station that an entire brigade in the 1st Inf. Div. is dedicated to training the teams at Fort Riley, Kansas. Each team takes part in a 60-day training cycle, which prepares the Soldiers to embed with their Iraqi counterparts.

Once embedded, the MITT Soldiers' main mission is to advise their Iraqi counterparts and share their expertise with them in an effort to help the ISF build a solid foundation.

Through years of hard work, MND-B Soldiers have helped pave the way for improved conditions throughout Baghdad through missions such as humanitarian aid drops. Their hard work and mentoring are now bearing tangible results – as can be witnessed by the improvements in the IA's capabilities. In fact, it is now the IA Soldiers who are actually conducting the humanitarian aid missions.

"Through humanitarian aid missions like the one today at the Asya elementary school, the Iraqi army has demonstrated that it is dedicated to not only improving the security posture of these areas but to improving the quality of life of the people as well," added Mullin.

Not only were the school children grateful for the opportunity to interact with the Iraqi soldiers were presented their valued supplies, but the Iraqi soldiers were also grateful for the opportunity to conduct a mission that gave them a chance to bring a bit of joy to the people of their homeland.

"We are working to reach the hearts of the people and the community by delivering humanitarian aid in all kinds," said Col. Maareeb, 6th IA Div. "We will continue tracking the services the citizens need in all levels of projects for their homes, villages and cities."

The Iraqi security forces have taken the lead in securing their country. With the success of missions like the humanitarian aid drop at the Asya school, they are doing more than winning on the battlefield – they are winning hearts and minds of the Iraqi people they serve.

"The Soldiers of the 6th IA Div. G-5, and those of the 22nd Bde., 6th IA Div. S-5, are continuing to put a new face on the Iraqi army in the eyes of the citizens of Baghdad and its surrounding areas," said Mullin. "Events like these can only help to improve the relationship between the people and the Iraqi army and foster more trust and cooperation in the future."