Photo By Sgt. David Hodge | Spc. Nicole Manley, a medic assigned to Company C, 4th Support Battalion, 1st Brigade...... read more read more
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FORWARD OPERATING BASE FALCON, Iraq - Soldiers of the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division-Baghdad turn to one battalion for combat service support in the Rashid district -- the 4th Support Battalion.
During the recent Provincial Elections in Iraq, Jan. 31, approximately 30 percent of the 4th Supt. Bn. left the confines of Forward Operating Base Falcon to provide security at joint security stations allowing for more combat power around the many polling stations in southern Baghdad.
More than 130 "Packhorse" Soldiers assumed responsibility of entry control points and guard tower duties for approximately five days, said Command Sgt. Maj. Ronny Martinez, top enlisted leader for the 4th Supt. Bn., 1st BCT, 4th Inf. Div.
"The Soldiers did great, and really added to the success of the Iraqi elections," explained Martinez, from Salinas, Calif. "As I visited the Soldiers, I talked to numerous first sergeants and command sergeants major, and they had great things to say about "Packhorse" Soldiers."
The Soldiers of 4th Supt. Bn. provide combat logistical patrols to all joint security stations in the Rashid District of Baghdad and conduct a wide array of missions; maintaining the base defense operations center, training Iraqi security forces, operating the FOB medical treatment facility, maintaining elements of a quick reaction force and previously responsible for detainee operations.
Martinez believes his Soldiers faced the greatest challenge among other battalions in the brigade during the deployment with regards to detainee operations.
Before deploying in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in March 2008, the 4th Supt. Bn. created Company I from within its ranks to manage detainee mission in Rashid.
While operating the Detainee Holding Area Annex from Baghdad's International Zone, "India" Co. remained ready and prepared to process up to 60 detainees at any given time.
In December 2008, India Soldiers closed the DHAA, moved back to FOB Falcon and began operating the Intermediate Detention Collection Point, a small, temporary detention facility.
The Packhorse's supply and distribution company, Company A, operated the brigade's Supply Support Activity area.
"Packhorse" Soldiers from Company A, operating the brigade's Supply Support Activity, processed over 360,000 requisitions during the deployment, said 1st Lt. Anna Glandorf, executive officer for Co. A.
"Anaconda" Co. delivered water, fuel, food, and building materials via 203 separate combat logistics patrols," stated Glandorf, a native of Grand Rapids, Mich.
Glandorf explained how each CLP required, on average, two days of in-depth planning; one for the actual convoy, and one for the logistical requirements and support at the delivery site.
"The Soldiers have done really well," Glandorf explained. "They have executed every mission with success and professionalism."
The battalion's headquarters element, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, managed FOB Falcon's base defense mission and base defense operations center.
"Headhunter" troops managed several contracts for FOB security during the deployment, including a $472,000 package to increase perimeter security along a main thoroughfare outside the base, said Capt. Warren Hummel, personnel officer for the 4th Supt. Bn.
Company B Soldiers provided maintenance to battalion and brigade assets and conducted generator maintenance, small-arms repair and wheeled vehicle maintenance training with Iraqi security forces.
Many of the ISF began using up-armored humvees instead of pickup trucks, which created the need for new and advanced training and mechanical knowledge, noted Sgt. Bryan Dewey, a wheeled-vehicle mechanic assigned to Co. B.
"Some of the more advanced classes were a higher skill level than the average Soldier can complete," explained Dewey, who hails from Elizabethtown, Ky.
The in-depth instructions never overwhelmed the ISF mechanics, stated Dewey.
"The ISF mechanics are very fast learners and worked well in groups," he added. "They are resourceful and don't necessarily use standardized techniques."
"The maintenance company completed approximately 3,700 work orders during the deployment and provided 24-hour support for the brigade and battalion personnel security detachment vehicles," said 1st Lt. George Fruth, a maintenance control officer from Republic, Ohio, assigned to Co. B.
According to Fruth, none of the vehicles Co. B performed maintenance on throughout the deployment broke down while out in sector.
"That's a pretty big accomplishment."
The final contributor to the battalion's diverse mission, Company C.
"Cobra" Soldiers from Company C operated FOB Falcon's Level II medical treatment facility, treating approximately 8,100 patients and completing more than 200 medical evacuations during the deployment, said Sgt. Joana Carrillo, a combat medic from Tujunga, Calif.
Command Sgt. Maj. Martinez honestly feels the battalion never failed a mission, and the brigade never went without anything needed to accomplish its mission.
As his Soldiers prepare for redeployment, Martinez will focus on what he considers the biggest challenge; Soldiers readjusting to normal everyday life and getting comfortable with their families again.
"The "Packhorse" Soldiers performed great and completed every mission with professionalism and pride, even when the task is outside their ordinary military occupational specialty."
| Date Taken: | 02.21.2009 |
| Date Posted: | 02.21.2009 06:15 |
| Story ID: | 30261 |
| Location: | BAGHDAD, IQ |
| Web Views: | 541 |
| Downloads: | 481 |
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