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By Staff Sgt. Amber Emery
Multi-National Division – Center
CAMP VICTORY, Iraq – The continuously changing role of coalition forces in Iraq involves shifting and relocating troops. To date, seven bases have been built in Multi-National Division – Center; six more are currently in progress or will be soon; and five expansion construction efforts have taken place - two more are planned in the near future.
"We build the bases with the intent to pass them on to the Iraqi people in a functional state," said Maj. Jason Borg, 10th Mountain Division deputy division engineer.
When a U.S. Army unit prepares to relocate from one base to another, everything that is not property of the unit or is needed by other U.S. forces here is left for the Iraqi counterpart taking control of the area with the intent of giving them a functional facility.
"Truly, where were they before? Now, they have a functional base—they have to be at a better state than before receiving it," said Borg.
The first step to building a new base in Iraq is to decide where the base is going to be located. Usually, these new bases are built in partnership with an Iraqi army battalion or police station; construction beginning only after permission is received from the Government of Iraq and they are able to confirm the area is not private property.
"If it is private property, then you attempt to find the land owner or you just pick a new site. If you do find the land owner, then you negotiate a lease with them if you still want to build there," said Borg a native of Renton, Wash.
After the area is established, materials are ordered, and Army engineers reconnoiter the site. The size and content of the site is determined by the U.S. Central Command "Sandbook" standards, which states the regulations for all new bases.
"Everything is based on the CENTCOM standards, which states that for the given number of personnel and the given amount of time you are approved to have this for each Soldier," said Borg. "This also states that however long or enduring that patrol base is planned to be will determine what type of roads they get, how big their Morale, Welfare and Recreation facility will be, what their dining facility will look like, and so forth."
The process must also include measure to ensure the safety of the new base for its inhabitants. U.S. Army preventive medicine specialists inspect food storage areas, water and vector control.
"My non-commissioned officer and I inspect and determine if the food is stored properly and is at the correct temperature," said 1st Lt. Cory Smith, 4th Brigade, 1st Cavalry Regiment preventive medicine officer and brigade environmental science officer. "We also test the water on the facility to ensure it is potable, if there are any harmful pathogens, and if the water is coming from an approved source."
Preventive medicine personnel also test the quality of air and have the capabilities to test the soil to determine if it contains volatile organic compounds. Entomological (scientific study of insects) surveys are also performed to determine if the application of insecticides is necessary.
"We also ensure latrines, food areas and living areas are spaced apart according to the Army's Preventive Medicine Field Sanitation guidelines," said Smith, a native of San Diego. "[This is very important because] unsanitary living conditions can set up an environment where Soldiers are prone to vector-borne [carried by another organism] diseases, water-borne diseases and the spread of diseases by food contamination."
A base capable of supporting healthy Soldiers is vital to MND-C's mission here. The cast desert environment can be difficult to manage without proper preventive measures in place.
"It is important for us to recon these sights and research their history so that we can prepare our troops with proper preventive measures for any type of illness," said Sgt. Jonathan Agrait, 4th Brig., 1st Cav. Regt. preventive medicine sergeant and native of Houston. "Their health and safety is our number one concern."
These efforts to provide for coalition forces will further assist the Iraqi security forces as they establish IA posts outside of the cities and the Iraqi police stabilize the city environment.
| Date Taken: | 01.12.2009 |
| Date Posted: | 01.12.2009 13:16 |
| Story ID: | 28760 |
| Location: | BAGHDAD, IQ |
| Web Views: | 155 |
| Downloads: | 136 |
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